Well....its finally happened...at 268k miles a big puff of blue smoke when I start it .

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lbv150

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Sorry I brought up the oil change interval issue.... I understand it is a very personal thing for everyone and no matter what the blog, always opens up a can of worms.
 

Boose

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Lol, I always got a chuckle out of people puffing their chests out as they don't change their oil at 3k... Like changing oil too frequently ever damaged a motor. And, I don't know about 5W anything with mileage up over 250K. The bearings are really tough in these motors, but I'd be looking at at least 10W30 the 5.4 and it's cam phasers love their oil pressure...
 

rjdelp7

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The 5W20 Ford "recommends", is only on cars sold in USA. The same engines in Australia, use 5w30. The use of 5w20 is for a lower CAFE(fuel mileage) average. On most cars, it amounts to a fraction of a mile, per gallon. My 2000 4.6l oil cap says "use 5w30". The 2001 model and up say 5w20. I doubt Ford re-engineered the 4.6l, between years. In fact Ford released a TSB, that 5w20 is OK, for use in 5w30 engines. However, When I used 5w20, I noticed, I was 1/2 quart down after 600mi, with some smoke at start up. When I switched back, no smoke and 1/2 quart low at 1000mi. The 5W is oil viscosity at cold start up. The 20/30 is when hot, the higher being slightly thicker. A thinner oil will, get by worn seals, much easier. I called the Mobil tech line for more info. They claim 5w20, recommended, but 5w30, 0w30 and 0w20 all would be acceptable.
 
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Boose

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They claim 5w20, recommended, but 5w30, 0w30 and 0w20 all would be acceptable.

I agree in a new motor, absolutely. The recommended oil is designed for new engine bearing clearances. At 286,000 miles, if the main & rod bearings are greater than 1.5 thousandths you'll need more to 5 weight oil to maintain adequate pressure. My purpose built 302 in my 89 GT had 1.5 thousandths on both the mains & rods, and we ran 20W50. I would never sacrifice engine longevity for the sake a few mpg...
 

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