Oil recommendation for my '03 SES

[liquid_force]

Originally Posted by Breeves002

I say Walmart supertech 5w-30 and a motorcraft FL-400S filter. Change every 4000-5000 miles, no more.

If you want something better you can run a different brand of oil but supertech works just fine.

x a lot

I buy what's cheapest whether that's supertech, havoline, or store brand.

Much more important to get your oil changed on time vs the ins and outs of exactly which oil works best.

My last 4 cars have gone 283k, 206k (traded), 158k (sold), 218k (sold).
Never any major engine problems, never any oil other than what was on sale. Never an oil change past 4200.

Besides, if lots of miles is your goal it's the trans you need to baby -- the motor will most likely be fine.

[Breeves002]

Originally Posted by fct

Unless it's Mobil 1 HM 5W30, specially designed for older cars.

Even then it can still sprout small leaks. It's still going to clean the deposits off and find holes, even if it does have gasket swelling additives you still run the risk of a leak starting.

I used valvoline full synthetic 5w-20 for a few changes and a bad oil leak started. I switched to Mobil 1 high milage 5w-30 and the leak has slowed down considerably.

So bottom line is I don't reccomend full synthetic for the first time on a car with anything over 75k, but if you still want to do it go Mobil 1 HM 5w-30. NOT 5w-20 or any other full synthetic oil.

Now motorcraft filters are what I would use. Just change by 5000 miles. If you end up going full synthetic for whatever reason, you can use a Bosch distance plus filter which is good up to 10,000 miles if using a full synthetic oil that will last that long. Wouldn't reccomend doing it in your car though.

+1 on the transmission though. Fluid and filter change every 30,000 miles. No more! Mercon V ATF ONLY!

[mikeluscher159]

Mine gets Motorcraft Semi-Syn & a FL400S Filter.
Cheap, easy to find, and a quite adequate for a normal OCI.
If you really want to geek out on your fluids.....

Bob Is The Oil Guy - Forums powered by UBB.threads™

[Blkfordtaurusman]

Originally Posted by Simon182

Mobil 1. Been using it on all my cars and it never disappoints

.....except I use the Ext. stuff. I'm also at 88k.