Oil recommendation for '03 Explorer XLS 4.0L ?

[edweather]

I have an '03 Explorer XLS 4.0L SOHC with 145K. Bought it new. Have been running Castrol Syntec, and recently Valvoline Synthetic Maxlife. I'm looking for a recommendation for my next oil change. The recommended weight is 5w30. The truck runs great! There might be a small oil leak from the front seal. The Maxlife is getting hard to find lately. I think the only thing I'm basically sure of at this point is a Motorcraft filter. Thanks. Just joined the site!

 

[BullyT]

I have a '99 Explorer with the same 4.0L SOHC engine. About 130K miles on it. I switched to Castrol Syntec 0W30 (German Castrol) some time ago--same oil I use in my BMW 740iL. Noticeable improvement with the GC 0W30 in the Explorer. The semi-regular "rattle" from the cam chains has been greatly reduced and the engine is smoother and quieter. It's a great oil.

 

[TheLoneRanger]

I too have an Explorer, 2000 with OHV engine, and have been running Castrol GTX 10w30. The vehicle now has 100K miles with no engine issues.

I think the OCI matters as much or more than the type of oil used. I'm now stretching the previous 3K OCIs out to 4.5K.....after reading posts on BITOG.....

 

[Tempest]

My 99 OHV seems to like PP.