The guy who originally posted CAFE comment said CAFE / EPA. I know what CAFE is, thanks.

I personally think manufacturers stretch maintenance intervals for a couple of reasons. They want to appear "green", and they know most people are lazy. I do think they've switched to lighter oils to bump CAFE numbers more than anything engine related.

I'm not arguing that intervals should be shortened or lengthened. I do find it interesting that people who don't really know anything about it are so convinced they're correct, though (i.e., "you're burning money"). I agree 30k mile intervals seem excessive. 50k intervals, probably overkill. 150k mile intervals? They're probably just banking on you getting rid of the truck before then.

 

I'm an engineer for a company that makes its money designing products that bring our customers into line with EPA regulations. You're talking out of your ***.

 

Yep, you've definitely proven your point.

I've only stated theories and never blindly stated my opinion as fact. I'm not the original poster or the original guy to mention CAFE. I did defend the guy to some extent because I don't think anyone here can factually state that the maintenance schedule of 150k miles is optimum.

My brother in law is an engineer that works for a company tat builds bridges. But I had to show him how to change his lawn mower blades. Obviously I'm impressed by your job title and colorful metaphor.

 

Let me edit: You're right because your an engineer that keeps companies EPA compliant. I don't really care to argue about whether I'm "right" on any of this. The other guy already said "you do what you want with your truck". So let's all do that.

 

I had a pet fish, and that's about as relevant as everything you've said so far. Your speculation is misguided.

 

I wouldn't want to flush it. It's a piece of cake to just drop the pan, change the filter and replace with the proper Motorcraft LV fluid if one really wants piece of mind. I did it on my 2010 at 100k and the fluid looked good, a little dark (totally normal for Mercon LV) but still transparent with no metal/residue/film in the pan. Takes about 7.5 quarts with a pan drop and filter change, easy peasy.

 

speaking as a ford mechanic I feel it would always be worth the slightly higher cost of having the pan pulled and filter replaced every 100k over a flush anyday. most shops are flat rate and as new trans have thermostatic valves that prevent the fluid from flowing to the cooler lines. in order to speed up the flushing time ive seen too many guys just lock it in 1st and hold the brake and gas at 1500RPM for the whole 15 min it takes for the flush machines to finish