23 F150 3.5 Ecoboost Recommendations

[TacoFergie]

Is there any advantage to stepping up to 0w40 or should I just stick to 5w30 like recommended?

Living in IA I see temps from -15F to 100F. I don't tow or haul heavy often, but I do tend to do short trips (8 miles to work, 50/50 city/highway) and longer highway runs periodically. I plan on doing 5k OCI's or 6mo. My main concern is timing component wear as I do plan to keep the truck for 8-10yrs with about 10-12k per year. Though Ford did update phasers and timing components starting in 21 and I haven't seen a issues yet. I did search for used oil analysis and other topics on the gen 3 3.5 ecoboost, but surprisingly there isn't much on BITOG regarding the 21+ 3.5 ecoboost despite how many are out there.

I got the 23 F150 with a 3.5 ecoboost this summer with 27k. I have so far done 2 oil changes. At 27k 5w30 Valvoline Restore and Protect/Microgard Select right after purchase and at 30k 5w30 Valvoline Restore and Protect/Microgard select. Records indicate OCI's from 5k (with one at about 7500) by the previous owner done at a Ford dealer. I have considered using Valvoline Restore and Protect for every oil change as it seems like a solid oil overall and it will keep it very clean. AMSOIL Signature Series 5w30 is a consideration also since it really isn't that expensive compartively to other oils and I already use Amsoil for my motorcycle. One of the things I've noticed when I was a technician doing phasers on 5.4's or replacing turbos on other vehicles is that they tend to appear neglected when tearing into them. Often times with build up on the screens or passages that obviously restrict oil flow. That's what I'm hoping to avoid! Now the 10R80 longevity is whole different subject...lol

I know I'm over thinking this as there are thousands of F150's out there with questionable maintenance that are going strong, but that's what this forum is all about.

 

[2.7ecoboostFordBronco]

Your plan to continue using Valvoline Restore and Protect 5W-30 seems fine to me. That’s what I use. For what it’s worth, the Valvoline Restore and Protect meets Ford WSS-M2C961-A1, API SQ & ILSAC GF-7a specifications which is what Ford recommends. Valvoline states it is their top performing oil. I doubt you will prevent any problems by switching to Amsoil (or Mobil 1 ESP) but it probably won’t hurt anything; all of the above would be fine. I would do at least 20,000 miles on the restore and protect before switching away from it. That’s what Valvoline initially claimed would allow Valvoline Restore and Protect’s cleaning to run its course.

Here is a quote from a Valvoline email about using it continuously:

This is the email they sent when asking this same question.

"John, thank you for contacting Valvoline Product Support with your question.

We recommend using Valvoline Restore and Protect for the life of your vehicle. It can be used in new engines.

Valvoline Restore and Protect is our highest performing product in the Valvoline portfolio. While other Valvoline products focus on wear prevention, Valvoline Restore and Protect couples wear protection while actively helping restore engine cleanliness and protect against future damage by dissolving engine-killing deposits, and meets the demanding requirements of turbo-charged and gasoline direct injected engines. This engine oil meets or exceeds all requirements of ILSAC GF-6A, API SP, API SN with SN PLUS, API SN, Resource Conserving, and all preceding API and ILSAC gasoline categories. "

 

[ctechbob]

I'm using and intend to keep using 5W30 R&P in my 2025 3.5 at a 5000 mile interval. Mine is the hybrid, so lots of stops and starts and much cooler oil temps.

Plus we tow a 6600# camper pretty often

 

[Hirev]

Valvoline Restore and Protect 5W-30 seems like a very good plan to me.

 

[tired]

Your plan to continue using Valvoline Restore and Protect 5W-30 seems fine to me. That’s what I use. For what it’s worth, the Valvoline Restore and Protect has Ford WSS-M2C961-A1 approval and meets API SQ/ILSAC GF-7 specifications; Valvoline states it is their top performing oil. I doubt you will prevent any problems by switching to Amsoil (or Mobil 1 ESP) but it probably won’t hurt anything; all of the above would be fine. I would do at least 20,000 miles on the restore and protect before switching away from it. That’s what Valvoline initially claimed would allow Valvoline Restore and Protect’s cleaning to run its course.

Here is a quote from a Valvoline email about using it continuously:

OP, just going to second this advice here.

I think you won't go wrong with Valvoline Restore and Protect, AMSOIL Signature Series (could probably run longer), Mobil 1 ESP 0W-30, or any other xW-30 or xW-40 Euro oil with approvals like MB 229.5x, Porsche A40/C30, VW 502/504, etc. If you don't run Valvoline Restore and Protect forever, I'd do at least 20,000 miles on it to clean the piston rings first before running an oil that will run clean.

I think I'd also check a used oil analysis at your preferred interval (after two changes on the same oil to minimize mixing) just to make sure you don't have really high fuel dilution and unknowingly drop your viscosity early. Would hate to find that out the hard way when you have timing chain issues, etc. down the road. Just send to Oil Analyzers, Polaris, or Wearcheck. Anyone but Blackstone really. If you have really bad fuel dilution, you might need to cut down the OCIs even more.

 

[JavierH19]

0w-40 is good. ESP 0w-30 would do you well too.

 

[fantastic]

With that interval not a problem & from your sig it appears you don't keep long anyways if you're trading in 8 years or so.

 

[KCJeep]

OP are you under warranty or not? I'm sticking with Ford approved 5w30's for now, but will go Euro the second I am out of warranty. Quaker State Ultimate Performance and Valvoline Extended Protection High Mileage are top choices with the Ford spec, both top quality oils with GTL, thick for grade and lots of additives. I still won't do more than 5k though.

 

[B1974]

In my 2013 f150 3.5 I've been using Mobil 1 0w40 for the last three years and was using 5w30 Rotella gas truck before this. I changed the passenger side valve cover a few years back and everything was nice and clean. My truck only has 128k km (80k miles) on is right now and I change my oil twice a year, so around every 5k km (3100 miles). Use good oil and change it before 5k miles and you shouldn't need to worry about a dirty engine. I run the 0w40 year round but I use a oil pan heater along with the block heater on the colder days when needed.

 

[sandcritter]

I think the Valvoline Restore and Protect 5w-30 would be ideal given spec, late-model/shorter timing chains, mixed short-tripping and some hwy, usual towing tasks.

Nothing wrong with the 0w-40, though. Even if Valvoline Restore and Protect came in 0w-40, not sure i’d choose it over 5w-30 in this specific case.

Fyi - just a guy with a gen 1 ecoboost, 184k mi, filthy engine internals/questionable maint. history, and get’s worked hard.

 

[Plumb Bob]

I would go with ESP 0W-30 or 5W-30.

 

[Lawnfella]

Is there any advantage to stepping up to 0w40 or should I just stick to 5w30 like recommended?

Living in IA I see temps from -15F to 100F. I don't tow or haul heavy often, but I do tend to do short trips (8 miles to work, 50/50 city/highway) and longer highway runs periodically. I plan on doing 5k OCI's or 6mo. My main concern is timing component wear as I do plan to keep the truck for 8-10yrs with about 10-12k per year. Though Ford did update phasers and timing components starting in 21 and I haven't seen a issues yet. I did search for used oil analysis and other topics on the gen 3 3.5 ecoboost, but surprisingly there isn't much on BITOG regarding the 21+ 3.5 ecoboost despite how many are out there.

I got the 23 F150 with a 3.5 ecoboost this summer with 27k. I have so far done 2 oil changes. At 27k 5w30 Valvoline Restore and Protect/Microgard Select right after purchase and at 30k 5w30 Valvoline Restore and Protect/Microgard select. Records indicate OCI's from 5k (with one at about 7500) by the previous owner done at a Ford dealer. I have considered using Valvoline Restore and Protect for every oil change as it seems like a solid oil overall and it will keep it very clean. AMSOIL Signature Series 5w30 is a consideration also since it really isn't that expensive compartively to other oils and I already use Amsoil for my motorcycle. One of the things I've noticed when I was a technician doing phasers on 5.4's or replacing turbos on other vehicles is that they tend to appear neglected when tearing into them. Often times with build up on the screens or passages that obviously restrict oil flow. That's what I'm hoping to avoid! Now the 10R80 longevity is whole different subject...lol

I know I'm over thinking this as there are thousands of F150's out there with questionable maintenance that are going strong, but that's what this forum is all about.

Use 5w-30 to retain your warranty just in case something happens

 

[TacoFergie]

Your plan to continue using Valvoline Restore and Protect 5W-30 seems fine to me. That’s what I use. For what it’s worth, the Valvoline Restore and Protect meets Ford WSS-M2C961-A1, API SQ & ILSAC GF-7a specifications which is what Ford recommends. Valvoline states it is their top performing oil. I doubt you will prevent any problems by switching to Amsoil (or Mobil 1 ESP) but it probably won’t hurt anything; all of the above would be fine. I would do at least 20,000 miles on the restore and protect before switching away from it. That’s what Valvoline initially claimed would allow Valvoline Restore and Protect’s cleaning to run its course.

Here is a quote from a Valvoline email about using it continuously:

Your thread was one that really showed the value of using Valvoline Restore and Protect. Now I know pretty much any synthetic oil at 5k OCI's would be just fine for my conditions, but were here because we're nerds. Really the biggest advantage I see in Valvoline Restore and Protect is maintaining a clean engine and piston rings. I'll be curious how your Broncos compare when you go to clean the throttle body to see if there's any difference in deposit build up between Valvoline Restore and Protect and HPL.

 

[TacoFergie]

OP, just going to second this advice here.

I think you won't go wrong with Valvoline Restore and Protect, AMSOIL Signature Series (could probably run longer), Mobil 1 ESP 0W-30, or any other xW-30 or xW-40 Euro oil with approvals like MB 229.5x, Porsche A40/C30, VW 502/504, etc. If you don't run Valvoline Restore and Protect forever, I'd do at least 20,000 miles on it to clean the piston rings first before running an oil that will run clean.

I think I'd also check a used oil analysis at your preferred interval (after two changes on the same oil to minimize mixing) just to make sure you don't have really high fuel dilution and unknowingly drop your viscosity early. Would hate to find that out the hard way when you have timing chain issues, etc. down the road. Just send to Oil Analyzers, Polaris, or Wearcheck. Anyone but Blackstone really. If you have really bad fuel dilution, you might need to cut down the OCIs even more.

One reason I was considering 0w40 or 0w30 ESP is the Porsche certs and I've read that Porsche certified take into account timing chain wear more than other certs. I could be wrong on that front, but I thought I've read that somewhere on the forums.

I've considered doing used oil analysis, but haven't settled on it yet. I know it's impossible to know if what I'm doing is the right thing without data. But I don't plan on doing extended intervals past much 5k unless life gets in the way of an oil change. I've used OAI in the past for our Subaru Ascent and that proved to be the right choice since that FA24DIT is horrible for fuel dilution, so that armed me with the knowledge of 3-4k OCI's on that vehicle is likely the best choice. So maybe this next oil change I'll do a report to see how things look, especially with extended idle in the winter using the remote start.

 

[TacoFergie]

With that interval not a problem & from your sig it appears you don't keep long anyways if you're trading in 8 years or so.

Oddly enough, 8-10 years is a pretty long time for the majority of people. Mileage vs time is generally a factor for me. In the summer I have the motorcycle and MR2 that I drive too, so it's not uncommon for my truck to sit for a week or two at a time. However, we will probably take the truck on more trips now since it's more comfortable than the Tacoma was and I think more comfortable than our Ascent. Heck, my 15 Tacoma I traded in this summer for the F150 only had 72k and I had that 9 years.

 

[TacoFergie]

OP are you under warranty or not? I'm sticking with Ford approved 5w30's for now, but will go Euro the second I am out of warranty. Quaker State Ultimate Performance and Valvoline Extended Protection High Mileage are top choices with the Ford spec, both top quality oils with GTL, thick for grade and lots of additives. I still won't do more than 5k though.

I am under warranty still and have Ford ESP to 100k/8yrs. Though I've never heard of a warranty denial due to the weight of oil used unless the owner self reported it (that's on the owner then), the dealer or manufacture does not do a used oil analysis on warranty claims. The only thing the tech would report is oil level or if the oil indicated severe neglect.

 

[rodinator1234]

I have 110k on my 2015 Gen1 3.5 it has had 0w40 or 5w40. Mobil 1 with 5ish thousand mile oil changes since new. I say 5k because some times it was under 5 some times it was a little over. Depending on weather, time and such but close. No phaser issues, or chain issues. I think long drain intervals on DI motors is an issue with the micro soot particles in the oil causing chain wear. Then there is the theory of hot idle oil pressure on hot days if oil is thin causing phasers to not hold position and "rattle" like when you are in traffic or the tensioner to not hold tension when running oil longer drains and fuel dilution continues to increase. All these reasons are why I am a shorter interval change person. I have never done a used oil analysis on the engine, these are all things I have read and thought about from here.

 

[altaylar]

Your plan to continue using Valvoline Restore and Protect 5W-30 seems fine to me. That’s what I use. For what it’s worth, the Valvoline Restore and Protect meets Ford WSS-M2C961-A1, API SQ & ILSAC GF-7a specifications which is what Ford recommends. Valvoline states it is their top performing oil. I doubt you will prevent any problems by switching to Amsoil (or Mobil 1 ESP) but it probably won’t hurt anything; all of the above would be fine. I would do at least 20,000 miles on the restore and protect before switching away from it. That’s what Valvoline initially claimed would allow Valvoline Restore and Protect’s cleaning to run its course.

Here is a quote from a Valvoline email about using it continuously:

Looks like the first reply is all you needed.

I second this advice. If your intervals 5k miles, Valvoline Restore and Protect seems to be a great choice, but anything more then 7k miles then i would consider amsoil/hpl products. If your annual usage is around 10k miles, it just works perfectly. If more around 15-20k miles, going with those boutiques can save you one-two oil change.

Ps: you have a great engine there, one that they upgraded quite a bit. Enjoy!

 

[fantastic]

Oddly enough, 8-10 years is a pretty long time for the majority of people. Mileage vs time is generally a factor for me. In the summer I have the motorcycle and MR2 that I drive too, so it's not uncommon for my truck to sit for a week or two at a time. However, we will probably take the truck on more trips now since it's more comfortable than the Tacoma was and I think more comfortable than our Ascent. Heck, my 15 Tacoma I traded in this summer for the F150 only had 72k and I had that 9 years.

I agree that 8-10 yrs is a long time but like you mentioned about your lower mileage even at that age is no problem w/what you want to do.

 

[TacoFergie]

Looks like the first reply is all you needed.

I second this advice. If your intervals 5k miles, Valvoline Restore and Protect seems to be a great choice, but anything more then 7k miles then i would consider amsoil/hpl products. If your annual usage is around 10k miles, it just works perfectly. If more around 15-20k miles, going with those boutiques can save you one-two oil change.

Ps: you have a great engine there, one that they upgraded quite a bit. Enjoy!

I tend to overthink things like this when most oils would suffice. With current driving habits, I do like the idea of Valvoline Restore and Protect to keep thing clean and happy! I'd like to use HPL, but the initial price is a bit much to swallow, even though it can easily go twice the distance/time and essentially equal out. But as much short trip driving as I do, I just have a hard time with 7500-10k/1yr OCI's.

Regarding your PS: What changes were made in the 21+/gen 3? What I've been able to find is just timing component changes. Am I missing anything there? I do prefer it over the 2.7 mainly due to the wet belt pump, though I've yet to see one fail. The 5.0 having a wet belt and cylinder deactivation concerns as well, though again I haven't seen issues with that either. It's hard to pick a bad engine in the F150 to be honest. I really wanted a 23 Powerboost, but long term is somewhat unknown yet and I couldn't find one that was very clean or less than 60k miles in my area. Crazy how many $60-70k trucks get so beat up in just few years.