Engine break-in for a Ford Duratec 6 cyl., 3 liter engine.
Vehicle is Ford Freestyle for family use. Current mileage is ~6000.
Ford recommends Motorcraft 5W20 blend and FL-820S filter at OCI of 5000.
The manual suggests that break-in will occur within 3000 miles and not to monitor fuel consumption until after that point.
I changed factory fill at 2700 miles to Castrol 5W20 non-synthetic which met Ford spec. (factory filter stayed) and let dealer change at 5300 miles (paperwork verified correct oil/filter).
The vehicle has a MPG computer which can show instantaneous readings. Just after 2700 mile oil change, I could only get highway to 22 mpg max. Just after the 5300 mile change, I could get 25-26 mpg. I assume break-in period was longer than 3000 miles based on mpg. After the 8000 mile change, I will again check the mpg on the same highway course, both directions, used at 5300 miles.
My questions:
1) What do you think Ford’s break-in strategy is ? a) machine to and use their 5W20 blend only (no additive at factory)? b) use an additive to their 5W20 blend from the factory, c) use a non-synthetic for break-in with/without additive. d) other suggestions ?
2) I understand break-in with non-synthetic is generally recommended unless machined for a synth. What happens during break-in with a blend relative to a conventional or synthetic. ? Any experience ?
3) I read that the factory filter was somehow different. Mine looked the same but no markings/label. Also I heard about some assembly grease as a possible source of additive. If an additive was used, how would it be introduced ? Via special filter ?
4) Is Miles Per Gallon (mpg) a good way to verify break-in ? Otherwise how do I know when break-in has completed ?
5) Some new owners change the oil immediately upon arrival. Others at 1000 miles. The majority probably just do 5000 miles. What do you recommend as a break-in strategy ?
I plan OCI of 2500-3000 miles using Motorcraft blend until break-in is complete and everything is verified stable concerning oil consumption.
Then I’ll do a test with Mobil 1 5W20 synth. and run the highway mpg test. I’m considering an OCI of 5000 miles with M1 if economics can justify it. The MC 5W20 blend is $2/qt at Walmart (don’t like the store) and the FL-820S is $3.40.
I will probably stay with the FL-820S filter but I do have a Mobil 1 filter on-hand for a test if the engine runs dirty and loads the filter (I expect not.)
I will be posting this info on several forums to help new owners and your contribution and comments are encouraged.
BTW, my goal is ‘zero’ oil consumption with OCI of 3000 miles just like my 1997 Tahoe 5.7l at 136K miles, where I used Castrol GTX 10w30 and mainly dinky FRAM filers the size of a can of soup (clean running engine though).
Expert Comments Please !
Vehicle is Ford Freestyle for family use. Current mileage is ~6000.
Ford recommends Motorcraft 5W20 blend and FL-820S filter at OCI of 5000.
The manual suggests that break-in will occur within 3000 miles and not to monitor fuel consumption until after that point.
I changed factory fill at 2700 miles to Castrol 5W20 non-synthetic which met Ford spec. (factory filter stayed) and let dealer change at 5300 miles (paperwork verified correct oil/filter).
The vehicle has a MPG computer which can show instantaneous readings. Just after 2700 mile oil change, I could only get highway to 22 mpg max. Just after the 5300 mile change, I could get 25-26 mpg. I assume break-in period was longer than 3000 miles based on mpg. After the 8000 mile change, I will again check the mpg on the same highway course, both directions, used at 5300 miles.
My questions:
1) What do you think Ford’s break-in strategy is ? a) machine to and use their 5W20 blend only (no additive at factory)? b) use an additive to their 5W20 blend from the factory, c) use a non-synthetic for break-in with/without additive. d) other suggestions ?
2) I understand break-in with non-synthetic is generally recommended unless machined for a synth. What happens during break-in with a blend relative to a conventional or synthetic. ? Any experience ?
3) I read that the factory filter was somehow different. Mine looked the same but no markings/label. Also I heard about some assembly grease as a possible source of additive. If an additive was used, how would it be introduced ? Via special filter ?
4) Is Miles Per Gallon (mpg) a good way to verify break-in ? Otherwise how do I know when break-in has completed ?
5) Some new owners change the oil immediately upon arrival. Others at 1000 miles. The majority probably just do 5000 miles. What do you recommend as a break-in strategy ?
I plan OCI of 2500-3000 miles using Motorcraft blend until break-in is complete and everything is verified stable concerning oil consumption.
Then I’ll do a test with Mobil 1 5W20 synth. and run the highway mpg test. I’m considering an OCI of 5000 miles with M1 if economics can justify it. The MC 5W20 blend is $2/qt at Walmart (don’t like the store) and the FL-820S is $3.40.
I will probably stay with the FL-820S filter but I do have a Mobil 1 filter on-hand for a test if the engine runs dirty and loads the filter (I expect not.)
I will be posting this info on several forums to help new owners and your contribution and comments are encouraged.
BTW, my goal is ‘zero’ oil consumption with OCI of 3000 miles just like my 1997 Tahoe 5.7l at 136K miles, where I used Castrol GTX 10w30 and mainly dinky FRAM filers the size of a can of soup (clean running engine though).
Expert Comments Please !
