Duratec 2.3 OCI frequency with low use?

[SLN]

I’ve read a lot of posts on this forum, but while I got a lot of information, it didn’t answer all of my questions.

I just bought a 2010 Ranger with the 2.3L Mazda-designed Duratec engine, and it's manual states that the oil should be changed every 7.5K miles. I’m about to change the oil and set my schedule, and so I’m trying to determine OCI-- how often and what type. It is currently at 60K miles and the previous owner ran Castrol GTX 5W20 conventional.

I drive fairly lightly, and vehicles often have a long period of warmup. This Ranger is my second vehicle so it doesn’t get much use. I've always changed oil every 6 months but at the rate I'm going it will have far less than even 5K on it. The manual doesn't say anything about how often it should be changed, only distance.

One of the issues with this engine is it’s PCV valve is really hard to access. I’ve always changed them on my other cars often to keep them from plugging and blowing seals. Is there an advantage in terms of internal engine cleanliness of doing more frequent OCI with conventional, or a less frequent OCI with synthetic?

Currently I'm planning to stick with conventional for an OCI every 6 months no matter how many miles (and likely with less than 5K). Since SN grade oils are so much better than older grades, and I’m going to be swapping oil out with few miles, I’m planning to stick with conventional. I’ve read good things on here about the cleaning abilities of Pennzoil Conventional 5w20 and planning to switch to that.

Do any of you with direct experience on the Duratec have any advice regarding conventional and sludging/cleanliness in these engines? Please let me know if I’m way off the mark with my planned 6 months rotation with Pennzoil conventional.

 

[SwampSurvivor]

Excellent engine that is very easy on oil. Provided you get it out on the highway (or up to full temperature) when you use it once in a while, I'd run a year.

Any Conventional is going to be good for 7500 or less.

If you're going only 6 months or 5K miles - SN Conventional will serve you fine.

 

[SLN]

Thanks for such a quick response! I'm glad to hear that I'm on the right track and conventional will work for this OCI.

On a related note, Ford/Mazda changed the thermostat from the 208 degree one that came when the 2.3L Duratec was first introduced, to the 180 that came on them later. Doesn't engine oil need to get over 192 to burn off all the contaminants in the oil? It's an inlet thermostat on the bottom of the engine if that has anything to do with it? It's just a technical question--I know people are getting good clean used oil analyses from these engines--but I am just trying to figure out what I'm missing here.

 

[jrustles]

180F/82C inlet thermostat is pretty standard - comes stock on many engines including my '93 Mazda 2.5L V6

 

[Oregoonian]

IMO....Mobil 1 0w20 ATF, and a Fram Ultra filter, should be able to go up to 18 months and up to 8000 to 9000 miles easily.

IMO, a synthetic would be much better for a 'short tripper', and you wouldn't have to change oil as often.

I love this combination for my 2.3L Duratec. My last OCI was 9200 and 13 months with the above combo.

 

[tig1]

Originally Posted By: Oregoonian
IMO....Mobil 1 0w20 ATF, and a Fram Ultra filter, should be able to go up to 18 months and up to 8000 to 9000 miles easily.

IMO, a synthetic would be much better for a 'short tripper', and you wouldn't have to change oil as often.

I love this combination for my 2.3L Duratec. My last OCI was 9200 and 13 months with the above combo.



+1. That's what I use in my Duratechs with great success.

 

[Zaedock]

Any modern conventional would be able to handle a 6 month interval.

Regarding synthetic, you could run Mobil 1 for a year and be fine. I have run my trail Jeep with 5W30 Quaker State Synthetic to 2.5 years with tougher use than just about anyone, and it's fine. It sometimes goes months between use.

I think a syn change yearly would be a solid choice (realistically, conventional would be too, but would be up to you).

 

[SLN]

Thanks for all the advice! It sounds like the consensus is longer intervals with synthetic. Shoot, I just missed the sale on Mobil 1, but there's one on Quaker State Ultimate Durability and Quaker State Synthetic was certainly was put to the test in your jeep. It's even supposed to increase MPGs, if one can believe the claim on the bottle. But I just might go for the Mobil 1 0W20.