VIDEO: The Right Oil and Change Interval for 2.0 EcoBoost

[Snox801]

Recently did my first oil change and figured it would make a good installment in my ongoing series. I think the evidence makes a good case for changing oil in the 2.0 EB well in advance of the factory-recommended 7,500-mile intervals. As has been said a million times -- oil is (relatively) cheap. Engines aren't.

I also really encourage you to watch the videos I mention/link within my video. That Ford technician showing the blown 3.5 EB engine is pretty informative...

I don’t disagree about early is fine. But the oil plays a huge part. I change all my ecoboost at oil change light and even run them with ethanol blend which is harder in oil. I have yet to have one die before 350k.
Now that ford tech is statistically wrong. Many more 3.5 have incredible high mileage without that issue. If it truly was the root cause almost all would fail around the same time. That is not the case. Knowing of 100’s of them running around that are friends of mine personally. I can tell you the only ones that have had any issues with fuel dilution are the same ones who have to find the $13.99 oil change. What kinda filter you think you’re getting oil?
Again if your ok with changing early and makes you sleep better cool do that. I do that sometimes if I feel like tinkering and it does make me feel better.
But we have to stop making this stuff up as it’s fact and has to be done. It does not. You can test almost any high quality oil. Then compare to what the company says they have tested to safe levels and almost always you are covered. Cheap oil nope.

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[Snox801]

I should have said great video btw and please don’t take what I said with to much offense.

 

[710-oil-614]

I don’t disagree about early is fine. But the oil plays a huge part. I change all my ecoboost at oil change light and even run them with ethanol blend which is harder in oil. I have yet to have one die before 350k.
Now that ford tech is statistically wrong. Many more 3.5 have incredible high mileage without that issue. If it truly was the root cause almost all would fail around the same time. That is not the case. Knowing of 100’s of them running around that are friends of mine personally. I can tell you the only ones that have had any issues with fuel dilution are the same ones who have to find the $13.99 oil change. What kinda filter you think you’re getting oil?
Again if your ok with changing early and makes you sleep better cool do that. I do that sometimes if I feel like tinkering and it does make me feel better.
But we have to stop making this stuff up as it’s fact and has to be done. It does not. You can test almost any high quality oil. Then compare to what the company says they have tested to safe levels and almost always you are covered. Cheap oil nope.

Quality oil is a must, no arguments to be had there. So is a quality filter.

Besides that - you really cannot fall on either side of the fence (early changes vs. oil minder vs. extended change) without an UOA on a specific vehicle. If I change my oil every 5k miles instead of 10k over the course of 100k miles that's only 10 extra oil changes or about $300 over 7-8 years. It's a cost I'm willing to swallow.

 

[Snox801]

Quality oil is a must, no arguments to be had there. So is a quality filter.

Besides that - you really cannot fall on either side of the fence (early changes vs. oil minder vs. extended change) without an UOA on a specific vehicle. If I change my oil every 5k miles instead of 10k over the course of 100k miles that's only 10 extra oil changes or about $300 over 7-8 years. It's a cost I'm willing to swallow.

100 percent agree. I like the idea of changing it early and often it does make use feel good. But like you stated without knowing we have no way to know. I was simply throwing out a counterpoint that it is not an absolute must. A lot of these people will say you have to or else for things like this with the one example they have in front of them. Leading people to before it’s gospel. I simply wanted to point out one could easily point out the ones that do change on the oil monitor and have gone 300k plus.
What I used to do when ecoboost first started getting trashed for fuel dilution or I should say all di cars. I changed my oil. Drove 5k miles sent to blackstone. Oil looked and smelt like it needed to be changed. Results said nope. So I checked it at the monitor oil life reading of zero.

Can back with obviously different numbers. After a few conversations with the techs. They saw nothing that should concern someone. Obviously higher than a non di fuel content but still below danger. Then I sent those results to the techs at that oil company amsoil. They said everything looked good. I followed up but the 4-5 percent oil dilution. “I believe that’s what it was” they responded that is well under what our oils is capable of handling something to the tune of 15 and still pass all wear tests.
Everything you said is in fact good and if one can and is ok with it early is never a bad thing. But maybe a $30-$40 dollar analysis would save you some money and the piece of mind.
Well unless you are a weird one like myself who hi actually enjoys changing his or her oil.

 

[710-oil-614]

But maybe a $30-$40 dollar analysis would save you some money and the piece of mind.
Well unless you are a weird one like myself who hi actually enjoys changing his or her oil.

My 10k oil change is heading off to Blackstone for analysis. I did change at roughly 900 miles (before a road trip to my mountain property in NC) and then also at 5k. I thought both of those changes would have been too early for a good analysis from Blackstone.

I don't mind changing my oil at all - I'm sure when I break one of those stupid plastic clips or worse, one of the inserts for the t30 for the skid plate I'll be annoyed - but for me it is a good opportunity to give the underside of the vehicle and engine a good visual inspection.

I also treat the fuel system with Lucas (I know this won't help carbon build up in the EB), change the air filter every 10k, and cabin filter every 10k. Check coolant levels, re-check washer fluid levels, etc.

These are all basic things that the dealership would charge an arm for, or a quick change oil shop wouldn't perform at all.

It is really great to have a new vehicle but that isn't a reality for me with 3 young kids and saving for their futures. It's always been a point of pride for me when my vehicles with over 100k miles are ready for an extended road trip at the drop of a hat.

To get to 100k with confidence, it all starts early with preventive and consistent maintenance throughout.

 

[Snox801]

My 10k oil change is heading off to Blackstone for analysis. I did change at roughly 900 miles (before a road trip to my mountain property in NC) and then also at 5k. I thought both of those changes would have been too early for a good analysis from Blackstone.

I don't mind changing my oil at all - I'm sure when I break one of those stupid plastic clips or worse, one of the inserts for the t30 for the skid plate I'll be annoyed - but for me it is a good opportunity to give the underside of the vehicle and engine a good visual inspection.

I also treat the fuel system with Lucas (I know this won't help carbon build up in the EB), change the air filter every 10k, and cabin filter every 10k. Check coolant levels, re-check washer fluid levels, etc.

These are all basic things that the dealership would charge an arm for, or a quick change oil shop wouldn't perform at all.

It is really great to have a new vehicle but that isn't a reality for me with 3 young kids and saving for their futures. It's always been a point of pride for me when my vehicles with over 100k miles are ready for an extended road trip at the drop of a hat.

To get to 100k with confidence, it all starts early with preventive and consistent maintenance throughout.

All good things to stay on top of. Plus it give you a good sense of accomplishment and the warm and fuzzy knowing it’s done right. I used to do Lucas fuel treatment but no longer do that. But again probably doesn’t hurt that’s for sure.
So your oil your sent in has 5k on it and the truck is at 10k.
Thats change pattern is very similar to mine. First one around 1k then the second around 5k then I let the computer tell me. Keeping an eye on oil life as to not head out on a trip that puts me over the mileage.

 

[pa-outdoorsman]

I should have said great video btw and please don’t take what I said with to much offense.

None taken.

 

[Newtz1]

I change mine every 84 hours. 60mph x 84 hours = 5040 miles. That way all idle time is included
in the oil changes. You sit in traffic, drive thru's, or in the heat and cold before work in the mornings more than you think. The hour meter is the best and most accurate measure. I had truck driver's in the family...

 

[Master Blaster]

Tim, not sure where you are getting that.

Any mechanic will tell you that you should be using the severe duty schedule if you drive mostly in city traffic or other stop-and-go driving. The "normal" schedule is for highway-only drivers.

 

[RickG]

My 10k oil change is heading off to Blackstone for analysis.
...
I also treat the fuel system with Lucas (I know this won't help carbon build up in the EB)
...

I have a question about Lucas fuel treatment. After seeing Shell V-Power Nitro Premium has benefits for top of chamber lubrication and reduction in fuel dilution in the oil, it made me wonder if Lucas is a good alternative if Shell isn't available. I'm guessing they provide similar benefits. Based upon your research and your oil analysis can you provide any additional details about the benefits and why you choose to use Lucas. I plan on mostly using Top Tier fuel but wondering if Lucas will help. Also how often do you use Lucas is it on every tank?

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