....change the oil for the first time. I just passed 3000, and I want to service my new truck so bad! Maybe I will.

 

I actually believe in the notion of going less than 3000 for the first one.

My theory/reasoning...

The engine was assembled in a factory... that factory probably isn't a 'clean room' scenario and thus, there could potentially be some 'gunk' on the parts going into the engine. This 'gunk' needs to be removed earlier...

Don't know if it's right but, that's my reasoning...

RP

 

I did my first oil change on my Screw at 3000 and plan on doing the same with our new Expy.

 

I am a “clean oil” guy and my theory goes something like this- I would rather change the oil frequently rather than try to use extreme filtering to get a lot of miles out of it. One of the things I am concerned about with the ’05 SuperCrew I ordered is the synthetic blend oil and the 5,000-mile oil change interval. If there is stuff in the oil then it does not matter how good the molecules are the dirt will damage the engine. In my view, the longer the oil is in the engine the more contaminates will be in the oil. I know synthetics are suppose to last longer but you would have to expose the engine to extreme conditions before you would breakdown a quality dino oil changed every 3,000 miles.

After many BMW motorcycles and a few Harleys, I have broken in several engines. All new engines will have wear during the first hours of use. My rule is to keep the RPMs low for the first hour or two of use. Then vary the RPMs without going near the redline of motor but putting the engine under load for brief periods. I have also changed the oil in every new vehicle I have owned within the first 500 miles. In every case, there have been metal shavings in the oil just as one would expect from a new engine. The next oil change is at 1,500 miles and I check for metal filings again. Usually there are just a few so I start the normal oil change interval.

I have examined the lab results from various types of oil at different change intervals. The synthetics are very good but the dino oil is also very good. The key is keeping the oil clean. One final note, each manufacturer uses different additives in their oil. It is important to pick one brand and weight and stick with it. If you do have to change brands then it is a good idea to do a couple of low mileage interval oil changes. The additives from one manufacturer may actually strip the protection built up by the oil of another manufacturer.

Using these oil principles I have logged a couple of hundred thousand miles on relatively small motorcycle engines and one V6 truck engine with over 100,000 miles. None of the vehicles smoked, leaked oil, or burned any noticeable amount between oil changes. I plan to follow the same routine when I pick up my SuperCrew 5.4L next month.

 

I changed my oil and filter first time at 1,000 miles and every 3,000 miles thereafter.

 

This is what I do too for veicles I buy. Leases are different.

 

I agree with changing the oil early the first time. My most knowledgeable sources all agree as well.

 

WOW nice post tmuenster, the term "learn something new every day" applies to that one. I didn't know that the oil tends to get metal shaving in it from a new engine.

I bought my truck used, but after numerous changes at 3000 miles and the oil still looking really clean (alot of interstate use) I went to 5000. That looked to dark, so I went to 4000 and I think it is perfect for my application.

Here is in interesting story that just ran a few nights ago on CBS 4 in Denver. http://kcnc.dayport.com/viewer/viewe...ewer_noads.tpl

It outlines Engine Oil use and when to change.
--Justin

 

1 st time 500-1000 mi

There-after 3000-5000 mi

 

Just to feel good I changed oil after a few hours of running at various speeds up to 55mph.

After that I have had oil changed every 5,000 (always 5W-20 even when the corporate grease monkeys want to use heavier oils). I am on 156,000miles on the first engine. I have used the truck for some heavy towing and managed to wear out two transmissions by using the truck in mining conditions, but the engine runs strong as new.

SCrew, 4.6, RWD, 3.55 rear, AT w/ OD.

 

Every 3,000 is prudent because you can change your oil for $20 bucks or less with Motorcraft 5W 20 and a Motorcraft FL820S oil filter. Why would you want to test the limits of oil based on oil manufacture’s advertisements? I want my oil to look clean when I drain it out, not dirty. (makes me feel better )

 

Same regimen for me as well.