Changing oil brands to avoid varnish?

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First time I've heard this one, so I'm skeptical. Is it true that changing oil brands regularly helps to eliminate varnish? I have been loyal to Mobil 1 for quite some time, and am not comfortable switching up. But I have a 5.4 3V, and they are sensitive to any kind of buildup. Any thoughts on this rumor? Thanks in advance.
 
No, the oil formula in the same brand changes all the time and they are more similar to each other, than the same oil from different time in the past. If you are concerned about varnish, do more frequent oil change and use synthetic.
 
Originally Posted by Vigilant
First time I've heard this one, so I'm skeptical. Is it true that changing oil brands regularly helps to eliminate varnish?


Maybe, but then again.....


Originally Posted by Vigilant

I have been loyal to Mobil 1 for quite some time, and am not comfortable switching up. But I have a 5.4 3V, and they are sensitive to any kind of buildup. Any thoughts on this rumor? Thanks in advance.


...there have been scads of M1 pics under valve covers posted here, all without sludge, including tig1's, who's been using M1 @ 10k intervals for decades.



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I believe it's generally understood that Mobil 1 and Pennzoil Ultra Platinum will keep engines the cleanest.
 
"Crusher" uses Amsoil with a bypass filter on his 2011 5.4 liter Expedition.....

he "tops off" when he changes the filters, but other than that - his oil hasn't been *changed* (per se) in over 80,000 miles

His inside valve cover pics are on here somewhere - - nice and clean inside.
 
VOLVO used to recommend changing gasoline suppliers for the same reason. That was in the dark ages in the 70s and 80s. I am of the mind set to pick a good oil and continue to use it. Ed
 
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Thanks for the replies. I use M! EP. I won't put much more than a thousand miles a year on that '06 5.4 4X4, and I'll change it at the 1 year mark. As sensitive as these 5.4 3Vs are to sludge and dirty oil, I'll stick with Mobil 1 Extended Performance even for that short an interval. I also have another '06 F-150, a 4.6 4X2. I run Mobil 1 Extended Performance there also, and change it at 8000 mile intervals. I know that's overkill, but that's what I'm comfortable with. 5W20 in both, and switching from Motorcraft oil filters to Fram Ultra.
 
Originally Posted by ka9mnx
Nothing wrong with the Motorcraft filter.


I believe the Ultra is more efficient than the Motorcraft. I need to keep the oil in that 5.4 3V as clean as possible.
 
Originally Posted by Eddie
VOLVO used to recommend changing gasoline suppliers for the same reason.


good luck with that one anymore.... 100% of the Gas sold within 50 miles of me comes from the local refinery. of course there's different add packs for different branded stations, but..
 
I read a post somewhere years back - guy said he retired as an organic chemist for a major oil company and in the fuel additives group - he said his rule of thumb was to run another brand every 3 or 4 tanks just to flip the chemistry from time to time …
I only buy Exxon/Mobil and Shell … Chevron if I can't find the others - so I'm doing something like that already in both fuels and lubes ...
 
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Only top tier gas stations here are Shell, Exxon, and a pitiful toilet of a Citgo station that's not an option. Shell is the most convenient, so that's the brand I generally use. No complaints.
 
Originally Posted by Vigilant
First time I've heard this one, so I'm skeptical. Is it true that changing oil brands regularly helps to eliminate varnish? I have been loyal to Mobil 1 for quite some time, and am not comfortable switching up. But I have a 5.4 3V, and they are sensitive to any kind of buildup. Any thoughts on this rumor? Thanks in advance.

You haven't even experienced varnish yet and you want to change brands?
Why are you trying to fix something that's ain't damaged or broke?

You are using a mid-level priced, top-dog oil. If you can continue to afford it, then continue to use it.
 
Originally Posted by Triple_Se7en
Originally Posted by Vigilant
First time I've heard this one, so I'm skeptical. Is it true that changing oil brands regularly helps to eliminate varnish? I have been loyal to Mobil 1 for quite some time, and am not comfortable switching up. But I have a 5.4 3V, and they are sensitive to any kind of buildup. Any thoughts on this rumor? Thanks in advance.

You haven't even experienced varnish yet and you want to change brands?
Why are you trying to fix something that's ain't damaged or broke?

You are using a mid-level priced, top-dog oil. If you can continue to afford it, then continue to use it.



Good grief. Read my post again, and pay attention this time.
 
Originally Posted by Triple_Se7en
Originally Posted by Vigilant
First time I've heard this one, so I'm skeptical. Is it true that changing oil brands regularly helps to eliminate varnish? I have been loyal to Mobil 1 for quite some time, and am not comfortable switching up. But I have a 5.4 3V, and they are sensitive to any kind of buildup. Any thoughts on this rumor? Thanks in advance.

You haven't even experienced varnish yet and you want to change brands?
Why are you trying to fix something that's ain't damaged or broke?

You are using a mid-level priced, top-dog oil. If you can continue to afford it, then continue to use it.

==================================================================================

Right on - That's the key take away - use an oil known to prevent deposits - if it's after the fact use BG et al
 
Two years easy on that oil at one thousand miles a year.

The Mobil 1 Extended Performance oil will do it's Job for you.

And, if not, who cares you don't drive the thing
smile.gif


I'm here for therapy session for the OCD.

I know, I had it baddd in the 90's
 
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Originally Posted by earlyre
Originally Posted by Eddie
VOLVO used to recommend changing gasoline suppliers for the same reason.


good luck with that one anymore.... 100% of the Gas sold within 50 miles of me comes from the local refinery. of course there's different add packs for different branded stations, but..

A friend who was a Standard Oil guy told me (years ago) "everybody cheats on the additives but they cheat on different ones". Still true? I dunno....
 
Originally Posted by Eddie
VOLVO used to recommend changing gasoline suppliers for the same reason. That was in the dark ages in the 70s and 80s. I am of the mind set to pick a good oil and continue to use it. Ed

Volvo has a good excuse for everything , junk .
 
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