I just picked up a 2002 Ford Escape XLT V6 4x4 with 83K on it. I would like to make this motor last a while and perform its best (Duratec 3.0L). The manual says to use Motorcraft 5w-20. I'm guessing that is what the dealer put in. However, I want to drain and put in something else that will provide me with better protection. Any suggestions? I'm a noob when it comes to oil, but most people hear know a thing or two when it comes to oil. I really appreciate your help!
Ford Escape Oil Suggestion
- Thread starter lancerplayer
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Amsoil ASL 5W-30 or ASM 0W-20 would be my suggestions.
nothing wrong with Motorcraft, it is a very good oil and has turned very good wear numbers.
Others have had good luck with Pennzoil Platinum as well.
Others have had good luck with Pennzoil Platinum as well.
Amsoil if u don't mind to pay a little more
As a fellow Escape owner...an '01 with 57K miles, I'd suggest you stick with an Xw-20 oil. Any brand. From what I've learned on BITOG, 5w & 0W20 oils as a group are darn good oils and tough to beat. I seriously doubt you'll gain any "better protection" by using something else. The brands already mentioned are all excellent choices.
BTW, with an Escape, which has Ford's CD4E tranny in it, I'd pay more attention to changing the Mercon ATF on regular basis than what motor oil is used.
BTW, with an Escape, which has Ford's CD4E tranny in it, I'd pay more attention to changing the Mercon ATF on regular basis than what motor oil is used.
Should I go with a conventional, synthetic, or high mileage oil at 5w-20?
Roger...Thanks for tranny advice. I will look into that.
Roger...Thanks for tranny advice. I will look into that.
Motorcraft 5w-20 is a very good oil. The specs look ordinary and results of uoa's, the same but in fleet service is does just fine. It's a blend and good for hot or cold weather. If you do not do extended oci's it will perform as well as most synthetic's. If you want to do longer intervals, Amsoil's new 0w-20 is an excellent choice. If you are willing to pay more you could always try RLI (do a search).
Don't forget to flush the cooling system and change the thermostat, flush the brake fluid completely and change the transfluid and diff's. This kind of stuff is insurance against the unknown past. It won't cost too much and you will get to look at the fluids that come out to help you determine how far to go with catch-up maintenance. The Escape is a great vehicle worth keeping if it proves to be a sound vehicle.
Don't forget to flush the cooling system and change the thermostat, flush the brake fluid completely and change the transfluid and diff's. This kind of stuff is insurance against the unknown past. It won't cost too much and you will get to look at the fluids that come out to help you determine how far to go with catch-up maintenance. The Escape is a great vehicle worth keeping if it proves to be a sound vehicle.
I have an 03 Limited with 37500 miles on it. Bought it new. I buy what is on sale. I always use 5W20. I would have no problem with Motorcraft, but other stuff has been a better buy. So far I have had Mobil 7500, Mobil 1, and Pennzoil Platinum in it. It seems to like Pennzoil Platinum, and as long as I can keep finding it for $1.99 a quart I'll keep using it. I have two more oil changes of it on the shelf. I change it every 5,000 miles.
Will I see any benefit of using a synthetic over a conventional for 75% highway miles?
The synthetic I would be interested in would be Pennzoil Platinum, Valvoline Max Life, or Motorcraft Synthetic Blend. The conventional I would be interested in would be Pennzoil Conventional (yellow jug), Valvoline Max Life, or Mobil 1 Conventional.
Any suggestions?
The synthetic I would be interested in would be Pennzoil Platinum, Valvoline Max Life, or Motorcraft Synthetic Blend. The conventional I would be interested in would be Pennzoil Conventional (yellow jug), Valvoline Max Life, or Mobil 1 Conventional.
Any suggestions?
How do you drive? whats the climate?How long do you idle? stop and go or freeway? dirt roads or pavement? do you tow or not? whats your oci? how do you know something els will protect better?
Just use Valvoline Maxlife, because its the best.
I am a former Escape owner. Like others have said, the Motorcraft 5w-20 Synthetic blend is an excellent oil. In fact, you can pick up a jug of it at Wally World for about $10.50. UOA shows it's an excellent oil. Also, the Motorcraft oil filter also at Wally World for around $3 is a superb oil filter for your three dollars worth. But even more important, like others have said is to change the Trans Fluid about every 20K-30K miles. Use only Mercon III, not Mercon IV. A good site to learn more is escape-central.com Do a search and you'll see. Good luck to you!
Triple_Se7en
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Well - you typed three posts of questions - but failed to mention how long your OCIs will be. If it's 4K or under, conventional oil is fine. If it's 4-6K, use a synblend. If it's 6+K OCIs, then synthetic. These are my oil choices - but maybe not anyone elses here.
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