How many of you guys out there with the new 5.4L 3V are running a synthetic motor oil? If so what brand? and If not, why not? Any help appreciated, I am just trying to educate myself and make the best decision for my truck. Thanks

 

I am running full synthetic oil in my 5.4L 3v. I figure it goes about twice as long as conventional oil, costs about twice as much. So its basically a wash only I don't have to climb under my truck every 3k, and it saves me one filter! I use motorcraft full synthetic oil and have had great luck with it.

 

I run Royal Purple 5w20 and stretch my intervals to 6k. I was following ford service guidlines and doing it every 3k. I save about 5-10 bucks and an afternoon by changing it less. If you are going to run synthetic, look for the gallon jugs. That can save you some $$$. I have heard Mobil 1 is also a stellar product and considered that last time I changed my oil.

 

Mobil-1 gets changed at 7500 Miles. I have done this with the last 3 vehicles I have owned and have never had a motor that burns oil or has any issues.

 

Are there any synthetics that run 10000 miles? According to the shop down the street most synthetics should run that long

 

Most can, but to go that long you really need to invest in a oil analysis to be sure the oil is still doing its job. If I was going to go 10k I would change the filter at 5k and top off for sure. Regardless of how good the oil is it still gets dirty and the filter cant keep up as time goes by.

Take it to 7500 drain it and send the oil off for testing. When you get the results you will know next time if you can go that extra 2500. Better safe than sorry

 

I have not hit the first oil change on my Expy. (1k ont he clock)

However, my plan of attack will be this: (call it overboard, but, I keep vehicles till they are flower pots.)

I am a FIRM believer in 3k mile change intervals. BUT, if you do this with synthetic, you are waisting money. I am either going to go with Amsoil, RP or castrol synthetic when I do hit time to change. However, I will in mid change (3k) change the filter and add what oil I lost.

I am only out the filter cost, and, making sure the good oil is still getting supreme filtration. When you do buy your synthetic oil, try to get the largest (reasonable) bulk you can. i.e. 1 gal, 5 gal, ext... (that is if you have the coin) http://www.amsoil.com/catalog.aspx?subcategory=40

Just my opinion, thats all. My 98 has around 180k on the clock and I use 5w30 castrol GTX. Change in 3k mile intervals or so.

Also, do a search on here for synthetic, and, you will be here for DAYS on end edumicatin' yourself ont he subject.

 

X2. It's the filter that can't keep up, not the oil.

Since Mobil 1 has raised their prices, I started using Penzzoil Platinum. It's been lab tested better than Mobil 1 and is under $20 a handle. Penzzoil Platinum and a Motorcraft filter every 7,000.

 

Once again this forum has proven itself invaluable!!! Thanks a lot guys, I am definitely going to make the transition, now I just need to research which motor oil will give me the best bang for the buck. Thanks again

 

I go with Mobil 1 5w-30 Truck and SUV with a Motorcraft filter every 5-6k miles. Anyone know what the difference is between the "normal" synthetic Mobil 1 and the Truck and SUV variant? The price is about the same, so I just get the Truck and SUV one.

 

Most of the time (my views only) the added names are only sales minded. I would just stick with the basic weight for the app. (5w20, 5w30)

OP, my opinion is that the Amsoil, RP, Castrol, Pensoil, Motorcraft, Mobil-1 are all going to provide all of the protection you will need. Obviously, follow the manufaturer's directions in change intervals and you will be golden. Now, the decision you will have to make is the price you are willing to fork out for the products.

Good Luck!

 

If you're comparing to a 3k mile oil change, synthetic oils may be twice the cost, but you should be getting 3-5 X the distance, not double. Your expenses should not be a wash with synthetic oil...you should be saving money hand over fist if you're using right.

Any synthetic on the market, especially Amsoil, I'd run blindly to 10,000 miles...hey, I already do that.

No need. If I were going to go way over 10k, I might invest in the oil analysis, but on a new motor and up to 10k?? Not necessary. Changing the filter at 5k is a waste of money also if you're using a good filter. A good filter by my definition would be an Amsoil or Mobil 1 (no paper in these babies). Amsoil has a synthetic nano-fiber element that will more than handle extended intervals AND keep contaminants out. Amsoil filters are rated up to 25,000 miles, period.

See above.

In this day and age, we should be working on getting away from the term "extended drain intervals". 10,000 should be a normal oil change for synthetics.

 

I like the products by Amsoil & Mobil 1 but have not tried the filters. I have been using a Ford filter, am I that much better off going to the Mobil 1 filter?

 

You are just fine with either filter. If Motorcraft filters are not available to me, I will buy a Mobile-1.(have not tried an Amsoil filter.) That is with conventional oil or synthetic...

 

I have a 2002 5.4 what weight should I use? Thanks for the help