Hey 2004 F150 4x4,
Welcome to BITOG!
Don't feel bad about being confused about oils when learning about them, we've been all there done that. **** sometimes I still get confused, hehe
The dealer only reccomends you use what they say while under warranty so if something were to happen to the truck, it doesn't cost you a dime.
On to oils: 0w20, 5w20, and 10w30 do have there differences but the real thing is how well they flow upon start up. 0w oil will flow better than the 5w or 10w because it is of lighter viscosity, because the oil hardly weighs anything when upon start up. Now when, when the oil gets warmed up it acts as a 20w viscosity oil, hence the reason for multi viscosity. 10w30 will flow the worst of all these viscosities of oils becuase of it's heavier viscosity properties. The 10w30 however is more shear stable being thicker that it is from the 2 it will perform better under hotter climates and or if your towing something. YOu can use 5w30 year around where you live but if it was me, I would feel better knowing I have 10w30 in the crankcase. Also using, 5w30 in the cooler months with the stock Motorcraft filter will give you good flow and filtration properties. Nice thing about Motorcraft is they have a ADBV(Anti Drain Back Valve) meaning when you shut the truck off, contaiminated oil will not flow back into the engine) Other filters have these as well, but from reading on here, the Motorcraft seems to have the best one, to my knowledge.
Mobil1 and Motorcraft are both excellent oils with great protections. The differences are well, Motorcraft is a semi synthetic blend and Mobil1 is a pure PAO based synthetic.
Mobil1 will keep your engine cleaner being synthetic that it is and you can go longer on your OCI's (Oil Change Intervals) But for now, I would stick with the Motorcraft to ensure proper break in for your new F150. BTW, congrats on the new purchase! After about 500-1000 miles you can swap the engine oil and filter for Mobil1 10w30 if you so choose too. The Motorcraft 5w20 is also very shear stable meaning it's very resistant to breaking down under heat and pressure making it for an excellent break in oil for newer Fords.
Mobil1 you can go easily 6-7K miles on the oil and filter without changing it. Course your driving style and climate conditions will vary as to how long you can really go without changing the oil. Both Motorcraft and Mobil1 will keep your engine clean but I think Mobil1 will serve you well.
Also, to ensure a pure clean engine with maximum lubrication, check out Lube Control. Here is the link.
www.lubecontrol.com
I'm not going to sit here and lecture about which oil to use and bager you about Mobil1 or anything, that's at your discrection. I'm only giving some good advice. Hope this helps,,,,AR
[ August 19, 2004, 08:33 PM: Message edited by: Airborne Ranger ]