Ryan_2020

I did my first one at 10,000 kms (6200ish miles), OLM still had lots left but I figured if something was going to happen/leak/etc based on a factory defect it would show by then and wanted to be able to take a look at everything.

Since everything was fine I will do a mix of following the OLM and typically 'even numbers' for easier tracking. So I did another one at 23,000 kms (so 13k kms or 8k miles since last one) as I was going on a trip and had 18% left on the OLM.

Seems the OLM is pretty reasonable based on my driving conditions that is about what I would expect out of a modern engine with a semi-synthetic oil.

hinglemccringleberry

Not an 18 but I did mine at 1100 miles and sort of regret it. I was suckered by the whole "break-in oil change" argument. Wish I would've saved some dough and waited until 5k.

RL1990

It comes naturally. Thanks!

cdlamb

I also changed my oil early in my 3.5 EcoBoost. Changed at 3900 kilometers, or about 2400 miles. Fuel Dilution was flagged at an unacceptable level @ 8.47%!
This affected viscosity levels & they are at reportable levels of 47.8 @40 deg C, 8.29 @ 100 Degrees C, typical viscosaity should be @ 65 & 10.8 respectively for a typical 5w30 oil.
Also reportable levels of silicon & Copper at 82, & 59.

Hopefully Ford will do something about fuel dilution levels.

doyall

8.5% is kind of steep. Diluted the oil well into SAE 20 grade. Certainly does not give one a warm, fuzzy feeling about a new car. (Been there.) *Maybe* it will get better with more engine wear-in, but I wouldn't hold my breath. (Silicon and copper will likely level out much lower after another change or two.) Nitration, oxidation and sulfation (as well as TBN if they test it) are not critical at this stage. Don't expect Ford to even acknowledge the issue, much less do anything about it. (Been there as well, but not with Ford.)

Gale Hawkins

What causes new engines to dump this raw gas into the motor oil?

cdlamb

I am not sure! With all the technology, & computer controlled equipment on a new vehicle, I don't know how it could be an issue. I have been researching the options of installing or building a catch can system, to capture the PCV valve ventilation byproducts, but I don't think that should be something a new vehicle owner should have to install on their own vehicle. If Ford has a fuel dilution problem they should be looking after the consumer.

I know these direct injection systems require a high fuel pressure (over 2000 psi into the cylinders) High pressure should give a better pattern, & finer mist, more easily ignitable. Low fuel pressure could cause a slobbering effect that could create this issue. Maybe a wider gapped spark plug is causing weak spark.

I am not a trained mechanic but just trying to diagnose, & determine what could be the root cause. Maybe I am worrying over nothing. Some people say that the computers can be programmed to feed more fuel into off road vehicles (snowmobiles/ ATV's Etc.) to assist in break in, but if that's the case the consumer should be advised to change oil at a more frequent schedule than the oil life monitor recommends.

I would be curious to see other 3.5 EcoBoost owners sharing their test results.

I did not pay extra to purchase the "Extended Warranty Program". If this continues to be a concern, I would hope Ford Canada offers it at no charge as a good faith gesture. Fluid life recommended shortening my sampling schedule to mid point, which would be 1900 kilometers. I wouldn't need to change the oil, as I have the evacuation tool for collecting a sample through the dipstick. It involves using a flush container to purge any old oil from the collection tool, & then taking a 2nd sample to submit for analysis.

This is a new vehicle! I should hope I don't need to continue to change my oil this frequently to keep contamination levels down. That is a lot of oil to purchase, & recycle.


Calvin