What kind of oil does every one use?
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Senior User
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From: Chicago
Originally Posted by TallPaul
My book ('95) says 10w30 is preferred above zero F and 5w30 is preferred below zero. It also says not to use 5w30 above 60F. They may have changed it for '96 to help with their CAFE fuel mileage averages to meet EPA requirements, but double check. I was running 5w30 year round (even towing 
) because I didn't look closely at the owner's manual. I looked at the first oil temp chart which was ONLY for the 5.8L V8 and it says 5w30 preferred at all temperatures. Anyway, the older the manual, the more ranges of viscosity they allow and the less they allow the thinner oils. When I installed an oil pressure gauge and found I was below spec with the 5w30, I went to 10w40 which put my oil pressure in the spec range (40-60 at 2000 rpm hot).
) because I didn't look closely at the owner's manual. I looked at the first oil temp chart which was ONLY for the 5.8L V8 and it says 5w30 preferred at all temperatures. Anyway, the older the manual, the more ranges of viscosity they allow and the less they allow the thinner oils. When I installed an oil pressure gauge and found I was below spec with the 5w30, I went to 10w40 which put my oil pressure in the spec range (40-60 at 2000 rpm hot).
for what that's worth.
Post Fiend
Joined: Jan 2000
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From: Metro Detroit (Redford)
Originally Posted by Phrogman46
Sorry I got my truck used, I don't have the ford manual i was referring the the Haynes manual. I wonder if i should get a oil pressure gauge to. The stock gauge says it’s in normal range for what that's worth.
for what that's worth.My Haynes manual "Pickups and Bronco, 1980-1996" actually has a chart of 7 different oil grades you can use. Recommended is 10w30 or 10w40 above zero F and 5w30 below. Again, no 5w30 above 60F. But it also allows for straight 30 above 40F, 20w40 or 20w50 above 20F, and 15w40 above 10F. Sounds like you can put whatever you want in it (but not 5w20). Depending on where you live, I would avoid the 5w30 and likewise the 20w50.
Elder User
Joined: Apr 2003
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From: SouthWest Ohio
If I change it myself, I use Valvoline 10W30. When its too cold out, I go to the quick change places and take whatever they offer. I bought the truck with about 85K miles on it, and it was passed around between salesmen for years...so who knows what the thing has had in it?
Post Fiend
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From: Metro Detroit (Redford)
Originally Posted by MrOldV8
If I change it myself, I use Valvoline 10W30. When its too cold out, I go to the quick change places and take whatever they offer. I bought the truck with about 85K miles on it, and it was passed around between salesmen for years...so who knows what the thing has had in it?
Freshman User
Joined: Mar 2004
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From: Kentucky
I always have been told that switching brands can be risky. I use Castrol 10W30, because I did a little research and according to some independent tests, Castrol breaks down at much higher temps than, say, Valvoline or Havoline. Motorcraft filters are good, but I have also used Napa Gold.
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From: Chicago
I know Diesel truck oil has a lot of detergent the shop mech. at work recommends the Rottila T.
At my work we change the oil monthly on our ramp trucks and we usually run them 9000 to 10000 miles between oil changes. The funny thing is the diesel truck oil looks good even with 24/7 uses and 10000 miles on it.
The only bad thing with the thick oil is when it's cold that thick oil makes for hard starts but we normal leave them running year round.
At my work we change the oil monthly on our ramp trucks and we usually run them 9000 to 10000 miles between oil changes. The funny thing is the diesel truck oil looks good even with 24/7 uses and 10000 miles on it.
The only bad thing with the thick oil is when it's cold that thick oil makes for hard starts but we normal leave them running year round.
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From: Salem, MA
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From: Chicago
The I6 uses 6 quarts? Looks like i will need to get some more oil for this oil change I'm about to do. Only got a gal gug and a quart (5 Quarts). Does 6 fill it to the max line or just normal range. I like to have my oil level slighty over full so the pump cant run dry.
Post Fiend
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From: Metro Detroit (Redford)
Originally Posted by Phrogman46
The I6 uses 6 quarts? Looks like i will need to get some more oil for this oil change I'm about to do. Only got a gal gug and a quart (5 Quarts). Does 6 fill it to the max line or just normal range. I like to have my oil level slighty over full so the pump cant run dry.
Originally Posted by ceetwarrior
'94 f150 300 here, 6 quarts of 10W40 Castrol, Motorcraft filter. Good warm ups always. And my oil pressure runs around the middle of the gauge no matter how hot.
Cargo Master
Joined: Jul 2003
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From: Colorado
It's always good to run a little more oil in every motor I would say. Just more oil to get circulated and stay cleaner and cooler. Obviously you shouldn't put too much. I think my ford manual says 5.6(?) quarts. I don't know why Castrol has the "5 quart jugs". Most vehicles require 6 quarts. Most V-8's as well. That "5 quart" jug is probably for little rice burning cars. The "5 quart" is $0.20 cheaper than buying 5 individual quarts. I did the math one day, lol. Wal-Mart is far cheaper than buying at Checker or Autozone. By about 30-40 cents a quart! Here in CO at least.
TallPaul, good observation on the gauge issue.
TallPaul, good observation on the gauge issue.
Post Fiend
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From: Metro Detroit (Redford)
Thanks ceetwarrior. Did you know you can increase your oil capacity with a bigger filter. Try the FL299 or equivalent (spec for '89 F700 460 V8 I am told). The FL299 is 7 inches long and holds about a quart vs the FL1A's 5.4 inches and 26 ounces. Adds a little more capacity and filtration, and looks great hanging off the side of our big sixes! Usually have to go to a truck dealer or NAPA as run-of-the-mill chain parts stores won't carry them.