I need some suggesions from oil "specialists"

[pmt]

To: Metroplex I have a 96 T-Bird with 4.6L V-8. Do you know if it has the Romeo or Windsor engine? Also, used Mobil 1 5w30 for years in it and it never used a drop of oil in 5000 mi changes until at about 45,000 mi it started to consume some - no leaks anywhere though. Probably a valve stem seal wearing, hardening, or cracked? I switched to Delvac 1 and consumption in 5000 mi dropped to less than a pint in 5000 mi.
Thanks.
pmt

 

[mf150]

Jimbo-

Exactly my thought. It doesn't get cold enough for a 5W oil where I live. The coldest day may only get into the 40*F. If I go to the Sierras, I would change it because it gets one heck of a lot colder. I'm changing the Red Line ever 5,000 miles due to the warranty (I bought the extended). After the warranty is up, I will go 10,000 miles or one year with (used oil analysis of course).
Thanks for the reply!

PMT-
With the F-150's you can tell which engine you have by looking at the VIN number (the 8th number/letter in). If you have a "W" the engine was made at the Romeo plant (MI). If you have a "6" the engine was made at Windsor (Can). I could be wrong, but I think the Windsor plant only makes truck engines. The Romeo plant produces some of the f-150's and cars like Mustangs, and thunderbirds, etc. You can also tell with the valve cover bolt configuration.

[ June 17, 2003, 07:12 PM: Message edited by: mf150 ]

 

[Jimbo]

Unless you travel to the Sierras in winter, there is no reason to use a 5W where you live. If I was spending the money on Redline, I would leave it in for a year, doing used oil analysis, of course.