Oil change interval December 11, 2016, 09:43:30 pm I have a 2003 V-10 LD 26.5'RB with 100,000 miles with which we almost always tow a 2004 Jeep Wrangler. Based on past weighing the combined weight is probably about 17,000 lbs. We drive mostly in the west, mostly two lane highways with periodic mountain passes.The owner's manual specifies a 3,000 mile oil change interval for our vehicle in these conditions, which I've followed with just a few exceptions when our itinerary wasn't conducive to an oil change. I initially used Motorcraft 5-20 semi synthetic oil, but then changed to Mobil 1 5-20 or 5-30.After some recent reading I'm questioning the need for such frequent oil changes. There are many reports of similar engines used in similar circumstances that have had oil analyses done that indicate no problem with longer oil change intervals, the Ford Web site shows a longer 5,000 mile interval for more recent Ford V-10s and Edmonds has an online article arguing strongly against the common 3,000 mile oil change that we've all been told is essential.I've read other analyses that say with the advances in oil technology longer change intervals are appropriate and that more frequent changes are just a waste of money and resources. My 2005 Audi allroad has a monitoring system (change interval based on driving conditions) that routinely calls for changes only ever 9,000 miles or so using a high-grade Castrol synthetic.I'm thinking of switching to a 5,000 mile interval on my LD with continued use of Mobil 1 and would be interested in what others here think.Terry2003 26.5'RBGardnerville, NV
Re: Oil change interval Reply #1 – December 11, 2016, 10:08:15 pm Good question Terry,Every two or three oil changes, I send a sample of my drain oil to Blackstone Laboratories for an oil analysis.Blackstone LabsLast oil change in my diesel truck, they looked at my results and recommended, based on my last results, that I postpone my next oil change to 5500 miles . Because of the hard service the truck performs, I have been changing oil at 3000 miles. Looking at my values compared to a global average, the truck is doing fine and my oil additives aren't close to depleted. 5500 miles next time!I use this service for our diesel truck, diesel tug, motorcycle, and cars. They really do a great job at finding engine wear, fuel in the oil, coolant in the oil, bearing wear, additive in the oil's depletion rate, etc.Harold 2 Likes
Re: Oil change interval Reply #2 – December 11, 2016, 10:18:22 pm Harold's method has my vote. Though what I do is not data based. I use all synthetic 5w30, and target 5000 miles in mine, a Ford 460. It sometimes goes over that when we are on the road.If I used dino oil, I would go with 3000 miles. Or 6 months. Traditional oil is so cheap! But I can't be bothered to change that often on the road, so run Mobil1 or Motorcraft Synthetic. I find motoring in the east is far less taxing on the engine, based in the fact the oil level never falls noticeably between changes. In the west, hammering up and down mountains, it uses >1pint in 5000 miles. I call that heavy service, so try to be more diligent with changes.
Re: Oil change interval Reply #3 – December 11, 2016, 10:26:01 pm There are too many variables to have a set in stone interval.With synthetic oils, I change the oil between 7,500 and 10,000 miles, I don't abuse my rig enough to warrant more frequent changes.Used to be BMW recommended oil changes every 5,000 miles until they went to the plan that they started covering oil changes.Then the recommended oil change became 15,000 miles. Now, they have a computer tell you when it thinks the oil needs changed.
Re: Oil change interval Reply #4 – December 12, 2016, 12:00:47 am Towing I go with 5,000 to 6,000 miles using Mobile 1 Extended Performance plus a Mobile 1 filter. Mobil 1™ Extended Performance Oil | Mobil™ Motor OilsEd
Re: Oil change interval Reply #5 – December 12, 2016, 09:47:19 am I just bought a new Subaru Crosstrek for our toad and it uses synthetic oil. The change interval to keep the warranty in place is 6,000 miles.With Ruby we don't put more than a couple thousand miles on her per summer so I just go with a once per year oil change no matter the mileage.
Re: Oil change interval Reply #6 – December 12, 2016, 10:06:28 am We run synthetic Mobile One in our LD and change oil and filter between 3,000 and 5,000 miles depending on a couple of factors like recent use and pending trips. I'd much rather change the oil at home rather than on the road. I have a local auto shop do the oil change whose owner is a fine mechanic and has become a friend of ours and our LD. So when we get an oil change, he helps me look for any trouble spots. While I am on guard for anything unusual, the expert eyes of our fine mechanic is immensely reassuring. So our frequent oil change includes this extra inspection for the price of an oil change. 1 Likes
Re: Oil change interval Reply #7 – December 12, 2016, 10:32:52 am "So our frequent oil change includes this extra inspection for the price of an oil change."---I agree that it can be a big plus to know one's mechanic (and for the mechanic to know one's vehicle!), and while I think that an accompanying general inspection is a very good thing, I suggest that it would not generate the information gained from an engine oil analysis (or a transmission oil, or any other "oil" analysis). For the past 100k miles on a 2003 (no toad), I've changed the oil and filter every 3k miles using the manual's recommendation of Motorcraft 5W20 "syn-blend" and the FL-820S oil filter. Maybe that's old school overkill, but my rig does sit between trips, I drive a lot of mountain roads, and the rig is getting along in years and mileage. (And, an oil and filter change at the Ford truck center costs between $75 and $90; I can do the job for under $30). I had not considered having an engine oil analysis done (free kit, $28.00 analysis charge, according to the Blackstone Labs link in Harold's post), but I may after getting my trusted mechanic's input. I'm curious as to what it might reveal!As ever, YMMV. Joan
Re: Oil change interval Reply #8 – December 12, 2016, 12:47:27 pm After the first two oil changes, using the recommended semisynthetic Ford oil, I switched our 2003 LD to Mobil 1 and Purorator Pure One filters, changing the oil at 5000 mile intervals. It now has 98.000 miles and has pulled a 4000-lbs Jeep much of the time. similar to Terry experience. As I have mentioned here before, in my previous life I worked at LAX. The airport has a huge fleet and we were interested in what type of oil would serve us best and what the best change intervals would be for the gasoline powered vehicles. We ran a long term test, comparing synthetics to conventional oils. On the test vehicles, oil samples were pulled every 2000 miles, for oil analysis.The conventiinal oils were good for 7500 miles and the synthetics for over 12,000 miles. Surprisingly, this included vehicles that idle for hours, such as the police and runway maintenance trucks. The 7500 mile interval was selected since we wanted to fully inspect ever vehicles at least every 7500 miles. Regular oil was selected, except for those vehicles that the manufacturer specified synthetics only. Based on these results, I ran my 1997 Dodge Dakota at 12,000 mile intervals, up to a 120,000 miles before selling it. I know the present owner and he has continued doing the same. The truck now has over 240,000 miles and runs fine.Modern fuel injection, used in closed loop systems with O2 sensors in the exhaust, do not suffer from cylinder wash down, when idling for long periods. The fuel/air mixture is controlled so there is little wasted fuel to contaminate the oil.Larry 1 Likes
Re: Oil change interval Reply #9 – December 12, 2016, 03:37:32 pm When our 2003 LD was under warrannty, I used Ford's Motorcraft filter and Motorcraft synthetic blend 5w20 oil and changed it at around 3000 mile intervals. ( I usually did this myself; the E450 chassis may be the easiest vehicle I've ever owned for do it yourself oil changes). Most our travel in the LD, particularly in the early years, was trips from Ohio to western state destinations. Finding a place to have the oil changed while on the road became a pain in the behind. After the warranty expired, I switched to full synthetic oil and try to adhere to 5000 mile intervals. And we can do a roundtrip to Wyoming without the hassle of an oil change, a huge benefit!I now have 135,000 miles on our rig. While I check my oil level nearly every day on our travel days, I don't think I've ever found it necessary to add oil between changes. We do *not* tow. I should probably get a kit and have my oil analyzed in 2017.A heads up for you DIY folks, you can usually buy full synthetic oil for less than conventional oil. As an example, Pennzoil has had a $2 per quart rebate on Pennzoil Platinum all year(2016) with a limit of $48 per address. You can buy it for less than $28 for 5 quarts at many auto parts stores and even less at Walmart. This program ends on 12/31/16; you can find the rebate online at Pennzoil's website. I think there were similar deals on Mobil earlier in the year You can even buy NAPA full synthetic for Around $3/qt and not bother with rebates. Steve K.
Re: Oil change interval Reply #10 – December 12, 2016, 04:05:45 pm Quote from: Steve K. - December 12, 2016, 03:37:32 pmI usually did this myself; the E450 chassis may be the easiest vehicle I've ever owned for do it yourself oil changes. I really should change the oil myself. I really should. Yeap ... I should and I suppose I will from now on. For the record, Steve K. is the source of my oil change motivation. So thank you Steve K.
Re: Oil change interval Reply #11 – December 12, 2016, 05:01:31 pm I've been changing oil on my vehicles since the 60's. Starting in the 70's I switched to full synthetic and extended drain intervals based on the research available at that time. Larry's experience reinforces what I have understood.I have also used a Fumoto Oil Drain valve in all my vehicles since then as it makes it so much easier to drain the pan.Amazon.com: fumoto oil drain valve: AutomotiveSince we full time I needed a container to drain the oil that is leakproof. I have tried a few and this has worked very well. When I bought mine it just went by the mfg's name, Wedco. You can find them at a variety of places.Amazon.com: GarageBOSS 12.5 quart Oil Drain Pan with Funnel: Patio, Lawn &...Jim 2 Likes As an Amazon Associate Lazy Daze Owners' Group earns from qualifying purchases.
Re: Oil change interval Reply #12 – December 12, 2016, 06:08:37 pm "I have also used a Fumoto Oil Drain valve in all my vehicles since then as it makes it so much easier to drain the pan."Jim: There are several Fumoto Drain plugs on that Amazon page.Which one do you use?ThanksEd
Re: Oil change interval Reply #13 – December 12, 2016, 06:21:36 pm "I really should change the oil myself. "Good plan.I've always changed the oil myself.Otherwise, how do you really know what the drugcrazed,hungover, minimum wage employee in putting into your engine? Straight 30 weight? 5w 20? You pay for synthetic and get Dino? 😳Plus the discount oil places tend to use discount quality filters. I want a top quality filter. They only cost a few bucks more than a cheap one.Ed
Re: Oil change interval Reply #14 – December 12, 2016, 07:54:07 pm Quote from: Ed D. - December 12, 2016, 06:08:37 pm"I have also used a Fumoto Oil Drain valve in all my vehicles since then as it makes it so much easier to drain the pan."Jim: There are several Fumoto Drain plugs on that Amazon page.Which one do you use?ThanksEdEd, you can put in the vehicle info here. Fumoto® USA | Quick and Easy Engine Oil Drain ValvesJust select Ford not the Ford heavy duty and you will see the E450 6.8L.It appears that it is still the same model F106 or F106N. The N signifies that it comes with a nipple which you can connect a clear hose to and put it into the drain pan opening which is what I use.Jim 1 Likes
Re: Oil change interval Reply #15 – December 12, 2016, 08:35:30 pm Quote from: Jim & Gayle - December 12, 2016, 07:54:07 pmEd, you can put in the vehicle info here. Fumoto® USA | Quick and Easy Engine Oil Drain ValvesJimThank you, Jim.
Re: Oil change interval Reply #16 – December 12, 2016, 09:02:44 pm There is a valve on the site that comes with a clear hose long enough to reach the drain pan. Kind of nice for those blustery spring and fall days. The last time I changed my oil when most of the oil was out the wind managed to put a good bit on the drive way. They have a valve that will fit the MicroQuiet generator but I don't know if it will fit our application because of the indertray. Has any body put a Fumoto valve on a Lazy Daze genie?
Re: Oil change interval Reply #17 – December 13, 2016, 11:09:35 pm Fumoto Valves! What a great idea! How did I miss this one?I always change my own oil. It is so easy (except on the damned Mazda MX5) and you know exactly what is going into your engine, how often, what kind of filters are used, and you can change the interval as required. I did an oil change today, as a matter of fact. Besides that, It gives me a chance to scoot around under the vehicle and check for leaks, loose things, grease the lube points on the steering linkages, and lay under the vehicle in the shade while my wife thinks I'm WORKING. As an admitted gearhead with too many vehicles, that drain valve will be soon going into the Lazy Daze, the Ford diesel. Thanks Jim!Harold
Re: Oil change interval Reply #18 – December 13, 2016, 11:52:56 pm Quote from: Ed D. - December 12, 2016, 08:35:30 pmThank you, Jim.On order. F106s + the hose kit. Ed
Re: Oil change interval Reply #19 – December 14, 2016, 10:45:00 pm F111S ordered for the diesel today. If it works OK, another for the Lazy Daze next.
Re: Oil change interval Reply #20 – December 14, 2016, 11:26:45 pm This subject goes on for ever online, though not for just LD. I think with full synthetic about once a year unless you go more than 10,000 miles is probably enough. Maybe just before the storage season if you don't use it much for many months, or maybe better just after storage? I have read that condensation can put water in the oil, maybe it depends if you actually drive in cool humid weather. Does it matter if you tow or go up big mountain passes? I don't know, I think these engines work pretty hard and hills are more work than towing on flat roads once up to speed is not that much extra work. Maybe more important is does it run in weather hot enough to make it run "hot"My 2003 with 90 something thousand miles does need to have a half a quart of oil added every 1500 miles or so. I have not noticed this changing depending on mountain passes etc., though it may. 1 Likes
Re: Oil change interval Reply #21 – December 15, 2016, 10:20:09 am A great resource to geek out on motor oil-bobistheoilguy.comGear heads and chemical engineers meet there
Re: Oil change interval Reply #22 – December 15, 2016, 01:04:24 pm Thanks to everyone who contributed to this thread. It was very helpful.I've settled on Mobil 1 changed every 5,000 miles (up from 3,000 in the past). I also ordered a Fumoto drain valve and hose.My plan is to do most oil changes myself, as I did in the past before I got lazy, but also to have every third change done by my mechanic, at which time I will also have him lubricate the front end and driveshaft (my sealed U-joints have been replaced with those that need lubrication), complete an inspection and attend to any other needed service/repairs.To me that is a good combination of somewhat extended service intervals in light of the use of synthetic oil and some DIY oil changes, together with continued involvement of my mechanic in keeping an eye on things.Also, I ordered a couple of these kitsEngine Test and Analysis - EngineCheckUp!so as to perform a poor man's oil analysis once in awhile. I'm not sure it is useful in determining oil change interval, but it does seem to provide warning of possible engine wear problems.Again, thanks for all the input.Terry2003 26.5'RBGardnerville, NV
Re: Oil change interval Reply #23 – December 15, 2016, 04:14:53 pm I go with once a year or 10k miles, using Mobil 1. I hit once a year much more frequently than I hit 10k miles. I can change the oil and filter with Mobil 1 for ~$35. Blackstone analysis costs $28 and then I could still pay the $35 for the oil change. I skip the analysis and just change the oil if I'm in doubt. I know some people use blackstone analysis for more than just to tell if they need an oil change. Unless you really want that extra information (or the entertainment), I don't see the advantage for our engines. Rich '03 MB in NC 1 Likes
Re: Oil change interval Reply #24 – December 15, 2016, 04:48:17 pm My interest is not engine oil analysis "entertainment"; I sent for the Blackstone kit and will pay the 28 bucks because my 2003 has 100k miles on it, and I want to know any useful condition information that a "blood test" might show. I change the oil and filter every 3k, so I don't expect any issues, but if some anomaly does show up, it can be dealt with.As ever, YMMV.Joan
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