thinking about switching to Motorcraft oil/filter

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FiremarshalRob

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Mar 25, 2008
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Good evening.
I have been using M1 fully syn 5w30 and napa gold filters for the last 2 years in my F150. Its a 2002 5.4L with 82K miles. I don't believe I have ever used 5w-20 as my truck calls for. I don't know why.

I am thinking about switching to Motorcraft 5w-20 syn blend and motorcraft filters. Both readily available and affordable. Both Ford recommended. My reasons are to maybe gain a bit of fuel economy and save a few bucks.

Would measurable oil consumption be a result of this move?
Would measurable increased gas mileage result?
Should I consider Valvoline Maxlife?

Thanks,
Rob
 
Going to the motorcraft 5w20, I have yet to see any increase in oil consumption in a modular motor.

Also, with my old 4.6L f150, I did not get any measurable fuel economy gain going to the 5w20.

I would run the motorcraft 5w20, and the motorcraft filters. Its a great combo, and very cheap to boot.
 
Not seen oil consumption issues while at the dealership with a modular motor in the 2.5 years I was there. Now my Dad had 5.0L that was back spec'd to it and after 120K it would burn off a quart maybe a quart and a half in 3K.

If you are after milage you could do no wrong with 0W-20 from M1 either. That would work great in that motor.

But MC oil and filters are top notch in that motor. Seen cross hatch clearly visible after 200K on a couple!!! Good enough!!!
 
Firemarshal, although NAPA Gold (and its parent WIX) are excellent filters, the MC FL820S is a better choice for the Ford modular motors. It has the bypass valve in the Ford-recommended location, which the NG/Wix do not. MC 5W-20 is also an excellent choice that should give you outstanding service, although I doubt you'll notice any significant MPG increase. The accepted figure is approx 0.6%, which is a big deal to a fleet, and the US Gummint, but not to most ordinary civilians.
 
I use Motorcraft semi synth oil.
I use Motorcraft filters.

The oil filters will have the proper anti drainback valving - sometimes 2 valves, and is high quality. It is good to match this to a Ford engine. The filtering is decent to pretty good.
 
use the FL820S on the g/f's 05 explorer, used some older val sl 5W30 i had but will use MC syn blend 5w20 with no worries next oci
 
These modern engines spec'd for 5w-20 seem to run good with a wide variety of oils. The benefits of full synthetic seem only to be seen by those who see the limits of high/low oil temps, extended changes, etc on a regular basis. For everything else, I see no evidence that an SM dino or semi-syn would cause any more wear in similar service.

Motorcraft filters OTOH, are just farmed out like every other OE to a manufacturer who can fulfill a contract. At minimum you know it will work. Fram has been OE on my Saturn for years, yet it hasn't caused any issues; a cheaply built, overpriced filter can do just fine for street service. I've been using SuperTech, including the new e-Core and find it works well. On my Mazda, the Motorcraft filter is the same Purolator that many Mazda owners swear they'll never use due to a slight deformation over the service period, yet I'll happily use one.

I think modern oils are so good, buy the cheapest you feel comfortable (as long as its SM, not SA right?) with and if you that doesn't work, go to the next highest price/spec.
 
Originally Posted By: RF Overlord
Firemarshal, although NAPA Gold (and its parent WIX) are excellent filters, the MC FL820S is a better choice for the Ford modular motors. It has the bypass valve in the Ford-recommended location, which the NG/Wix do not.
I am really suprised that the Wix does not have the proper bypass location. It does for the FL400 and FL1A motorcraft filters.

Anyway, nothing wrong with Motorcraft filters. Your car will live long with them.
 
it seems to be pretty unanimous that MC synblend is a smoking bargain for only 10.45 at china mart...i am using it in my focus
 
Yup, I think I'm going to make the switch. Esp after hearing about the bypass valve. It will save me a few bucks b/t the oil and filter and I'm not getting the life out of the M1 fully syn anyways. I change every 5-6K miles or 6 months, whichever comes first, regardless of the type of oil. Its just my thing. What can I say, I enjoy changing my engine oil and pouring in the fresh transfusion of life!
 
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I remember seeing a lot of varnish when looking at the internals of a vehicle that has seen nothing but Motorcraft at like 3k OCI's. I haven't ever seen that with Mobil 1. I would stick with the Mobil 1. Sounds like it has worked well for you so far.
 
Switch as soon as you can Motorcraft oil & filters are very high quality, if you purchase them at Walmart also excelleant pricing.
 
given that any SM oil today would work, i would use this or anything really and not be too worried about it .

But the MC does normally return good showings so...
 
I use MC filters in my Escape and F 150, but not in my Fusion. But I have switched from MC 5 w 20/ 3K OCI to PP 5W 20 and 5K OCI. I had a PCV problem in the 4.9, and did not like what I saw when I removed the valve cover. MC is worshipped here, and my problem is probably all PCV and stop and go driving. I am hoping for something cleaner with PP. The Fusion and Escape are new and started off with PP, The F150 was swithched 1000 miles ago at 85 K, with no consumption issues on the MC or the PP (thus far).

Good luck
 
Originally Posted By: FrozenPilot
Motorcraft filters OTOH, are just farmed out like every other OE to a manufacturer who can fulfill a contract.
While that's true, you make it sound like they're made by the lowest bidder. Motorcraft filters are made by Purolator on a dedicated assembly line, with regular Ford inspection. Sure, Motorcraft COULD pull its production contract from Purolator and give it to FRAM
shocked2.gif
(yikes), but hopefully it would have the same quality requirements it does now.

OMG, I have to lie down now...
grin2.gif
 
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