Oil change E450

I don't think 3K is anything necessary. OTOH I don't think these 9 MPG beasts with fill capacity of 6 quarts are really suitable for very extended changes even on best oils. My thought shoot for about 5K miles with synthetic. Usually that is about a year interval. If you travel on long trip, going over that won't hurt occasionally..8000 miles etc. on synthetic. Be sure to check level though. Realistically I don't think the oil lubed moving engine parts will be the eventual failure mode of my RV.

Sfla2 wrote:

smkettner wrote:
The only Ford book I see says 7500 miles for an E450. 5000 if towing. Do you have a link for 3000 mile recommended change?

ok mine is a 98 in the service guide it says towing or heavy loads every 3k & we are heavy most of all bigger "c" are close to max. I can send u the page if u want. Also mine says 5 k normal 3 k heavy, could be what they said back then

Both are correct. The intervals were extended by Ford a long time back (maybe 2003?) and you can use the new intervals for all V10s. None of the internals changed, they simply found through testing that the longer intervals were safe for the motor.

I usually go 7500-12,000 between oil changes, longer when towing actually, because its the short trips that are the hardest on your oil (assuming full synthetic.... I stick to 5k on the Motorcraft blend).

But annual oil changes are good, due to condensation. Might not be necessary if its stored in a climate controlled shop, but I believe Ford spec states annual, and while its under warranty its smart to stick to spec.

smkettner wrote:
The only Ford book I see says 7500 miles for an E450. 5000 if towing. Do you have a link for 3000 mile recommended change?

ok mine is a 98 in the service guide it says towing or heavy loads every 3k & we are heavy most of all bigger "c" are close to max. I can send u the page if u want. Also mine says 5 k normal 3 k heavy, could be what they said back then

The only Ford book I see says 7500 miles for an E450. 5000 if towing. Do you have a link for 3000 mile recommended change?

smkettner wrote:
I would check the level and go camping. First change at 5,000 miles or longer if the book calls for it. As long as you are not making half mile trips to the grocery every day I would change on mileage only.

Send in a sample if concerned. Never read a post where tested oil was over due full of condensation and acid build up.

when you look at the book see what it says abt heavy loads as we are all in that range, do mine every 3k as my book says based on load, foe lousy 25-30 $ (if u do it your self)not worth the gamble

Always heat the engine to operating temperature and the condensation will be gone. None of

my vehicles ever move until they warm up a little after sitting all night. Thanks for telling me

that Dad.

I would check the level and go camping. First change at 5,000 miles or longer if the book calls for it. As long as you are not making half mile trips to the grocery every day I would change on mileage only.

Send in a sample if concerned. Never read a post where tested oil was over due full of condensation and acid build up.

I would change oil (chassis and generator) as most people change at least once a year anyway -- might even consider having the brake fluid changed just so you know your starting off on right foot.

Thank's for the advise. I was leaning to the oil change already and your comments have been helpful.

I just recently bought a 2015 four winds that had been sitting on the lot for a while. Only had 1000 miles and couple hours on the generator but i changed them both. Did them myself. Dealer told me it was unnecessary but like others said its cheap insurance.