Hey guys,

I had an 04 F-150 FX4 before I got my new 2014 XLT EcoBoost (two weeks ago). I know with the 5.4L motors people recommended a specific Motorcraft oil (a specific weight) and oil filter (I don't remember what). Is it as important to run a specific brand of oil/oil filter in these EcoBoost motors?

Thanks

 

You can use anything you want that meets specs, but you would be best served by using the recommended grade of Motorcraft oil and a Motorcraft filter. Frequent changes are important in the EB due to dilution concerns.

 

Motorcraft FL-500S filter and whatever version of 5W-30 you prefer. I always use a full synthetic in both of my turbo vehicles. They do have higher heat loads and this gives an extra layer of protection. The Pennzoil Ultra Premium stuff has been getting great reviews and is highly liked on here. I try to change mine around 25% life left on the meter.

 

The EB engine is a little different than a normal engine. It's extremely hard on any oil with the shearing of a small engine doing large work. There is a spec in all motor oils known as NOACK, better known as ASTM D5800. The test heats the oil to 250C, which is 472F if my memory hasn't taken vacation, for one hour. The evaporation loss is measure in volume as a percentage. So the lower the number, the better the oil stands up to heat and the fewer particulates that are going thru the PVC system and back thru the intake. The intake system of all of the direct injected engines are having issues with deposits in the intake. So using an oil with less particulates is imperative with an EB engine. The best out there by far is Pennzoil Ultra 5w-30 for your engine. You can also use Delco Dexos Blend 5w-30 as both are right at 6.0% loss. Mobil One for an example is above 10% lost due to evaporation. Many of the higher dollar synthetics are no better than M1 and some are on the max at 15% allowable. So if you want the best for that EB, consider the above 2 examples. If you can't get them or don't want them, research PQIA and look at the 5w-30 oils in their reports. Look for the best D5800 oil and that's the one with the lowest number.

http://www.pqiamerica.com/samplesummaryPCMOrev4test.htm

 

Alright so Motorcraft oil filter and Pennzoil Ultra 5W-30...that oil is PRICEY!

I am guessing you guys do your own oil changes?

 

Yes, it's pricey. That's why I recommended Motorcraft oil because you should do frequent changes no matter what oil you use.

 

What do you guys think of the Fumoto valves? People seem to really like those for the EBs

 

Makes it a lot less messy if you do your own oil changes. The filter is another story.

 

Hard to find the Ultra off the shelf.. But, when it's in stock, Walmart sells it for $28 for a 5qt jug (online).. Seems the Platinum version of oil is on the shelf for $26/5qt, so that's what I've been getting..

Yep, draining the oil from the pan isn't that bad.. It's the filter that is messy..

I've done 3 oil changes so far myself and learning new tricks each time, so it's not so bad now... But, that first oil change was a disaster!

Good luck!

Mitch

 

The filter isn't hard out messy once you figure out where to put the catch pan. I can change mine and end up with 3-4 little drops on the floor. The trick is to loosen it up and let it drain through the hole in the skidplate. Once it's mostly empty give it a couple of spins to take it off and quickly turn it upright. Keep it that way as you pull it out.

On the oil pan drain I will hold the plug in the hole while the oil starts pouring out. If you have it just right it will fall straight into the pan and not hit the sway bar.

 

Thanks guys...I guess I will be going with Motorcraft oil filters and either Pennzoil Ultra or Motorcraft Full Synthetic...

 

If you are going to use full synthetic, get the Pennzoil. Otherwise, use the Motorcraft semi.

 

if you are a costco member they regularly sell the Mobil1 Full Synthetic oil at a great sale price. Like 20 bucks for 6 quarts I think.

I've been using this for a couple years now on my ecoboost

I'm glad to see the Mobil synthetic is rated green on labnerds link!

 

So I have been having a rough time finding Pennzoil Ultra anywhere except for online. I trust Labnerd's word and he didn't mention Mobil 1 Full Synthetic.

Labnerd if your still around, would you consider Mobil 1 Full Synthetic to be an acceptable oil as well? What about Motorcraft oils?

 

I recall from his previous posts that the Motorcraft semi-synthetic is a very good oil for EB. That's why I've kinda been pushing that on you. If you want synthetic to extend drain intervals, that's not a good idea due to the dilution issues, you might as well save some $$$ and use the MC.