The maint. schedule recommends lubrication at 15,000 miles. Has anybody counted how many zerks need to be greased on the '04? I'm an oil, filter, & lube do-it-yourselfer...hate paying the lube joints $6 for the same filter I can buy for $3.27 and 2X the retail price for oil.

 

Any problem getting at the filter? Does it call for 10w30 or the expensive 5w20 that some of the ford cars require?

 

Far as I know, the '04s need 5w20, too. Why do you say it's expensive?? I buy it for my 2001 SCrew all the time. It's no more or less expensive than other types of oil, excluding synthetic, at the store.

 

The oil filter is easily accessible albeit you have to get under the left front corner of the engine. But, Ford thoughtfully installed a "cradle" over the frame to ease wear/tear on the arm. You can buy the 5-20 Motorcraft semi-synthetic at Walmart for $1.77/qt. The dealers are charging $6.

 

Curmugeon,

I am following this thread, cause I do the same thing...save some bucks on oil and lube. Two questions: Are you concerned about warranty issues with the engine if the dealer doesn't service? 2nd are you thinking at all of going synthetic? I want this truck to last 10 years so that I feel I recovered my investment. With the new engine problems could arise and I don't want to have to fight for repair..................

stook

 

stook...an SAE thesis could be written on the subject, but in summary there are no warranty issues if you use API certified oils (American Petroleum Institute...look for the API seal on the label) of proper grades and weights. Bottom line...keep your oil/filter receipts and a log of changes (dates/mileage). Believe it or not, there are statutes and case law governing precisely this issue...don't let anybody tell you that you can't service your own vehicle. Example: 5W-20 vs. 5W-30 is a Fed. gas mileage certification issue, not an engine wear issue e.g. 5W-30 is OK.

Yes, all my past & current vehicles run on Mobile I synthetic, but contrary to custom I'm going with semi-syn in the '04.

 

Curmugeon,

Thanks for the response. This topic probably only takes second place to which is better "Ford or Cheby" Luckily we KNOW the answer to that! I am going to go synthetic and probably change at 1000 to 1500 miles on the first change. How far did you run yours on subsequent oil changes? What's your therory on engine breakin? I'm planning on driving mine like I normally dirve, mild-agressive. No cruise control for the first couple thousand................