Re: Ford Dealer or Mechanic; Synthetic Oil Reply #25 – August 02, 2014, 01:52:56 pm Yahoo Message Number: 147737As I read my E450 2004 Scheduled Maintenance manual, oil changes are every 5000 miles or 6 months, whichever comes first. So, manual says "change it". If it's a one time thing, just get it changed and forget about it. If it will happen more often, you could contact Ford support and put the question to them. That's an unusual situation, and they probably can't address all of them in the manual. Or maybe, you should sell it, if that's all you use it ;-)Eric Greenwell [lifewithalazydazerv] wrote, On 8/2/2014 8:41 AM:
Re: Ford Dealer or Mechanic; Synthetic Oil Reply #26 – August 02, 2014, 02:08:34 pm Yahoo Message Number: 147738As I read my E450 2004 Scheduled Maintenance manual, oil changes are every 5000 miles or 6 months, whichever comes first. So, manual says "change it". If it's a one time thing, just get it changed and forget about it. If it will happen more often, you could contact Ford support and put the question to them. That's an unusual situation, and they probably can't address all of them in the manual. Or maybe, you should sell it, if that's all you use it ;-)I've read a lot of information on the changing of Syntheic oil. The best answer here is once a year but change the oil in the late fall.This way where should be no GAS in the oil system.
Re: Ford Dealer or Mechanic; Synthetic Oil Reply #27 – August 02, 2014, 02:24:15 pm Yahoo Message Number: 147739My philosophy is "Oil is cheap. Engines are expensive." I follow Ford's recommendations.Andy Baird http://www.andybaird.com/travels
Re: Ford Dealer or Mechanic; Synthetic Oil Reply #28 – August 02, 2014, 03:20:11 pm Yahoo Message Number: 147741Well I'm glad I've got a Chevy! This one has only had Mobil1 synthetic since new. The previous owners changed at 7,000 to 10,000 miles.It now has 137,000 miles and purrs like new. I just changed it at 7,000 and it didn't use barely a drop in that time. I am a synthetic oil believer.My Mercedes' go 15,000 miles between oil changes by the manufacturer's recommendation.My 1997 Ford Mustang goes 7500 miles on conventional oil.The old 3,000 mile rule is for antiques.
Re: Ford Dealer or Mechanic; Synthetic Oil Reply #29 – August 02, 2014, 03:40:51 pm Yahoo Message Number: 147742"...by the manufacturer's recommendation."---- Pretty much the *critical point* of this whole thread, IMO, although that opinion may not be shared by all.As ever, YMMV.Joan
Re: Ford Dealer or Mechanic; Synthetic Oil Reply #30 – August 02, 2014, 04:08:44 pm Yahoo Message Number: 147743Interestingly, the newer vehicles don't use just mileage anymore for determining when to change the oil. Our 2013 Honda Accord feeds a lot of data into the computer which then determines the life remaining in the oil. When down to 15% life remaining, the service light comes on. I'm waiting to see if it can also do my taxes. :-)Dick
Re: Ford Dealer or Mechanic; Synthetic Oil Reply #31 – August 02, 2014, 04:56:35 pm Yahoo Message Number: 147744A quote from Wikipedia: "Motor oil changes are usually scheduled based on the time in service or the distance that the vehicle has traveled. These are rough indications of the real factors that control when an oil change is appropriate, which include how long the oil has been run at elevated temperatures, how many heating cycles the engine has been through, and how hard the engine has worked. The vehicle distance is intended to estimate the time at high temperature, while the time in service is supposed to correlate with the number of vehicle trips and capture the number of heating cycles. Oil does not degrade significantly just sitting in a cold engine."Note the last sentence.BUT...like Andy says, oil is cheap, engine repairs expensive.As always, YMMV,Rich
Re: Ford Dealer or Mechanic; Synthetic Oil Reply #32 – August 02, 2014, 05:28:19 pm Yahoo Message Number: 147746Sorry, should have included this from pg 343:NORMAL SCHEDULED MAINTENANCE AND LOGEvery 7500 miles (12000 km) or six months (whichever comes first)Change engine oil and filter. Rotate tires * , inspect tire wear and measure tread depth. Inspect wheels and related components for abnormal noise, wear, looseness or drag. Perform multi-point inspection (recommended).
Re: Ford Dealer or Mechanic; Synthetic Oil Reply #33 – August 02, 2014, 07:05:14 pm Yahoo Message Number: 147748Monica, I have my oil changed every 3,000 miles; *only* have it performed by a Ford or Ford Certified shop (like Statkus Engines in Albuquerque); and for 135,000 miles have used only Motorcraft 5W20 Synthetic Blend.While on the road, I'll Google Ford Truck dealers along my route, then call and ask if they service motor homes (some don't). You can also call the Ford Motor Home Customer Assistance Center and ask for a service recommendation in the areas you'll be traveling: 800/444-3311.Also, if it's not a critical issue right now and since you're headed this way, I highly recommend Statkus Engines for any brake work you might need. They are motor home specialists and a well-respected, family-owned shop as many, many Lazy Dazers can attest. (And the fact the daughters are involved in the business as tech advisors has always impressed me!!) Travel safe...looking forward to seeing you soon at Ladeze!Lorna Taos, NM
Re: Ford Dealer or Mechanic; Synthetic Oil Reply #34 – August 03, 2014, 04:22:50 pm Yahoo Message Number: 147753Actually Synthetic lubricants are practically magic, at least compared to the best Dino oil.I have driven several Fords well over 200k with 10000 mile oil and filter changes without engine problems. One sits next door where I sold it and they still drive it from time to time. Ford and dealerships only have one desire and that is to get you past the warranty period before major work needs to be done..