Best oil for 4.2L?

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Old 01-18-2008, 10:37 AM
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Question Best oil for 4.2L?

Ok, I'm hearing a bunch of guys giving kudos to Motorcraft 5W-20, but since like ever I've been using 5W-30 per the owner manual? My (new) engine has 26K miles on it, so still in the break-in period but what do you guys recommend for my next oil change? BTW, I use Motorcraft oil filters, but I'm thinking on trying one of those new K&N Gold oil filters next time and see how it does.
 
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Old 01-18-2008, 10:45 AM
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I have used Mobil 1 fully synthetic oil in all my vehicles. I used to use Fram oil filters for years but have learned (on this site) that they are not the best to use due to not having an "drain back valve" or something like that. So, I have started using the motorcraft filters on my truck but I stick with the Mobil1. 102K on my 4.2 with no issues. 126K on my 97 4.2 when I traded it in.
 
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Old 01-18-2008, 12:19 PM
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26k is way past "break-in".

I'd use the recommended 5W20. Ford is recommending 5W20 for all 1997 and newer F-150 engines now.

I use Mobil 1 EP and Mobil 1 filters.
 
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Old 01-18-2008, 01:06 PM
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I use Royal Purple with a K&N Filter.
 
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Old 01-18-2008, 01:21 PM
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Originally Posted by Fifty150
I use Royal Purple with a K&N Filter.
have you noticed any difference while running Royal Purple? i was thinking about doing that on my next oil change... which is 3k away!
 
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Old 01-18-2008, 01:40 PM
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www.fueleconomy.gov

Originally Posted by 4.2trimble
have you noticed any difference while running Royal Purple? i was thinking about doing that on my next oil change... which is 3k away!

For a solid baseline, on Jan 01, 2008, I began tracking my mileage on www.fueleconomy.gov

Here is what I see so far:

http://www.fueleconomy.gov/mpg/cache...69968cf023.png

If we all used it, then it would give an interesting comparison of driving habits, fuel type, different fuel mixes by State, and mods.
 
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Old 01-18-2008, 10:04 PM
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Anyone recommend any specific auto store for purcahsing oil? I usually go to Wal-Mart and get the big 5-quart jugs and 3 small 1 qt jugs for the cheapest price.
 
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Old 01-19-2008, 01:19 AM
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Wally World is as good as any as long as they have what you want.

I get my oil changed at a local Mobil 1 Express Lube. He doesn't normally stock 5W20 EP. I call him a week or so before I come out and he goes over to Wally World and picks up 6 quarts. He says it's cheaper there than from his distributor. 52 bucks for oil, filter,and lube, including tax - and he uses Mobil 1 filters.
 
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Old 01-19-2008, 03:35 AM
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I spend $15 on the oil change on my truck, using Motorcraft 5w20 and a Motorcraft Filter...
 
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Old 01-19-2008, 06:43 AM
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An online store for Ford Mustang parts, http://www.americanmuscle.com, sells Royal Purple @ $6.49 per quart with free shipping.

http://www.amazon.com has a pretty good price for K&N Filter.

My local corner gas station mechanic does oil changes for $15 for labor if I bring my own oil & filter.

The Livermore Ford Dealership offers a $5 oil change.
 
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Old 01-19-2008, 10:53 PM
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Originally Posted by Fifty150
For a solid baseline, on Jan 01, 2008, I began tracking my mileage on www.fueleconomy.gov

Here is what I see so far:

http://www.fueleconomy.gov/mpg/cache...69968cf023.png

If we all used it, then it would give an interesting comparison of driving habits, fuel type, different fuel mixes by State, and mods.
This is kind of cool. I just set myself up with a account. I have never really kept track like this before.
 
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Old 01-22-2008, 12:23 AM
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Honestly The K&n Is just bull crap the air filters are great. I've Used fram for many years could be why i have 161,000 miles on mine. Just stay away from the "quaker water" and you should be fine. I know synthentic is suppost to worth the money.
 
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Old 01-22-2008, 10:32 AM
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Okay, with money at no limit, what would you all use for best economy/performance for a 4.2L?

Filter: Motorcraft/Fram/K&N?
Type: 5W-??
Oil: Royal Purple/Motorcraft/Pennzoil?
Best Store to buy at: Internet, Wal-Mart, AutoZone?

Waiting to see some combos...
 
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Old 01-22-2008, 10:38 AM
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I use whatever is in the owner's manual. I can't remember off hand.

Mobil 1 Full Synthetic with a Mobil 1 filter every 3,000 miles. It's overkill but it makes me feel good.
 
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Old 01-22-2008, 10:49 AM
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lol all this about brand name filters. Honestly dont think it makes a difference. If you change your oil regularly in the first place... no filter will have any problems working right. I doubt a wix will work better than a k and n, and a k and n better than what the gas station will put in.

Stick to putting money into good plugs, wires etc, instead of stuff you just really wont see a difference with.

Ps synthetic oils do help and do last a tad longer... but just to stay on the good side of your truck clean it every 3 at most just to keep it running consistantly.


Autozone is fine. So is wallmart. Idk why a shop would make any difference besides price. Id rather pay a buck more per quart and go to allparts than take the trip and waste time in walmart. (5 or 6 bucks really dosent compensate me to stand in line nor walk alll the way across a huge store.)
 

Last edited by t3h1337r; 01-22-2008 at 10:52 AM.

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