Ford F150-I'm Done.

[rankrank1]

....Dave, out of curiosity, why do you recommend Dexos (GM spec'd and licensed) motor oil for a Ford product? Not questioning its quality. Just wondering as compared to Motorcraft brand or other name synthetic blends?

Dave was recommending the Dexos oil to his friend with the Chevy Cruze that was having issues

 

[3930dave]

Dave was recommending the Dexos oil to his friend with the Chevy Cruze that was having issues

Correct. Sorry DE, didn't mean to muddy the water/oil , that was a parallel example to yours.

One of the reasons Dexos matters in modern GM applications is maximum volatility is spec'd - as Oil Change Interval pushes out, low volatility matters in keeping sludge/deposits to a minimum.

I'd check to see what the current Ford spec is for oil (M_____ was sometimes the old format) for your truck, beyond just viscosity. I'd also check to see if any oil related TSBs have been issued for your truck/engine - some manuf. have issued software updates to dial back OCI limits in the engine computer, based on field problems.

As modern oil change intervals have moved out, the life of an engine oil has become a lot tougher. It wasn't what I was setting out to say here, but yes, there are a lot worse things you can put in a Ford block than a Dexos rated oil .

Rgds, D.

 

[94BULLITT]

DE where have you been getting your oil changed? What kind of oil and filter?

 

[ultrarunner]

I've had good luck with my work vehicles from the 80's... didn't drive a lot, mostly in town.

The one thing I have done is change oil every 2500 miles which worked out to about 6 months... I only drive the service vehicles when I need them... and everything is within 10 miles from here.

 

[Cat_Driver]

All manufacturers have their problems. I bought a new Duramax dually and it overheated from day one. Dealer has the hues to tell me overheating is NORMAL in a diesel. Bought a new Ford Excursion diesel and the temp of the AC came out at 70 degrees ( I live where it gets 125 degrees ) dealer said vehicle was within spec s long as the temp blew 30 degrees lower than ambient and that day it was 100 degrees. I went across the street and traded it on a Cadillac temp blowing out at 45 degrees. The Sprinter I own is in the shop more than I drive it. Wifes Jeep commander went 130K miles and we never spent a dime on repairs other than brakes, fluids etc. I will admit I've had less trips to the dealer with Toyota products. All my large delivery trucks are HINO ( made by Toyota) since the 80's and I've never spent a dime on repairs, one truck lasted 30 years and was still good when I sold it. I've got a 2006 Ford 250 that has never been to the dealer or for repair since I bought it, and starts and run flawlessly every time. So like I said it's just the luck of the draw, and all makers have problems and problem years. Few manufacturers are consistently bad, some are better than others, but all in all a blanket statement of " I hate XYZ vehicle" just doesn't hold water, as there are usually more happy customers than unhappy customers otherwise the manufacturer would be gone like the HUGO.

 

[MossRoad]

All manufacturers have their problems. I bought a new Duramax dually and it overheated from day one. Dealer has the hues to tell me overheating is NORMAL in a diesel. Bought a new Ford Excursion diesel and the temp of the AC came out at 70 degrees ( I live where it gets 125 degrees ) dealer said vehicle was within spec s long as the temp blew 30 degrees lower than ambient and that day it was 100 degrees. I went across the street and traded it on a Cadillac temp blowing out at 45 degrees. The Sprinter I own is in the shop more than I drive it. Wifes Jeep commander went 130K miles and we never spent a dime on repairs other than brakes, fluids etc. I will admit I've had less trips to the dealer with Toyota products. All my large delivery trucks are HINO ( made by Toyota) since the 80's and I've never spent a dime on repairs, one truck lasted 30 years and was still good when I sold it. I've got a 2006 Ford 250 that has never been to the dealer or for repair since I bought it, and starts and run flawlessly every time. So like I said it's just the luck of the draw, and all makers have problems and problem years. Few manufacturers are consistently bad, some are better than others, but all in all a blanket statement of " I hate XYZ vehicle" just doesn't hold water, as there are usually more happy customers than unhappy customers otherwise the manufacturer would be gone like the HUGO.

The Yugo was produced for 30 years from 1978-2008.
Zastava Koral - Wikipedia
(good reading, as near the end of the article, Top Gear blows one up with a tank, then runs if over).

That car company was finally sold in just 2008 and the factory is still running today...
Fiat Automobili Srbija - Wikipedia

 

[Diamondpilot]

I'm thinking this would be more of an issue with newer vehicles...

Replacing batteries would be quite expensive in a fleet... the only time I have proactively replaced a battery was on Mom's car... it was the OEM from Toyota and 12 years old... sounded a little weak and with summer coming to an end I opted to change.

In cold climates it's part of life.

My findings are changing the battery every 36 months is much cheaper and easier then changing the starter and alternator that wear because of the abuse a weak battery brings.

 

[Diamondpilot]

Okay an update... shop says lots of sludge in oil... shop is flushing the engine oil, putting in some kind of detergent, running it hot for about 45min and then flushing and changing oil/filter. Say that possibly the sensors are clogged with sludge. Will know more in an hour or two.

Why did it sludge?

 

[Diamondpilot]

Well called them before 5pm and they were supposedly road testing. But dang it... no call back this evening so another night of angst. ullinghair:

Dave, out of curiosity, why do you recommend Dexos (GM spec'd and licensed) motor oil for a Ford product? Not questioning its quality. Just wondering as compared to Motorcraft brand or other name synthetic blends?

We all run 5W30 synthetic oil changed every 5000 miles in our Eco Boost vehicles and have had zero issues.

Oil changes are still the cheapest thing you can do for you vehicle.

 

[aczlan]

In cold climates it's part of life.
My findings are changing the battery every 36 months is much cheaper and easier then changing the starter and alternator that wear because of the abuse a weak battery brings.

I spend a little more to get the highest CCA battery that will fit ($20 more in the case of the battery for my wife's Yukon) and they seem to last 5-6 years before they start causing slow cranking on cold days (which is when I replace them).

Aaron Z