Oil and Filter Suggestions?

[Guest]

Does anyone have suggestion on which brand of oil/filter to use for my 2003 Expedition? What viscosity? I live on the east coast with alot of city driving.
Thanks in advance,
Charlie - NJ

 

[rwinch]

This is a HUGE discussion on all forums. If folks were in a room, and not seperated by using these forums, fights to the death would be common.:matchup:

A coupla points people usually agree on:
1) change the oil regularly (3k-5k).
2) Use manufacturers recommended viscosity
2) change the oil filter when you change the oil.

The contentious points::shootout:
1) oil type - dino vs. synthetic
2) oil viscosity
3) oil filter brand

MY (and only my) opinion:
1) GO SYNTHETIC - I use Mobile1 5-30 in my '98 EB, and I am looking into using the AMSOIL brand.

*WHY* I like the ratings of the synthetics. I have done some looking around, and it seems like a good choice for me.

2) I use the manufacturers recommended viscosity.

*WHY* Well , I could bore you with all the technical issues of film thickness, bearing load, etc. (I am an engineer - not that it means anything), and the viscosity is picked to accomdate the expected loads and service. Its not for me to decide this.

3) I dropped using FRAM (guess I need to update my sig), and am now using Purolator. WIX is another good one. I determined this from again trolling the forums. I also found a great link to a oil filter study that I can't find (sorry), but will post when I can retrieve it.

4) I change the oil and filter every 3k - 5k. Some folks say you only need to change the filter after 2-3 oil changes. Some folks say you don't need to change anything for 8K - 15K

*WHY* Its is just plain cheap insurance to change this stuff often. It also gets me under my truck to check things out more often then less.

I also put in a FRAM quick drain valve (there are a few others out there), so it is just plain easy.

I hope this helps

 

[JSRocket]

Thanks for the advice (I just registered under JSRocket). This is my first oil change. I have always changed my oil at 3000 mi intervals and have had engines (96 Ford Windstar) go over 200,00 miles. I read the filter comparison you mentioned (http://www.frankhunt.com/FRANK/corvette/articles/oilfilterstudy/oilfilterstudy.html) and decided to go with a Mobil 1 filter. I have never used synthetic oil. I am toying with the idea of using Amsoil but am hesitant. Why are you considering Amsoil?

 

[rwinch]

JSRocket,

They claim to be better than the Mobile1, at least by the statistics they give on their website. But note, the gain is minimal. They also have a nice double filtration system.

The downside is that Amsoil is sold by only a few distributors, so if I can't find one local to me, I will stay with Mobile1.

 

[Guest]

I used Amsoil and after having my oil analyzed by Blackstone Labs I went back to Mobil 1.
The test showed Amsoil isn't any better than Mobil 1.So why deal with the hassle and more expense of Amsoil.

I go with Mobil 1 5w30 and a Motorcraft filter(Purolator Pure One guts) or just buy a Pure One filter.
Change every 5000 miles.

 

[rwinch]

joe b,

Thanks...thats another one for Mobil1.

Did you check out the link JSRocket mentioned about the filters?

 

[monsta]

I've always used M1 but have changed back to Motorcraft 5W-20.

Why?

It's cheap, recommened and factory fill.

I use only Motorcraft filters.

Total cost for oil change?

Oil X 6 qts. @ 1.77 = $10.62
Filter = $2.48

Total = $13.10+tax

The money saved over synthetics (all brands) is better spent on other goodies, IMO.

AMSoil is overrated & overpriced. Independant tests are the best for rating oil.

I can post the differences between the MC oil and M1 oil if y'all would like.

 

[Guest]

Originally posted by rwinch
joe b,

Thanks...thats another one for Mobil1.

Did you check out the link JSRocket mentioned about the filters?

Yes.
I've seen that oil filter site.
It's on every auto/truck forum.
To me a $11 Mobil 1 filter is really overkill.
The site mentions Pure One filters are very good and the guts of a Motorcraft is that of a Pure One.

On synthetic vs dino oil
In winter synthetics have a definite advantage over conventional oil.
The flow to parts on start up is much faster.
"to each his own"

 

[monsta]

Motorcraft's 5W-20 is a synthetic blend, BTW.

 

[Guest]

WalMart carrys Motorcraft filters and oil. Makes it easy to change every 3k miles.

I used synthetic on my Audi but that was an overboosted turbo engine.

I've been using Motorcraft 5/20 on my Mustang and have over 60k miles without any oil related issues.

 

[1999xlt]

I also only use Motorcraft filters. They are the same as the Overpriced Purolator Pure One Filters. And A Helluva lot cheaper. As far as oil goes I use Mobil Synthetic Blend (just personal preference). Factory recommended weight. I am actually changing my ils today.

Oh and I may reccomend, The Fram Sure Drain.....It makes it A LOT easier.

 

[Guest]

Originally posted by 1999xlt
Oh and I may reccomend, The Fram Sure Drain.....It makes it A LOT easier.

But it takes f-o-r-e-v-e-r!! That drain hole is small compared to the plug itself. I use it, not a drop spilled. Just expect a little longer to let it drain out.

 

[JSRocket]

I changed my oil for the first time this weekend (Mobil1 5W30 and PureOne filter). The filter removal was a real knucklebuster (and no clear drain path for the oil trapped in the filter)! Any suggestions? I added the Fram Sure Drain (thanks for the suggestion) and am loking forward to using it at my next change interval.

 

[rwinch]

JSRocket,

Which year/model? I know that filters on many cars/trucks are difficult to get to, and impossible to keep oil from getting over everything. On my old truck, I just put newspaper/towels right under the filter to try to catch the oil, but did not work very well.

However, on the '98 EB I have now, the factory tow package has the oil filter remote mounted to a position just under the front bumper on the left, and changing the filter is just plain stupid easy, and NO MESS. I would suggest to anyone that does not have one installed to consider one !!!!

 

[JSRocket]

I have a 2003 Expy XLT 5.4L. The filter is just over the front axle on the right (facing the engine). You can BARELY get a wrench over the filter and have to loosen/tighten it in baby increments. I saw what was going to happen from the start - so I crammed the underside of the filter with rags (and positioned a 2x3 tub under the area) when I got to the point of hand loosening it. A real pain!

 

[Guest]

The filter on the 5.4 is in a better spot than the filter on my Mustang.

I never tighten more than hand tight- makes it easier to get loose. Those guys at the factory must have a cheater bar to crank them down.

 

[Guest]

Have been in the aftermarket parts business forever (big deal!). My own '97 always gets 5W30 100% synthetic and a CARQUEST filter (made by WIX). Prefer Valvoline but have used Amsoil, Pennzoil and Royal Purple. Just makes me feel better, and, regardles of cost, it's the cheapest insurance you can buy.

 

[Guest]

OIL fILTER 10-20 ON A 97 5.4

:nopity: Where should I look on a 97 EB for the oil filter?

 

[rwinch]

If you have an EB, then the oil filter is remotely mounted. The location is right behind the front bumber on the driver's side.

This really simplifies oil filter changes, so be glad you got the EB!!

 

[Guest]

Did I see two canisters there?
That's good news I saw one or two cannisters, but thought "i never saw a filter this far up before..."

I been ready the threads apparently that is good for me!

Thanks,