Never Run Extended Oil Change Intervals: Ecoboost Engines

[got3fords]

Actually I do, a floor jack and 4 jack stands, as well as a air impact wrench makes short work of it, and as a life long mechanic I much prefer to do my own work, as many here do. The brakes are easy to check with the wheels off, hell, I even lube the door hinges!! I totally understand someone not being able to, or not wanting to work on their vehicle, but I happen to enjoy it. And as for topping off the washer fluid? that takes about 30 seconds, but that requires lifting the hood, something else I guess you are adverse to.

Sounds like you have a nice set up. I will do door hinges as I can't imagine the shop taking the time to do those. With no garage and having to haul everything to the driveway and back when done just got old.

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[got3fords]

Actually I do, a floor jack and 4 jack stands, as well as a air impact wrench makes short work of it, and as a life long mechanic I much prefer to do my own work, as many here do. The brakes are easy to check with the wheels off, hell, I even lube the door hinges!! I totally understand someone not being able to, or not wanting to work on their vehicle, but I happen to enjoy it. And as for topping off the washer fluid? that takes about 30 seconds, but that requires lifting the hood, something else I guess you are adverse to.

BTW, I am not averse to opening the hood, I do it quite often. That was not called for.

 

[AzScorpion]

Sounds like you have a nice set up. I will do door hinges as I can't imagine the shop taking the time to do those. With no garage and having to haul everything to the driveway and back when done just got old.

I have a garage and I still hate hauling everything out. But that's because I'm getting old. lol ?

 

[Chris M]

Very interesting video. About 3 weeks ago I took my Ranger to the Sanderson Lincoln (in North Phoenix) Quick Lane to have my battery tested under warranty. The battery failed their test and Ford replaced it under warranty. At this time, my Ranger had @ 14k miles on it. I told the guy at the Quick Lane that I would see him in a thousand miles for an oil change - that would be @ 5k miles on the oil. He told me to hold off until close to 20k miles, since they recommend oil changes every 10k miles. I think it will be going in a few weeks when I hit 15k miles. The question is if they will give me a free oil change due to my truck having the maintenance plan. Right now the oil change monitor says 42%.

Also, the Quick Lane uses Motorcraft semi-synthetic oil. Is it worth it to pay the extra and go with full synthetic?

I used to get mine done every 5K at Peoria Ford and also had the maintenance plan. No one batted an eye that I had come in "early" for oil changes.

 

[myothercarizahearse]

I've got some things I ordered to try that might work as well, just haven't had a chance, but was going to report if/when they worked.

It is a fastener GM used or uses, made to be removed:

They're sitting on my toolbox waiting for me to get around to it. Was something like $7 for a baggie of them.

you got a link for them?

 

[seasprite]

sounds more like screen maintenance was the problem, the oil change interval was not the direct cause.

This video has me thinking should I replace the screens at some point maybe at 100k or 150k?
I do 5k oil changes and does this eliminate the issue?

 

[TICKLE ZOMBIE]

Just had mine changed this morning. They (independent shop not dealer) reset the oil life monitor but then placed a “due in 5K” sticker also. I do hate those stickers! ?
I plan on 4K intervals actually.
By the way if you are in the Raleigh area and need service i recommend Motor City Garage. ??
I had them check the trans fluid since I heard most are a quart low. They said I was fine but “Damn…that’s a short dipstick!” ?

 

[Stevedbvik1]

Just a reminder that the “Works” package at Ford Dealerships does not include any transmission, tcase or differential fluid checks.

 

[VegasRanger]

Personally I feel it is. Being a turbo and our high heat here it's just added insurance/protection. I just had my first oil change done on my Tremor which only had 1,400 miles on it with full synthetic. I might have gone a little longer (but not much) but we're leaving Friday for a long road trip and I wanted to have it done here by a place I trust.

That’s another reason I do 5K religiously. The heat here in the summer months are brutal.

 

[btsmith52]

As many of you have stated, there are a lot we don't know and the tech is jumping to some conclusions without all the data. I have submitted a sample of 5w-30 full synthetic (supposedly Valvoline bulk oil) from my Ecoboost Fusion with over 8000 miles on it. It was fine. Looked like Hell, but tested fine. I don't think the 10K interval gives you a lot of cushion though. I tend to start looking for an oil change when the oil life reminder hits about 20%, and that seems safe enough. Will do the same with my Ranger.

 

[12Bravo20]

I stick with going by the oil life percentage and change it once I am at 20%. That breaks down to an average of 7,500 - 8,000 miles between oil changes.

I have done that with all of my vehicles with oil life monitors without any issues. I take the Ranger into the dealer for oil changes since they threw in an extended maintenance/oil change package into the deal for free when I bought my truck.

I know diesel engines are different but most of the ones used in the military when I was in were all turbo charged. We submitted monthly oil samples for analysis and didn't change the oil until told to do so. Military vehicles can have high mileage and they sit around idling a lot too.

 

[VegasRanger]

As many of you have stated, there are a lot we don't know and the tech is jumping to some conclusions without all the data. I have submitted a sample of 5w-30 full synthetic (supposedly Valvoline bulk oil) from my Ecoboost Fusion with over 8000 miles on it. It was fine. Looked like Hell, but tested fine. I don't think the 10K interval gives you a lot of cushion though. I tend to start looking for an oil change when the oil life reminder hits about 20%, and that seems safe enough. Will do the same with my Ranger.

Yeah for me it’s just peace of mind. My dad has been a mechanic for 40 years so I was raised with the thinking of take care of your machines and they’ll take care of you. I remember before synthetic was a thing, my dad would do 3K oil changes religiously.

I also do my own oil changes, and actually like doing them. So for me personally, 5K is my preference with this engine being GDI and turbo. On my wives Tucson which is also GDI, I do 6K intervals.

 

[DrPerez007]

As many military vehicles do, I often rely more on running time than miles for service (I install hour meters in my Jeeps). Like several of you, my Ranger has only seen limited use; 5,000 miles added since I bought it 3-1/2 years ago. So oil changes are generally governed more by the calendar than the odometer. My ‘05 TJ has only 7,300 miles on it since purchased new (and seldom gets above 50 mph), but has already had five oil changes in those 18 years. On the other hand, my high-mileage Dodge Charger(s) easily runs 7,500 miles or more before it will see a wrench. Mostly highway miles. So I look at a number of factors, including time, miles, usage, and the vehicle’s ‘oil life reminder’ when making service decisions, as well as paying close attention to noises, leaks, and my seat-of-the-pants impressions.

 

[Jason B]

Every 5k here, at Quick Lane. Well worth the $65 (with coupon).

Just a reminder that the “Works” package at Ford Dealerships does not include any transmission, tcase or differential fluid checks.

True, but how many DIY'ers at home or any oil change shop are doing that?

 

[VegasRanger]

Every 5k here, at Quick Lane. Well worth the $65 (with coupon).


True, but how many DIY'ers at home or any oil change shop are doing that?

I did my diff fluid change at 10K. I need to do transfer case though. How often should T-case be done?

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