Would you change the oil?

[riven1950]

I have a 2013 F150 ecoboost 4x4 CC. It now has 9900 miles on it. I always changed the oil in my 2004 F150, and other vehicles, at around 3000 miles. I know this is supposed to be a waste of money with todays oils and engines but it is a hard habit to break. Also, since I have never had a lot of major engine issues over the years I am thinking it is not all bad.

So here is my question. I had the dealer change my oil etc at about 4700 miles ( I am getting better 🙂 ). There was a trip to the Keys in there, about 1800 miles towing.

Now I am at 9900 miles, truck says I have 39% left on oil before change. We are headed back to the Keys next month and will likely put on 2000 miles or so on the trip. I think I am going for peace of mind and getting the oil changed before the trip rather than after. Also, about time for tire rotation. Dealer sent me a coupon for 39.95 for oil change, rotation, and check up. I hate to waste oil and money but think I will go for it.

BTW truck has performed flawlessly so far.
Not trying to stir the pot just curious about any opinions?
Thanks TR

[BenK]

$12 bucks is the lowest I've read for an oil analysis, but still think that, for me,
the money spent on an oil analysis is better spent on the cost of the oil/filter
itself

$28 bucks is the most common cost for Blackstone

Get to know 'your' vehicle. So that you know when it is in need

Plus, IMHO, it is NOT hard and fast to change it on a schedule...though it is
a guide for the MAXIMUM mileage/time to change

Think about this: "why does oil change color over time?"

[slomark]

Take a sample at change time, send it in for analysis ($12), and determine the amount of the oil's breakdown at that mileage point.

[Monaco_Montclai]

tell ya this much, changed the oil in all that I have, until the oil gets black is when I would.i think its more to keep it up.i have let the miles run up a bit. still aint hurt any thing.now its all happy-camping

[BurbMan]

I was in the 3000 mile change-it camp for years, I switched over to Mobil 1 and now change it a 6000 miles. None of our vehicles are new enough to have OLMs.

The 8.1 uses about a quart every 3000 miles, so I never had to add any, because by the time it was a quart low it was time to change it. Now I wind up having to add a quart between changes.

[BenK]

Again, the computer's recommendation is for the

MAXIMUM

interval

'Recommendations' from any OEM is really more than a recommendation, as to go
beyond that would leave potential for warranty issues/denial/etc


Folks who have never opened up an engine for any reason have never seen nor
understand that engine oil ages...thickens...additive package consumed, etc

Thickens to loose lubrication abilities

[time2roll]

I thought the ECO-boost would run at lower rpm vs a naturally aspirated engine.
IMO the chain stretch is a design issue more than the interval of changing the oil.

[dodge_guy]

smkettner wrote:

Canadianxplorer wrote:
We are starting to see engine wear and failures, especially in regards to the timing chain stretch.

Help me understand how extended oil changes stretch a timing chain?

Simple, as the oil ages it breaks down. as it breaks down it`s protection decreases. this is what can harm a motor with a possible issue.

Change the oil sooner! it`s well worth it. I`ve also seen motors that have known issues, but the people that change the oil more frequently never see the problem!

Again, change the oil! The manuf doesn`t have any stake in the motor once it`s out of warranty!

[BenK]

smkettner wrote:

Canadianxplorer wrote:
We are starting to see engine wear and failures, especially in regards to the timing chain stretch.

Help me understand how extended oil changes stretch a timing chain?

I don't read it as saying the oil has anything to do with the timing
chain stretch...just an added tidbit on this architecture. I thank him
for adding germane information to the discussion

It is you, smkiettner making that connection. Easy to see, as this
thread started out as engine oil change or not

This goes to another thread about small displacement forced fed vs
larger displacement with variable displacement. Both have similar
power curves and MPG. One is highly stressed and the other not

Turbo small displacement - displacement on demand- a winner?



Timing chain stretch, IIRC, is from over rev'ing and high throttle
settings (high rates of change) vs the sizing of the chain. They do
stretch over time, but from what Canadian said...think shorter time
than normal

For a timing chain to cause problems in such a short milage period is
something to keep an eye on. Wonder if there is enough room to put
in a larger chain (one more row). Hardened dowel or keyed?

To date, it appears that Ford did a decent job in beefing up the
various components and mitigation stuff (engine oil spray up towards
piston bottoms, etc)


Below quote is Canadianxplorer's complete post

Canadianxplorer wrote:
Hey everyone,

I am a ford Tech and have been for 24+years. I am replying to this topic because the OP has an Ecoboost. I have a 2012 Ecoboost and I change my oil too often, but that is just my preference and they way I have always treated my vehicles. I also change trans, diff, transfer case fluid, spark plugs and all the other stuff too soon.

The OLM is a convenience for the customer but now that ecoboosts are starting to see more miles/kms, I have some concerns.

We are starting to see engine wear and failures, especially in regards to the timing chain stretch. Most of the vehicles that are having problems in these areas also have been following the OLM and changing there oil every 16,000 to 20,000kms(10,000miles to 12,500miles roughly). Many of these vehicles are still under warranty coverage and that oil change interval as directed by the OLM is acceptable and I have not seen warranty denied because of it.

I just think this engine needs more frequent service. I keep my vehicles usually 10 years so yes I do over maintain them.

I think for the ecoboost a 5000 or 6000 mile oil change interval is better.

Some of this may be related to Canadian weather, but not sure about that.

Also, before anyone posts "I did 25,000mile oil changes and everything is great!" I am posting what I see often, longer oil change intervals on an ecoboost, seem to lead to more long term wear and problems, some before warranty runs out, some after.

Just wanted to put this out there

Thanks for reading

[time2roll]

Canadianxplorer wrote:
We are starting to see engine wear and failures, especially in regards to the timing chain stretch.

Help me understand how extended oil changes stretch a timing chain?

[GeoBoy]

Change it, the truck is breaking-in.

[Canadianxplorer]

Hey everyone,

I am a ford Tech and have been for 24+years. I am replying to this topic because the OP has an Ecoboost. I have a 2012 Ecoboost and I change my oil too often, but that is just my preference and they way I have always treated my vehicles. I also change trans, diff, transfer case fluid, spark plugs and all the other stuff too soon.

The OLM is a convenience for the customer but now that ecoboosts are starting to see more miles/kms, I have some concerns.

We are starting to see engine wear and failures, especially in regards to the timing chain stretch. Most of the vehicles that are having problems in these areas also have been following the OLM and changing there oil every 16,000 to 20,000kms(10,000miles to 12,500miles roughly). Many of these vehicles are still under warranty coverage and that oil change interval as directed by the OLM is acceptable and I have not seen warranty denied because of it.

I just think this engine needs more frequent service. I keep my vehicles usually 10 years so yes I do over maintain them.

I think for the ecoboost a 5000 or 6000 mile oil change interval is better.

Some of this may be related to Canadian weather, but not sure about that.

Also, before anyone posts "I did 25,000mile oil changes and everything is great!" I am posting what I see often, longer oil change intervals on an ecoboost, seem to lead to more long term wear and problems, some before warranty runs out, some after.

Just wanted to put this out there

Thanks for reading

[mountainsam]

Check the oil every other fill up or once a month if not driven hard. You will soon learn when it is dirty, contaminated or burnt. The oil analysis seems to be a great idea once to establish a time frame for future reference. The manufacturers of these engines have spent millions establishing guide lines, trust them.

[patperry2766]

I have a Wal-Mart and a Discount Tire next door to each other. At 5K miles, the oil gets changed and the tires get rotated. I paid $60 for lifetime rotation/balancing and oil changed cost me about $25.
This is the mileage point that I feel comfortable at, plus I do alot of city stop/go driving which I think most manufactures consider severe duty.

[transamz9]

This is the inside of the valve cover on my 2006 Powerstroke 6.0 with a 176,000 miles on it at 10,000 mile oil change intervals. This is using Conoco oils from the first oil change. LOOK! No sludge!