Ok to start using synthetic at 212K

[J281v8]

Hello All,

I have a 1994 Ranger with a 2.3. I want this truck to last as long as possible. (not having payments is great) It doesn't burn or leak any oil and runs great. I was just wondering if it may cause any problems. I was going to start using Motorcraft 5w-20 blend and possibly move up to 5w-20 full synthetic. Btw i'm going to put Amsoil in the trans and rear axle this weekend. All input would be appreciated.

 

[StevieC]

Why change a formula that has worked this well this far?

Stick with Dino, especially in your moderate - hot climate.

 

[daves87rs]

I'd go with Maxlife or another High Mileage oil..

 

[Pablo]

It won't hurt a thing. But what is your goal other than a clean engine? Extended OCI's?

 

[bubbatime]

I would go with 5w30 motorcraft, motorcraft filter, and call it a day.

 

[Cutehumor]

I would keep doing what your doing. if you have 200k+ and you don't burn oil.

 

[FusilliJerry82]

I know Ford technically back-spec'd the 2.3 to 5w-20 but I'd honestly be using 5w30 in an engine that old with that many miles. If you're worried about cold performance, look into a 0w-30. But meh on Xw-20

As for the synthetic, I'd say go for it IF you're prepared to at worst:
- Fix any leaks changing over may make surface (if they appear, they technically were there already so they should be fixed anyway)
- Pay close attention to oil pressure after switching over.

When I first changed my 96 Explorer 4.0 over to synthetic (Mobil 1 5w30) at around 150k, a couple hundred miles in, my oil pressure plummeted at a traffic light. When I got it home, I changed the oil back to dino out of fear and the filter was HEAVY and the old oil had some lumps. Some crud definitely got knocked loose and lodged into the wrong spot. After that I used some Auto-RX to be safe and switched back to Synthetic which I've been using since (mostly M1 or Quaker State Synthetic). No leaks sprung though; it never burned a drop in between changes and that's still the case.

You may want to look into AutoRX. I can't say that's what cleaned out my engine enough to be able to switch back to synthetic, but it didn't hurt. The engine ran as good before the switchover as now, and that's usually how it goes, so don't expect a huge change there. But a clean engine is a happy engine.

 

[J281v8]

My goal is to keep the engine well protected at start up and in cold and hot weather. I saw the XL 5w-20 and wasn't sure if it would fly in my application. It's only had 5w30 Motorcraft or Valvoline and Motorcraft filters the last six years since I've owned it. Previously it used Pennzoil and fram.

 

[lanteau]

I would stick to the 5w30 Motorcraft or Valvoline and Motorcraft filters. Sounds like a good combination to me.

 

[J281v8]

Thanks for the info. A cleanout doesn't sound like a bad idea. And I agree with you on leaks.

 

[aquariuscsm]

Definitely keep using what you`ve been using all along. I wouldn`t change a single thing.

 

[gmchevroletruck]

edited...sorry, it was slightly off topic, don't want to hijack the thread...carry on

 

[bobfather99]

Originally Posted By: StevieC
Why change a formula that has worked this well this far?

Stick with Dino, especially in your moderate - hot climate.


+1, it aint broke, so dont fix it!!!!

 

[Gasbuggy]

I would think a good semi synthetic would be the most drastic change you should make. And I would run 5W30, not 5w20.

 

[Turk]

At least, quit using the Fram!

 

[addyguy]

Just stick with what got it to 212k miles...

 

[CROWNVIC4LIFE]

Originally Posted By: bobfather99
Originally Posted By: StevieC
Why change a formula that has worked this well this far?

Stick with Dino, especially in your moderate - hot climate.


+1, it aint broke, so dont fix it!!!!

+2

 

[Carzzz]

9 years of Fram!!! NICE!!!
i would take a peek in the oil hole and see if there is lots of varish... If there is a lot, try semi-syn and then go for full-syn... If it is nice and clean inside, go for syn right the way!

 

[Nickdfresh]

Originally Posted By: Shark
I would think a good semi synthetic would be the most drastic change you should make. And I would run 5W30, not 5w20.


Motorcraft/Conoco/Kendall/TropArc66 also make their blends in 5w30 and 10w30...

 

[Nickdfresh]

If the thread starter is intent on trying synthetic, Mobil 1 High Mileage 5W/10W-30 might not be a bad choice. It will clean, but it's hard to clean AND extend the OCI much I'm finding so depending on how long your keeping it, you might be better off running MaxLife...