MC 5W30 6K in 2021 Ford Ranger 2.3 Eco at 48.6K mi

[OwnOilChangeGuy]

This is a very recent UOA from my 2021 Ford Ranger 2.3 Eco at 48,600 miles after a 6,000 mile interval using Motorcraft synthetic blend 5w30 and a Motorcraft oil filter. The oil life monitor still showed 37% left. During the interval, the truck was driven towing a 2000lb trailer 750 miles to and from New Mexico in 100 degree temperatures and later making the same trip in 30 degree temperatures. The rest of rest of interval was medium and short trips around my home area. I don't drive many very short trips around town. I usually change the oil every 5,000 miles but had to stretch this one to 6,000. It looks like Motorcraft synthetic blend oil is fine for 5,000 mile intervals with my truck. I thought this UOA would be interesting because of the towing and extreme temperatures.

Comments and recommendations?

 

[ctechbob]

Maybe one day I'll get around to doing a UOA on mine after a summers worth of towing the 6000# travel trailer in the south.

Looks like yours is doing just fine.

I truly believe that the 2.3 is the best EcoBoost in the lineup or at least neck&neck with the 2.7. If they'd add PFI to the 2.3 there wouldn't be any question.

 

[JAG]

That has extremely high fuel dilution. What viscosity grade(s) do they recommend? Even if xW-20 is recommended, I’d use 0W-40 or 5W-40, which will probably end up as xW-20 or low viscosity xW-30 after sheering and fuel dilution.

 

[fantastic]

The viscosity is very low for a 5w-30. That's 0w-20 territory. Results look good otherwise.

 

[fusseli]

That fuel dilution is totally normal in the 2.3 gtdi. But I do agree the MC blend and full synth oil is pretty weak and does not stand up to the abuse well despite it being Fords own oil. I think 5w40 is a great idea to consider. The race oil for this engine is like 15w50 for gods sake. I’ve been trying different EP oils trying to find a decent one but still will probably end up going 5w40.

 

[KCJeep]

The “wear numbers “ are fine but the UOA is a much better look at the condition of the oil. Shame on Ford for allowing a syn-blend in an Ecoboost. This is way too thin and probably has been quite a while.

I have the same engine in my Mustang and have sought out the thickest high quality 5w30 that carries the Ford spec. Currently using Valvoline EP high mileage, loaded with additives, GTL full syn base, and HTHS of 3.3. Available at a reasonable price too.

 

[OwnOilChangeGuy]

What would be a good synthetic oil upgrade to the MC that is Ford approved and available at Walmart? Mobil 1 5w30?

 

[OwnOilChangeGuy]

Maybe one day I'll get around to doing a UOA on mine after a summers worth of towing the 6000# travel trailer in the south.

Looks like yours is doing just fine.

I truly believe that the 2.3 is the best EcoBoost in the lineup or at least neck&neck with the 2.7. If they'd add PFI to the 2.3 there wouldn't be any question.

That would be an interesting UOA for sure.