Oil Change Questions

[intimidator]

I have a 06, F-350, Single Rear, XR4, 4wd. I just had my first oil change. It was done by the dealership and while there, they also completed a computor recall. Right now, the truck has 3,800 miles on it.

I noticed on the way home, the oil change sticker stated to change again in 3,000 miles. Whats up with that? The owners manual says 5,000 if you work it hard, or in dusty conditions, or 7,500 miles with normal driving.

I drive very normal. I havent actually even hooked to a trailer yet, but will some in the future. Right now, nothing heavier than a 16 ft, Vnose enclosed trailer loaded with a Full dresser Harley and a 750 ATV. That is kinda heavy for my old Chevy 1/2 ton, but behind the new Ford, doubt I will even know it is back there.

So, what is the proper oil change interval for this truck...3,000 miles sounds crazy with a engine that holds 15 quarts.....

Thanks for the info.

[wesjones]

3000 is like the bottom rule of thumb for oil changes...i do mine every 4-5k...sounds like procedure at a sneaky dealer...or your sticker was filled out by a non-diesel mechanic who didn't know...you'll have ask someone else about these specifics...theres a guy on here whos a ford mechanic...he knows the ins and outs...i dont

wes

[mschn99]

that engine holds 15 quarts not to add milage to the oil change, but to allow for low and high pressure oiling systems. it does add some milage to the oil, but not that much. fords spec for gas motors is 3,000/5,000 depending on driving conditions and 5000/7500 for diesels......i would NEVER go 5000 on a gas motor....and another thing to think about....you know ford wants you to wear that motor out as fast as possible without it seeming obvious.....i would stick to 4000 miles on diesels....as a rule of thumb. the tech that wrote 3000 is probably a young guy that is new to the business....but i even put them at 3k on diesels just as a reminder. you will never hurt a motor changing the oil on shorter intervals....but you can slowly kill it going a little longer than what seems "standard"..........Marc

[Keith T]

I change my oil every 5,000 miles, and send a sample to Blackstone Lab for analysis. I use Shell Rotella T 5W-40 synthetic oil. I figure changing the oil is cheaper than replacing the engine. Keith