I have been reading alot about the use of synthetic engine oil, paricularly Mobile. Ford's owners manual show a ford spec that must be met. How can I determine if the synthetic oils meet ford's specs.

One dealer told me that any oil related engine failure when using a synthetic would not be covered. Another told me it would as long as it met ford specs.- Typical double talk from dealers.

Will the synthetic hurt my engine?
What filter should I use? Motorcraft 820s?
Will my terrible fuel mileage improve? I only have 3200 miles on the truck.

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2000 f150 XLT, 5.4, 3.55's, Island Blue
Backcountry Stainless Steb Bars

 

Your owner's manual will list an SAE or API recommendation such as SJ, SH, etc. Look for this same specification on your oil containers.

 

Yes I did that. But the owner's manual says the ford spec AND API.

 

Well, there will be an API designation in your owner's manual. Most oil containers will have something on their packaging stating exceeds Ford's spec #XXXX, GM spec #XXXX, etc. Go to http://www.api.org for more info.

 

Ford man is correct. Just look for the SAE or API recommendation such as SJ, SH.

Also...Mobil 1 oil meets (and exceeds) Fords specs and will NOT harm your engine. The motorcraft filter is a very good filter and you might see a very slight improvement in fuel economy..but don't expect much at all.

There are many good conventional and Synthetic oils on the market..and several good oil filters.

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2000 F-150 XLT, 4x2, 5.4L Supercab, Styleside, Black with silver two-tone, 3.55, class III towing package with heavy duty cooling package, 4 wheel disk ABS, overhead console, sliding rear window, keyless entry, dark graphite interior, in dash CD, Pendaliner bedliner, K&N air filter, rubberized undercoating, cabin filtration system, Bugflector II, 5W-30 Mobil 1, engine build 10/4/99