OCI suggestions

[BlueOvalFitter]

2007 F150,4.2V6,79K miles
Since i've been unemployed I only put an average of 20-30 miles on my truck a week.With mileage that low on the oil what is a good OCI? I usually do 3K/3month OCIs.

 

[Radman]

If finances are that bad use whatever you can afford until you get back on your feet

 

[Burt]

Once a year will be ok. Every six months if you want to.

What kind of work are you looking for?

 

[BlueOvalFitter]

Originally Posted By: Radman
If finances are that bad use whatever you can afford until you get back on your feet


I am doing this but at what OCI?

 

[qdeezie]

Honestly, if you are using a stout conventional oil (which I'm assuming by your 3K/3mos comment), you can go at least 5-6K or every 6 mos.

I had that same situation once and bit the bullet financially and used a good syn and a high quality oil filter and didn't change it for a year because I knew I wouldn't be able to.

The vehicle still runs like new nearly 10 years later........

 

[Bill in Utah]

If all those 20-30 miles are short trips (less than 10 miles at a time) I'd recommend 6 month OCIs with any 5w-20 oil. Change the filter every other time (once a year).

I'm doing exactly the same with my Uncle's 2005 F1550 with the 5.4l. He had a "slight" stroke and does not drive much anymore and most of his trips are short.

Hope things (work) turn positive for you in the near future!

Bill

 

[BlueOvalFitter]

I'm using Motorcraft 5W20 oil and Motorcraft oil filters.

 

[Bill in Utah]

Originally Posted By: BlueOvalFitter
I'm using Motorcraft 5W20 oil and Motorcraft oil filters.


Can NOT do ANY "better" in my book!

 

[bigdawg74]

If you are doing multiple short trips a week, then 6 months. Keep using the Motorcraft oil/filters. Good luck!

 

[wiswind]

I hope your employment situation changes for the better SOON.
There are lots of folks in your situation.
Your oil and filter choice sounds very good, both have a good reputation.

Particularly in cold weather, having a occassional trip that is long enough to get your motor warmed up to the point that moisture will be able to evaporate out of the system would be a good idea.
Even 20-30 minutes should be plenty long enough to do a pretty good job of that....particularly in FL where it does not get as cold as many other places do.
Hopefully you will have a GOOD job by the time cold weather comes back around.

The other thing to keep an eye on is your gasoline.
Sitting in the tank for as long as it is at 20-30 miles a week could cause some issues.
A fuel system add, like Redline Fuel System Cleaner (in a maintenance dose) would be my choice.
1 bottle will treat at least 3 tanks of gasoline in a maintenance dose.
There are other quality fuel add choices as well.....

 

[BlueOvalFitter]

Originally Posted By: wiswind
The other thing to keep an eye on is your gasoline.
Sitting in the tank for as long as it is at 20-30 miles a week could cause some issues.
A fuel system add, like Redline Fuel System Cleaner (in a maintenance dose) would be my choice.
1 bottle will treat at least 3 tanks of gasoline in a maintenance dose.
There are other quality fuel add choices as well.....

I never thought of that.I just filled my tank yesterday.It had been over 2 months since I fueled up.How about that additive called STABIL?

 

[yaris0128]

+1 to Bill in Utah
If your doing extended OCI's Id hope they are mostly highway. Im doing something similar. I just finished up a 1 year OCI on my yaris that had 4,600 miles on it with SuperTech syn. The oil will hold up fine if your giving that engine time to heat up that oil. Of the 68 miles a week I put on my yaris I do 66 miles 100% highway and 2 miles short trip city every week. I wish I could get it out more but thats a decent set up for a 1 year OCI.

 

[CROWNVIC4LIFE]

I definitely agree with everyone who said stick to the Motorcraft 5w20 Blend every 6 months due to your short runs.

Hope things get alot better for you in the near future.

 

[BlueOvalFitter]

Originally Posted By: Burt
Once a year will be ok. Every six months if you want to.

What kind of work are you looking for?


I'm a pipefitter/welder by trade.

 

[Gene K]

At 1000-1500 miles a year once a year will be fine.

As a matter of fact on the newer Ford Trucks with an Oil Life Monitor the time limit is one year in the manual (if the OLM hasnt triggered by then).