Hey guys, I'm wondering how long you go between oil changes. The manual for my 08 FX4 screw says every 7500 miles. I can't really trust that. I had my oil changed at 5500 keeping with the 5000 mile rule. Do I need to learn to trust going 7500 between changes?

 

The manual assumes you are using semi-synthetic blend or better. If so, then 7500 is just fine. Every 3000 if you are using non synthetic.

If you tow, or live in dusty, or harsh conditions, change more often. Your schedule of 5000 to 5500 is fine if you are using semi or full synthetic, although you can go up to 7500 for normal driving.

 

Do you think they are using synthetic right off the lines, for the first change at 7500?

 

No they do not use full synth of the line. The engine NEEDS to break in. At automotive school they said never use synthetic before 60K to allow the engine to fully break in!
Now as for the oil change intervals, the factory may say 7500 but to heck if im going to wait that long on my truck!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Better to spend the $30 every 3-5k then to be sry about a slow leak or somthing....

 

That is exactlly my thoughts, grandy185.

 

I change at 5k with Motorcraft semi syn

 

What "automotive school" said this??? Never switch to synthetic until 60K??? Total bunk, and a myth that was started by those apparently who had stock in dyno based oil perhaps. Why is it that GM puts Mobil 1 full synthetic in every Corvette engine fresh off the assembly line? And Porche? Modern engines and their piston rings seat within their cylinders within the first 500 miles or less; It used to be that you dumped the oil after this break in period (which had a special additive high in zinc added from the factory) and then begin your normal factory recommended oil changes.

Your trucks came filled from the factory with semi-synthetic.

Should you choose to change your oil more frequently, that's your call. I use full synthetic, and change it every 7K. I take advantage of the modern oils, and there vast superiority over the dyno based oils. My engine is clean, leak free, and currently has 80K on its V6. My last vehicle was a VW Vanagon camper. I put over 225K on its ORIGINAL engine before I had to open it and put new rings on it. It got oil changes every 7K, using Castrol 20w-50 sythetic. I bought it when it had 153K.

I will not start nor get involved in yet another oil thread. Seen so many over the past 25 years. Then came synthetic, and they started again; no longer worth trying to educate those who seem to believe these untruths. Go and google it yourself. But get educated on the truths.

 

Guys, do as the owners manual says, adjust according to your needs or schedule. As they say, "if you're good at your day job, stay there!" Been around longer than most, just do as the engineers recommend. If the type of oil don't suit your fancy, buy a vehicle that does. If my comment offends anyone, tough! Its the truth, we buy an engineered product and then we want to alter it because xyz says so. BS!

 

I just changed mine earlier today and I was at 6500, which is a little long for me. I generally try and go for 5K but I have been busy lately.

BTW I use Mobil 1 5W20.

 

My orginal Question was I think Bucko answered it definitely. I'll get with the new technology.