oil change question

Every 5K I change my synthetic oil and filter. Oil is relatively cheap, even synthetic. I haven't had any internal engine issues for decades. Touch wood and change oil/filter regularly.

I had a 2014 3.5 Eco F150 until 12/17. Even though I prefer to do my own oil changes I found that it would cost $50.00 for the dealer to change the oil and filter with the upgrade to full synthetic and this included tire rotation. Buying oil and filter myself cost that much. Granted before leaving the dealer I would check under the truck, the filter and oil level before paying. The last oil change on that truck found some oil dripping from the diaper on that engine and they took it back in to clean and didn't charge for the service.
I continue to get dealer oil changes on my new Ram 2500 6.4 Hemi as the 0-40 Pennzoil Platinum Plus Synthetic usually has to be bought online and 7 quarts plus filter runs about $80.00. The dealer charges this amount and includes tire rotation also. It is more cost effective this way and even though I have a floor jack and impact, wrestling those heavy tires at my age is a pain.
Needless to say I follow the same regime of inspection before leaving the dealer.
If you should want to run full synthetic changing from syn blend is not an issue.

Doug

AlmostAnOldGuy wrote:
Good call to change at 5k miles. I have had a couple of oil analysis performed and after 5k oil is ready to swap out. I drive 70% short trips.

Good luck,
Stu

Do you have copies of the oil analysis you can share?

dodge guy wrote:

mosseater wrote:

Atlee wrote:
Is 5w-20 a typo, or do you have the 5.0L Ford engine? The 3.5L Ecoboost definitely calls for 5w-30 oil.

mosseater wrote:
I have been using Motorcraft 5w-20 synth blend as recommended since new. I change the oil around 3-4k miles. I was told I should follow the extreme duty schedule if I tow AT ALL, not only "all the time". I didn't follow the schedule on coolant, and finally changed it at 100K miles, rather than like 40K, and the coolant broke down and turned to goo. My system couldn't get rid of the heat because of the thin layer of brown goo coating the inside of the radiator and aux cooler. Got pretty expensive until we finally figured it out. Oil changes are cheap insurance IMO.

I have the 5.4 L. It calls for 5w-20

My 02 V-10 calls for 5W20. Ive been running 5W30 since the second oil change. 5W20 after 12 hours on the road and parked overnight sounds like it’s comimg part the next morning when started cold! 5W30 is what I have run since 20k Miles. I now have 101K with no issues.

I have some doubt it makes a whole lot of difference in most cases. The two are very close as far as viscosity. I have 172,000 of pretty hard running, and it works fine for me. Going to stick with what works. I probably have two years to drive this truck yet before trade up. Will be well over 200K by then.

riven1950 wrote:
Yes, my F150 does have a oil life monitor. As stated I like mine changed at around 5000 miles. Not neccesary according to the monitor or book unless towing 100% which I haven't done..yet.But it is not too pricey and makes me feel I am being good to my truck.

Good call to change at 5k miles. I have had a couple of oil analysis performed and after 5k oil is ready to swap out. I drive 70% short trips.

Good luck,
Stu

mosseater wrote:

Atlee wrote:
Is 5w-20 a typo, or do you have the 5.0L Ford engine? The 3.5L Ecoboost definitely calls for 5w-30 oil.

mosseater wrote:
I have been using Motorcraft 5w-20 synth blend as recommended since new. I change the oil around 3-4k miles. I was told I should follow the extreme duty schedule if I tow AT ALL, not only "all the time". I didn't follow the schedule on coolant, and finally changed it at 100K miles, rather than like 40K, and the coolant broke down and turned to goo. My system couldn't get rid of the heat because of the thin layer of brown goo coating the inside of the radiator and aux cooler. Got pretty expensive until we finally figured it out. Oil changes are cheap insurance IMO.

I have the 5.4 L. It calls for 5w-20

My 02 V-10 calls for 5W20. Ive been running 5W30 since the second oil change. 5W20 after 12 hours on the road and parked overnight sounds like it’s comimg part the next morning when started cold! 5W30 is what I have run since 20k Miles. I now have 101K with no issues.

Atlee wrote:
Is 5w-20 a typo, or do you have the 5.0L Ford engine? The 3.5L Ecoboost definitely calls for 5w-30 oil.

mosseater wrote:
I have been using Motorcraft 5w-20 synth blend as recommended since new. I change the oil around 3-4k miles. I was told I should follow the extreme duty schedule if I tow AT ALL, not only "all the time". I didn't follow the schedule on coolant, and finally changed it at 100K miles, rather than like 40K, and the coolant broke down and turned to goo. My system couldn't get rid of the heat because of the thin layer of brown goo coating the inside of the radiator and aux cooler. Got pretty expensive until we finally figured it out. Oil changes are cheap insurance IMO.

I have the 5.4 L. It calls for 5w-20

I have always changed my own oil (my wife did her own before we were married). I taught my 3 daughters to do their own oil changes also (they had to know how to change oil and a flat tire before they were allowed to drive).

I can tell lots of stories about oil changes.

Changing the oil a little early will not hurt the truck, but may help it in the long run.

Exactly my thinking, right or wrong.

Small town here so only a couple of choices that I like, including the dealer, which really has been pretty good. Just have to ignore the up sell stuff.

I just had a little spat with them about a battery and trying to decide if I want to go back. Wait time not bad there with an appt'.

Thanks for all the replies

I have always changed oil at 5k miles. I do not follow the oil monitor. I do not use my truck mainly as a "grocery getter" but as a tug. Over 1/2 of the 62k+ miles has been pulling a trailer, and I usually have a load in the rear, including the fiberglass cap.

Changing the oil a little early will not hurt the truck, but may help it in the long run.