I have just turned 72,000 miles on truck. I was wondering if it would be beneficial to switch to synthetic oil. I have ran Mobil 5w30 since birth. Is it too late to go with some different blood? My 5.4 has never caused me any problems. I am just looking at what I can do to provide maximum engine performance in a higher mileage engine, meanwhile protecting a motor with some mileage.
My baby has responded well to the few mods I have done. It actually seems to be getting stronger. 72,000 miles, maybe she's just breaking in!

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Silver 1998 F150
4x4,XLT,Supercab,5.4 Short Box,3.55 gears, Captains chairs
Mods......
-Superchip
-Gibson Stainless steel catback,split rear, 3 1/2in. Gibson tips.
-K&N air filter
-Silver bug deflector
-Soft tonneau
-Tinted windows
-Westin nerf bars
-BFG 285/75/16's
Sound System......
-Alpine CD player
-Soundstream 6 1/2in. Seperates
-JL Audio stealth box
-Powered by a Soundstream Reference 405

 

I have 90k+ on my 1998 4.6 and I switched to Amsoil not long after hitting 80k I love it. I got a slight mpg increase, smoother idle and no more piston slap! and you dont have to change it as often as normal oil.

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I'd say it's only too late to change if you've got a few hundred thousand miles on the engine and it's leaking and burning about 200 miles/quart. Then that would be a waste of expensive oil.

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Danny
'98 F-150 Std., RC, SB, 4x2, 4.2L, 5-sp, 3.08, AC, speed control, rear slider.
Mods: Mobil 1 engine oil, Red Line D4-ATF trans fluid, Edelbrock IAS shocks, 50 Series Flowmaster, K&N with airbox mod, Perma-Cool electric radiator fan, Superchip, ASP underdrive pulley

 

Thanks for asking this Sir James! I was wondering the same thing too. BTW - where in NY are you? I'm in Buffalo - let me know how far you are from me ok? Maybe we can get you in the group photo shoot too!

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Love my truck & PROUD of it! If you can't beat 'em, you're NOT driving a FORD!
Shovies PROVE that FORD'S are #1!!
'97 Black F150 XLT ORP 4X4 Reg Cab/LB
4.6L/auto/3.55 LS/power EVERYTHING,
nerf bars, 17" wheels, fog lights, trailer hitch w/electrical connector, front tow hooks, bed rail caps,
6 CD changer, lumbar support & 3 cow license plates - so far!

 

It's never too late to experience the benifits of synthetics.

Make sure you do an engine flush before you change over to get any deposits and sludge out.



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My Home Page


Lubrication Forums

 

Thanks for all the replies. I have seen a few more places carrying Amsoil. Seems to be catching on in my neck of the woods, Which happens to be Rochester, Cowlady.
Any other preferences on synthetic? Also with synthetic should I have to change the type of oil filter. I am currently using Motorcraft?

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Silver 1998 F150
4x4,XLT,Supercab,5.4 Short Box,3.55 gears, Captains chairs
Mods......
-Superchip
-Gibson Stainless steel catback,split rear, 3 1/2in. Gibson tips.
-K&N air filter
-Silver bug deflector
-Soft tonneau
-Tinted windows
-Westin nerf bars
-BFG 285/75/16's
Sound System......
-Alpine CD player
-Soundstream 6 1/2in. Seperates
-JL Audio stealth box
-Powered by a Soundstream Reference 405

 

Sir J, Go with Mobil 1 and a Motorcraft filter, you'll be pleased. I went synthetic at 8Kmi and change it every 4Kmi. People say to go 5-7Kmi on synthetic but I prefer 4 as I only drive the truck approx 8K per year. Run a good engine flush and change over. Your truck will thank you!.
Hi Cowlady, whens the group photo??

Rick in Spencerport, NY........... .

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"99" F-150 4x2,SC, med red / silver, 4.2L, auto, 3.55's, 265x16's premium snd w/cd, 4 wheel antilocks, leer "too heavy" matching cap, Mobil 1.
"Gutless thing!!"

 

It's sort of like being saved. The only time it's too late is after death!

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98 F-150 XLT 4X4 ORP Super Cab Short Bed, 4.6, Auto, 4.10's, Mag-Hytec diff. cover, Magnacharger supercharger, K&N FIPK, Superchip, Gibson single cat-back, 80/100w German head lamps, 80w amber fog lamps, Warn HS9500i winch with semi hidden mount, Wrangler dual battery kit with red & yellow top Optima batteries, 285/75R16 Goodyear MT/R's, 16x8 Center Line Hell Cats (JUNK WHEELS), Rancho RSX shocks, B&M deep aluminum trans pan, Rhino bedliner. Needs one more door.
http://hometown.aol.com/ninetyeightfword

 

Cowlady,

Don't forget about me in Buffalo NY.

E-mail me at Loggybayou@aol.com

Thanks,

Mike



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Stay Out Of My Taildust

2000 Black Harley Davidson F-150
5.4 Liter v-8
K&N Air filter
20" Polished Aluminum Wheels
275/45/20 Goodyear GSII's
Billet Front Grille
Front Valence W/ driving lights and Billet Insert
3.55 Rear End
Leather Interior
Heated Seats
Hidden Hitch
Orange Pinstriping
Front and Rear Light Blackouts
Lowered 1" Front & Rear
Block heater

 

Can someone say "Upstate NY F150 Club". When I drive around and see other F150's I often wonder if they veiw this website. I don't think I would ever switch brands of truck just for the simple reason of this website. It's like one big happy family.
I am actually in a town called Walworth. It is just east of Rochester. Come summer we should try to get a little rally together somewhere. Just a thought.

SirJames420@netscape.net

 

Is there a need to flush the motor if there is only 10,000(KM)/6,300(mi) on it is there??

 

No need to flush at 6300 mi. Just do the oil and filter change and drive on!.

 

I have had no luck with the higher mileage synthethic shift. I put it in a corolla at 80K and it started blowing by the gaskets. Did the same thing on my bike and my tractor. Tried different brands each time, and no luck. No poblems when I drained it and replaced with convential oils. Just my 2 cents, but my f-150 won't be getting it unless I start it from the factory. Anyone else had similar problem?

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97 supercab flareside 4x4, 5.4, cd changer, captians chairs, bedliner, hard cover, 17 in rims

 

Good point Travis. That was one of my concerns. I have seen no signs of any gasket leaks up to this point. I would hate to have to worry about that after 72,000 maintenence free miles. She has been very good to me and I thought some synthetic oil might be a nice reward.
Also what does Ford or anyone for that matter use when flushing out the engine? I can't imagine mine being all that dirty. I am very particular about oil changes. Every time I changed it, the oil was never that dirty.

------------------
Silver 1998 F150
4x4,XLT,Supercab,5.4 Short Box,3.55 gears, Captains chairs
Mods......
-Superchip
-Gibson Stainless steel catback,split rear, 3 1/2in. Gibson tips.
-K&N air filter
-Silver bug deflector
-Soft tonneau
-Tinted windows
-Westin nerf bars
-BFG 285/75/16's
Sound System......
-Alpine CD player
-Soundstream 6 1/2in. Seperates
-JL Audio stealth box
-Powered by a Soundstream Reference 405