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The Oil Thread

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Old 07-22-2011
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The Oil Thread

Searched and couldn't find a thread like this, so lets get one going.

Since I bought my Ranger bran new last year, I've used nothing but Pensoil for the few oil changes I've had to do. I'm debating on switching to Royal Purple and sticking with it.. Allow me to explain why:

I owned a 2000 cavalier and drove it from 88K miles to 205K miles until I traded it for the ranger, all original engine transmission etc, and believe me I beat the hell out of this car, still ran like a top despite going through wheel bearings at a phenomenal rate.. Anyway I used Royal Purple oil starting around 130K miles. I'm convinced this oil was partially to credit for this car's longevity.

What I'm hoping to get going here is a debate on the best oil for our trucks. Have any of you ever used Royal Purple? Or do you just use whatever is on sale at autozone?
 
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Old 07-22-2011
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I think as long as you change it at the recommended intervals any oil will work well. I use Motorcraft Syn-Blend personally.
 
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Old 07-22-2011
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Agreed, changing the oil at a regular interval is the most important thing. Have there been any studies or personal experience with engine longevity and synthetic vs regular oil?
 
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Old 07-22-2011
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Originally Posted by 04blackedge
I think as long as you change it at the recommended intervals any oil will work well. I use Motorcraft Syn-Blend personally.
I have been using the regular blend for 65k with no problems. I have been contemplating switching to a syn-blend next change. How long you been running it, you liking it?
 
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Old 07-22-2011
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Ive ran motorcraft syn blend for the whole life of my truck almost 70k now. Its decently priced and it seems to hold up pretty good.
 
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Old 07-22-2011
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Originally Posted by 04blackedge
I think as long as you change it at the recommended intervals any oil will work well. I use Motorcraft Syn-Blend personally.
As an older guy on here who has been through his share of vehicles over the years (8 that were new) , and usually gets 250 k - 300 k out of them , This is the best advice.
 
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Old 07-22-2011
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I use Valvoline premium blue extreme full synthetic 5w-40 in my 6.0l for obvious reasons. I've always used conventional in everything else though. The wife's Expedition is the first vehicle I've used synthetic blend in.
 
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Old 07-22-2011
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Originally Posted by Timberwolf
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I have been using the regular blend for 65k with no problems. I have been contemplating switching to a syn-blend next change. How long you been running it, you liking it?
About 20k in the Ranger and 30k in the F150 and its given me no reasons not to trust it. Not sure how long I will own this truck but I don't see any reason to stop using it.
 
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Old 07-22-2011
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Definitely agreed on regular intervals... but I use Castrol Syntec 5W30 in the Ranger and Mazda full synthetic 0W20 in the 3.
 
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Old 07-22-2011
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I just use tap water and filter it with a sock and a coke can, truck runs fine.
 
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Old 07-22-2011
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I use Mobil 1 and change it every 6 months regardless of miles. I don't put many miles on it, but I like having fresh oil, so I get it changed every September and March. The engine runs like new with almost 50 K miles on it.
 
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Old 07-22-2011
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Originally Posted by 04blackedge
I think as long as you change it at the recommended intervals any oil will work well. I use Motorcraft Syn-Blend personally.
That's what came in it, so why not. Not too expensive either. And I just use a Motorcraft filter too.
 
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Old 07-22-2011
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Originally Posted by 01_ranger_4x4
I just use tap water and filter it with a sock and a coke can, truck runs fine.
As long as you change it at regular intervals.... haha
 
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Old 07-22-2011
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I used Motocraft 5W30 Blend in my 05. Changed it every 3-3.5K 60K and not a problem.
I used Valvoline Full Syn 5W30 in my 09. Changed every 4-5K. No problems.
In my 11, the dealer changed the oil at 3K when I had truck in for service. They put in the wrong oil, Blend 5W20. Going to dump it shortly and use Valvoline Full Syn. 5W30.
 
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Old 07-22-2011
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5w20 is what Ford states should be used.
 
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Old 07-22-2011
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Mobil 1 5w30 full synthetic. Usually go 10-15k between changes
 
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Old 07-22-2011
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Originally Posted by RazorsEDGE
5w20 is what Ford states should be used.
Maybe yours But not in the manuals that came with my 05,09, & 11.
 
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Old 07-22-2011
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You're right, they specify 5w30 in the 4.0l but 5w20 in the other engines.
 
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Old 07-22-2011
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I have talked with people who work at Ford Dealerships and they say no matter what vehicle comes in for an oil change it gets 5W20.
 
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Old 07-22-2011
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Originally Posted by Flytyer
I have talked with people who work at Ford Dealerships and they say no matter what vehicle comes in for an oil change it gets 5W20.
That seems kinda shady...

I take it no one has any links to un-biased oil studies? Also what kind of oil filter are you guys using? I usually get the FRAM filter since it's easy to grip and take off. Not sure if the innards are superior to any other filter.
 
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Old 07-22-2011
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Oh yah a thread for me...I personally have worked as a Lube Tech for a Construction Company for 8 years (now a mechanic) and I have learned lots of things about Oil...We do lots of Oil Analysis and find that it comes down to detail when it comes to Oil...I personally like Valvoline and we have had the best results in the Lab with Valvoline....

The Intervals is the key....Change it on time and your doing your Trucks Good with any type of Oil! Synthetic is great, it doesn't break down like Regular old Oil but just because its Synthetic some people seem to think its makes everything easy. You still need to change it on time and keep things clean..When I talk about detail I'm talking about controlling what you don't want in your Oil and that's DIRT! If you find a Leaking Valve Cover, fix it! There are 2 Main Dirt Pathways into your engine and that's the dip stick and Filler Cap...If you pull your dipstick and look closely at the very top by the handle you will notice a little buildup of dirt on even a clean engine, Keep that and your Filler Cap clean....When checking or changing Oil act like a mad scientist at keeping things clean......
 
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Old 07-22-2011
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oil smoil its all the same.

Just change it every 4k and the vehicle will last forever, or at at least until something else goes out, but the motor will be fine.

The crappiest oil out there is still perfectly usable for use. Run what ever is cheap and on sale.

Some ppl swear up and down by a certain brand, but on the molecular level nothing is different. There is manufacturing standards all brands have to meet.

Granted many, many oils are better than others (think synthetic) the benefits that the more expensive/name brand oils provide CANNOT be fully utilized by the modern car. Dino juice works just as good synthetic, even though synthetic IS superior your vehicle can't tell, and won't benefit from it. YOU the consumer will only benefit by longer service intervals (assuming you have a good filter, and are keeping the dirt out).

However, spend a little more on the filter, thats what is important here....

Now of your car is a dragster or other extreme vehicle, demanding extreme's that a stock motor never sees....synthetic is for you.
 
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Old 07-22-2011
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The dealership is the last place to get advise on what Oil to use....The Car Companies and Oil companies work together to do one thing and that's selling a product....It also has some things to do with some Laws called CAFE (Corporate Average Fuel Economy).... The government is involved with the Car Companies and keep a close eye on fuel usage which turns into emissions and that's why every Car Manufacture tells you you have to use 5w20...

5w20 is a fairly light viscosity which in turn lets the motor run more freely which in turn gets better gas milage but probable doesn't do much for protection.... You could use 10w30 on a brand new car that says you have to use 5w20 or the warranty will void and have an issue and the Dealership will fix it, I guarantee it....
 
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Old 07-23-2011
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08 Mazda B2300,Every 3k with Motorcraft 5W20 Synthetic Blend and a Motorcraft FL-910S filter.

11 Chevy Aveo,When the Oil life systems says 0%,Moblie 1 5W30,Acdelco PF2257G filter.
 
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Old 07-23-2011
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Flytyer your very wrong about every car getting 5w20 alOt do but not everything
 


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