Hey everyone,

After reading through all the oil threads (Synth vs Dino)
I think on my next oil change I'm going to go with Mobil 1 5W20 full synthetic.

It's really difficult to decide if it's worth it or not, because there seems to be an equal amount of arguements on each side, but, what the heck, I'm gonna give it a shot. Can't hurt right?

Even though my truck is garaged, we have some *** biting cold winters here, and I think this oil might be better.

Before converting to synth, is there any merit to having a complete flush done first? (to get rid of all the old oil) or is this a waste of money? One of the local shops told me this flush was needed, but I have the sneaking suspician, they are trying to hose me for an extra 60 bucks.

Thanks!
Alex

** Proud member of the "Gas Guzzler Club"

 

I cant see where a flush to get rid of the old oil is needed. If you change your oil yourself, just let it drain completly (I dont think most quickie oil change places do this). Dyno and Synthetic are compatable so that would not be a reason to flush.

I have heard all of the arguments also about which is better if you do regular interval oil changes and I go with synthetic for peace of mind, its worth a few dollars more. The three oils I prefer are Royal Purple, Amsoil and Mobil 1. I change at 5,000 miles. Be sure and use a good filter, not one the quickie oil change place provides. Of filters I prefer, Motorcraft , Mobil 1 or Puralotor Plus. Of course you know what they say about opinion.....everybody has at least one.

 

The only reason I can think of for flushing an engine is to remove sludge. I'm guessing that's not a problem for your engine.

 

I would agree with Dennis about the flush. You can look at it this way too. The next time you change your oil, drain the syn out for the first time you'll for sure be flushing any of the dino that might have still been present.

Hoping one day to be another proud member of the "Gas Guzzler Club" (not yet under 15mpg, as required by Navi Man) but working on it

 

No you do not have to flush, I just wouldn't do any long oil change intervals at first. The synthetics have a much better additive package and will/can remove lots of old sludge the dino stuff leaves behind. If it were me I would change the first batch of syn out at 3K or less. You will notice that the first batch might turn black as low as 1000 miles.

I guess I'm considered a "Gas Guzzler" as my MPG is in the 13.5-16 range.

 

Thanks to everyone for their replies.
I'll just change to synth, and forgot about the flush - they can make $60 from someone else.

Alex

 

Hi fellow Fordsters, I'm new here, but lurked for a month...

When I owned my '97, I never flushed the whole time, and my oil was surprisingly clean every 3K that it was hard to convince the oil change shop that it went it's full distance...for that one I'll subscribe to the ain't broke don't fix it category as my mileage endurance for that vehicle below attests....

 

BTW Habibi, fellow Canadian, where did you locate synthetic 5W20 oil, as the Ford dealers claim in my area to have none in stock! I'm immediately going that route with Motorcraft or AC Delco filter on next change....

 

Is a flush needed? Well look at it this way, if it's yellow let it mellow, if it's brown flush it down.

 

zachary1,

Hi and welcome!

I havnt actually located 5W20 Mobil 1 yet, I went to crappy tire today, and they don't carry it.
My dealer said they can get it, but my oil changes will be 100 bucks.

I said "What? I'm a loyal, faithful customer, y'all don't have to be charging me the tourist prices"

But, what can I say, they are greedy and short sighted.

With that said, I will buy all the stuff I need to do an oil change, and get my good pal to show me how to do it.

It's something I want to learn to do anyway, as I'm a very untrusting individual when it comes to my truck.

I vow to not be mechanically declined from this day forward.

Alex

 

Just go to a warehouse store like Costco or Walmart. You can get a case of Mobile 1 for $24.00 ( 6 bottles). All you need is oil filter wrench, a drain pan, rags, filter, and some ratchets ( 16mm).

Make sure you apply the oil on the rubber gasket around the oil filter.


Good luck.