Oil Options- Need Input

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95blklsc

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Hey guys, as most of you know wal-mart has stopped carrying motorcraft. I've always used motorcraft oil and filters so now I'm looking at what other oil I can get there. I had really planned on staying with regular non-synthetic oil but maybe I'll switch over. Here's my options

Formula Shell $1.22
Valvoline $1.97
Penzoil $1.97
Mobile 5000 (non-synthetic) $1.68
Mobile 7500 (blend) $2.18
Mobile 1 (synthetic) $4.88 (if bought in large container $4.00 a qt)

So I know mobile 1 synthetic is pretty much the best but I like to change every 3K and keep fresh oil in there. So I was planning on not going with a synthetic oil. So does anyone have any other concrete oil analyis studies for the other brands? Is there much of an advantage to the synthetic blend? Any input appreciated.
 
RE: Oil Options- Need Input

Stay far away from QS and Pennzoil. I like any of the Mobile oils or any of the Valvolines for standard.
 
RE: Oil Options- Need Input

Mobil 1 or Amsoil are the best. But if you like 3k intervals i don't see anything wrong with using Castrol GTX.
 
RE: Oil Options- Need Input

Use Mobil 1 for longer oil change intervals otherwise Castrol is fine. One thiung, be sure to NOT use Framm filters, they have gotten very cheap (cardboard!!) and do not filter well. I've switched to K&N filters and these are very highly rated.
 
RE: Oil Options- Need Input

Honestly, if you're going to change your oil every 3000 miles, any oil in the right viscosity will be perfectly fine.

In my lincoln, i run Mobil 1. My suburban currently has Pennzoil, because that's what Jiffy Lube uses, and i was too lazy to do it myself.
 
RE: Oil Options- Need Input

well guys took the plunge, switched to synthetic today, mobile 1. I'm thinking since it's the first cycle on synthetic I should change it sooner then 5 or 6K. I say becuase the engine has 127K and synthetic tends to clean out build up from what I've read. Any thoughts on that?
 
RE: Oil Options- Need Input

The only thing I have heard is, "...in some higher mileage engines you may develop drips or leaks since the synthetic is not as thick as regular oil..." I don't know if that is true, but something to think about.::roll::
 
RE: Oil Options- Need Input

[div class="dcquote"][strong]Quote[/strong]
well guys took the plunge, switched to synthetic today, mobile 1. I'm thinking since it's the first cycle on synthetic I should change it sooner then 5 or 6K. I say becuase the engine has 127K and synthetic tends to clean out build up from what I've read. Any thoughts on that?
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You can clean out buildup even better by adding a can of B12 to the oil and running at idle for five minutes just before changing the oil.

In fact, I would recommend doing that before switching to synthetic.
 
RE: Oil Options- Need Input

[div class="dcquote"][strong]Quote[/strong]
what's b12?
[/div]

It's a somewhat universal solvent that can be poured into the gas tank also. It can be found in a parts store with all of the injector cleaners. They also sell it in an aerosol can as carb cleaner. The can has red, white and blue coloring.
 
RE: Oil Options- Need Input

I bought a '93 4.0L V-6 Ranger new in December, 1992. I changed the oil with conventional every 5000 miles until it reached 15,000. I've changed the oil to synthetic at 15,000. I've changed the oil every 15,000 miles since then, whether it needed it or not, since then. I've changed the oil filter every 7,500 miles and topped it off.

The truck now has 183,000 miles on it (no typo). I have never opened the engine for anything, except to change the oil. The valve covers have never even been removed. It drinks about 1/2 quart every 15,000 miles since new and shows absolutely no sign of wear. The dipstick is still clean and unvarnished. The viewable area inside of the valve cover at the oil filler cap is just as clean.

I guess if it quits tomorrow, I've made a mistake? I just put it on the dyno about 2 months ago and it made 158 hp at the rear wheels... the truck was only rated 145 at the engine in '93. Granted, it has Borla headers, fake duals, and Reinhart tune, but it sure pulls strong for an unopened 4 liter.

In closing, I wouldn't hesitate to use today's oils for at least the manufacturer's interval of 5,000 miles between changes. I wouldn't hesitate to use synthetic for at least 15,000 miles between changes, but I sure would change that filter every 7,500 and top it off!

BTW, I wish I would have known that Fram filters are inferior. I've been using them as often as Pure One. I won't buy Fram any more. Thanks for the heads up!:)
 
RE: Oil Options- Need Input

Very good chance you'll be replacing the Oil Filter adapter Gasket when you switch to synthetic. I'm a textbook case.. two weeks after switching, I was cussing Ford big time.

mark
 
RE: Oil Options- Need Input

yea I've read that can be a problem...so how hard of a job is that? I know there's not a whole lot of room around that oil filter.........:(
 
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