I already posted a reply to another thread asking this question but figured I would get a bigger response here. How long should I wait before making the switch from regular to synthetic lubes? My 2000 4X4 SCab has 950 miles on it.

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Stock Stuff:
Y2K SCab 4X4, Chesnut Metallic, 5.4L, 3.55 Limited Slip, Skid Plates, Factory AM/FM/CD, 40/60 Split Bench, Sliding Rear Window, Towing Package and Keyless Entry.

Extras so far:
305/70X16 GY Wrangler AT's on American Eagle Series 146 chrome wheels.

Future plans:
Flowmaster or Gibson exaust system, spray in liner, stainless step bars, hood deflector, chip?, K&N? we'll see.

 

There should be no reason why you can't switch at your first scheduled maintenence--Which is 5,000 miles right?

I wouldn't do it any sooner than that, otherwise you are wasting good oil that is in there from the factory in my opinion.

Otherwise you should be fine, there is no need to wait a certain mileage or anything. If you notice unusual oil consumption I would put off switching until that stops. Because that means your rings aren't seated yet, but most folks don't have any consumption in which case it is fine to switch at any time.

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Lube-Direct


New Lubrication Forums

 

I was taught to drop the OEM oil right off the showroom floor (after ~200-300 miles) and replace it with regular oil every 3,000 up to 10,000 miles. At that point, changing to synthetics was supposed to be okay.

 

Gentlemen,

I tend to agree with Mike Parks. Left the factory oil in until first oil change (3 months) then switched to synthetics and never looked back.

Gofish, I respect your thoughts and we may disagree on "when" to change but the point is to change to synthetics.

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Dunbarton "The Middle Aged Kid" '99 XLT SC SB 4x2 4.6 auto 3.55 ls The occasional Z-71 Eater! Wedgewood & Denim, SuperChipped, Airaid FIPK, HD electrical and cooling, power seat, Rhino Liner, Extang Classic tonneau cover, Mobil 1. Man, I got it all! (New Jersey)




[This message has been edited by Dunbarton (edited 08-17-2000).]

 

You're NEVER supposed to change to synthetics until the engine has properly "worn" in. Synthetics are soooo "slick" that proper break-in can't be achived with them. Appearently if the parts don't wear in, so they meet up right...they will "leak" oil, and have gaps. I switched too soon, and I change at every 4,000...but it's always 1/2 qt. low at changes.

-AR

 

I have talked with the Mobil 1 people and they say anytime is a great time for synthetics. In fact, some cars and trucks are filled with synthetics before they leave the factory. They went on to say that engine tolerances are so tight these days the OEM's have to build engines that are already "broke-in."

I say bring on the synthetics at 1,000 miles. I did on my FQR and 20,000 miles later it still runs like a champ. Wish I would have done that with my first engine!

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'97 F150 Lariat, Flareside, white/sliver, SC, ORP, 5.4 (FQR 8/99) running Mobil 1
Mods: 305/70/16 GY ATS, AR Baja wheels, dual exhaust, Smittybilt Nerf Bars, Edelbrock IAS Shocks, K&N Filter, Carbon Fiber Bug Gaurd and rigged the fog lights too.

Another great Ford truck site -www.fseries.com

 

I have read and heard that you need a little more friction during break-in?

However, I dont think it really makes that much difference! Just dont do to many WOT or highway driving the first 500 miles!!!

More importantly, and I know this is controversial, I ALWAYS change the oil at 500 - 1000 the first time.

I've heard these newer engines dont produce metal shavings like the older engines did. BULL SH*T! I changed the oil in my 5.4 FQR at 500 and did the metal shaving test (as I've dont on other new engines).... Look at the oil through some light as you slowly pour it!! I saw little shiny things floating all through the oil. What the heck was that? Never seen that after the first change either!

Can someone explain?

 

My observation:

Changed to Mobil1 at 500 miles. First oil change the motor ate a quart over the 3000 miles. Second oil change, no noticable consumption. I agree w/ msparks, why waste good oil? Don't really think my level of paranoia was worth it.

On the other hand, do synthetics "penetrate" engine parts better? Was some of the lost quart going into gaskets, etc.?

Last observation, exactly 6 quarts puts the level right in the middle on my dipstick. So the full mark would be an overfill. -BAZ

 

I have to back up kkirt1,

This was my first brand new truck. I never had to care before, so I wanted to take every precaution. So, I called the Ford 1-800 number. I think it's safe to say I was talking to the right people about these things. They said, "These engines really don't have to be broken in anymore. The way they build these engines now, there's no need. But if you're really concerned, vary the RPM's for 1000 miles. Just to let the engine experience all throtle ranges, stretch its legs."

I think we all get a little **** about our trucks sometimes. As far as the people who just don't care or know anything about cars, I hope they aren't having more fun with theirs than we are with ours.

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1999 Red F150 4x4 5.4L XLT X-Cab
Towing Pkg, Corporate 9.75 Rear Axle, 3.55 LS, Corporate 8.8 Front Axle, 3.55 Open, K&N Generation II, JET Chip 32x11.50 Super Swamper SSR
-coming soon
JBA Headers, 40-Series Flomaster exhaust

[This message has been edited by Red BullSr (edited 08-18-2000).]

 

Dunbarton,

I think if I look behind me, I'll see my age is showing. Rand's reasons are why I was taught that way. For the first 1000 miles I varied the speed, too, and never punched it. The definition of annoying: driving like that in a commute. And *I'm* not a "middle-aged kid"! I'm a geezer-kid!

 

Gofish,

I just looked behind me too and guess what? They're catching me too!

However, I did, and always have, what you and Rand did also ...... followed the owner's manual regarding varying speeds and rpms for the first 500/1000 miles and no WOTs. Only had 1750 miles on it after three months then went to Mobil 1.

Rand,

Saw the same metal chips, not a lot but recognizable, in the first oil change with factory oil then nearly absent since. Truck uses negligible oil in three months intervals. And no, I don't disagree with your changing at 500/1000 miles. Whatever makes an owner happy.

Jackal,

The list keeps growing but Mercedes, Corvette, Viper, Porsche, some VW models have Mobil 1 in them from the factory ......it is alleged BMW will soon follow. Fairly good company I would say.

I would be concerned if an internal combustion engine didn't use any oil. A half quart low after 4,000 miles is ideal IMHO.

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Dunbarton "The Middle Aged Kid" '99 XLT SC SB 4x2 4.6 auto 3.55 ls The occasional Z-71 Eater! Wedgewood & Denim, SuperChipped, Airaid FIPK, HD electrical and cooling, power seat, Rhino Liner, Extang Classic tonneau cover, Mobil 1. Man, I got it all! (New Jersey)