At what point would you all consider it to be ok to switch to synthetic? I just bought an 08 ford f150 with a 4.6 v8. I would like to go to Full Synthetic. i have 6000 miles on the truck as of right now?

 

Right now would be a good time. I changed over at 1200 miles.

 

Anywhere between 0 and 50,000 miles is okay to switch in my book. I have an 01 with 70,000 miles and thinking about switching since I just bought it and want it to last years to come. Would you consider it still okay to switch. I have been reading all types of conflicting info when it is safe and not safe to switch over do to leaks. I personally think it would be okay to switch at 70,000 with a 5.4L

 

This thinking seems to vary by forum, and even on the best oil sight, www.bobistheoilguy.com

 

If you are not using a full quart in 5000 miles, it should be safe to switch regardless of mileage.

 

is there a big difference between full syn and syn blend? just asking because i put syn blend valvoline in my gf's car, its a 96 cavalier with over id say 105,000k on it. shouldnt cause problem correct?

 

From what I have heard from experts is don't waste your money on the blends because they don't perform any better than regular oil. I have always used Motorcraft oil which is a blend but their oil is cheaper than the others regular oil. Plus many say Motorcraft is good oil. I would not spend the money for full synthetic on a Cavalier with 105,000 miles. Plus that type of 4 cylinder engine is not a tight engine to begin with. I would be afraid it would cause you gaskets to leak. Keep using the plain stuff in that. Thats enough of the Chevy talk.

 

freaks me out... hearing all this stuff about leaks... i might just get ahold of my ford dealer and hear them out?

 

Its a new truck, a synthetic will not cause it to leak.

 

You have a brand new truck. You won't have any problems. I switched at my first 3,000 mile oil change. No problems what-so-ever. You'll only be doing what is right. Now go out there and enjoy the benefits of fully synthetic oil.

 

Theres the Reassurance i was looking for...ha


Thanks, one other question! BRANDS? which is most widely used?

 

Castrol Syntec 5-W20. Switched over at 5000 in my 08 Expy.

I wanted Mobile-1, 5-W20 but here in my location it is not always available. I have used Castrol in my 98 for years, so, I wasn't hesitant to go that way with my new Expy.

 

Synth won't _cause_ a leak... if anything it _may_ clean enough gunk out to expose an already existing problem.

 

Amsoil 0W20 and an Amsoil EaO11 filter would be the ticket for your truck!!

 

I switched to Royal Purple on 8/13/08, (I keep good records).
Because of this thread, it got me thinking, I havn't checked my oil in about a 1000 miles. Ran out this morning and it is down 1/2 a quart from the max line.
Since the change, I have put just over 3200 miles on it. I was surprised I put that much on it.
Man it was cold out 15 degrees and the windchill felt like -15 or worse.
That was with my SkiDoo Jacket on and Flannel Jeans.