Hi everyone, this is my first post on the forum.

I just picked up my '06 F150 King Ranch yesterday after driving a chevy for 6 years. I have 286 miles on it and I plan to switch to synthetic oil. I was planning on doing the first oil change with Dino oil around 500 miles and continuing to let it break in. At what mileage should I swap to synthetic? Also does everyone run 5w-20 or does anyone use 5w-30?

 

You can do a search and find tons of reading. There have been lots of discussions and cussings. Most of us run the 5-20 Motorcraft recommended by Ford. If you do use something different, I think it is important to stay with 5-20, don't give them an excuse to void the warranty. There is no break-in period for these engines, my dealer would not even change my oil till 3000 miles. I also traded in a Silverado for my F150. Hope you like yours as much as I like mine.

BTW, the Motorcraft oil is a blend of dino/synthetic

 

What is the diff in 5w20 & 5w30 my truck calls for 5w30?

 

the 2004 up trucks need 5-20, thinner.

 

Is not the first number 5 make them both thinner?

 

Is not the first number 5 make them both thinner?

 

The lower number has to do with its viscosity when cold, the higher number is viscosity when hot. So a 5-20 would be thinner than a 5-30 when it is hot, but the same when cold. A 10-30 would be thicker at both ends of the sepectrum. At least that is how I remember it at the moment. I am sure someone will correct me if i am mistaken.

 

So y is it my 99 calls for thicker when hot? it is a 5.4.

 

I think that is correct. Is that what the manual calls for? I seem to recall that Ford went to the 5-20 because engines were being built with closer tolerances and it boosted the average fuel economy to meet the govt mandates. I have 36,700 on my 2005 with 5-20 Motorcraft, changed about every 3500 to 3600 miles and it barley moves on the stick between changes. But I think any good oil would do the same. I used the recommended Valoline 10-30 in my Silverado and it used no oil in 75,000 miles. I just like to use what the manufacturer call for. I use Pennsoil in my wifes 2000 Expedition and it does not use oil. Of course, it has only 7,800 miles on it and the oil has been changed 3 times.

 

Thanks i will stay with Motorcraft 5w30 y dont you use Motorcraft in your wifes ?

 

The Vette and BMW's come with synth right off the showroom floor. Your motor will still break-in with synth no problem. I also change my oil early, at the first 1k for me than I stick with the normal intervals. So go ahead and swap to your oil of choice next chance ya get, but as others advised I would stick with the weight recommended by Ford

 

Have fun getting that factory oil filter off!!!

 

The cammers need 20 too. Running heavier oil gives you some top-end chatter.

 

'06 King Ranch, let the dealership do the first oil change at 3K
dur to they can break the oil filter off easier then I can.
So when it was time for the next oil change (6K) I bought a NAPA Gold oil filter
I think #1372, and 7 quarts of 5w20 Mobil 1

I will go 5K with the first fossil oil to synthetic oil
Then change at 10K from then on.

 

Yeah, let the dealer remove the oil filter for the first time.

I learned the hard way as my neighbors must have heard every "colorful" and graphic word in my vocabulary.