Oil change

[BIGBALLS]

Any opinions about oil for an explorer semi-synthetic or full synthetic
Explorer absolutely immaculate don’t want to ruin it
Running on recommended semi-synthetic at the moment.
Cheers BB

 

[aldive]

I am in favor of synthetic oil.

 

[kevin p]

I've always used Halfords fully synthetic, but its 10/w 40. £30 at moment.
Just bought genuine Ford semi sythetic, but recommended 5w/30 for £17.

 

[BIGHVM]

Agree with Aldive- will tell you a little thing I experianced. I used to run a Peugot 305...I came across a deal for 5 cases of fully synth oil from a closing garage....I bought it and after I had a tappet problem and took the rocker cover off and fixed it, I started using the synth. I changed the oil every 6 months and I can tell you after around 3 oil changes I took the rocker covers off too have a look. The engine was very much cleaner than it ever was, the hard black sludge that I had seen before had all gone and under the clear new oil I saw the cleanest engine I had ever seen.
Now It looked pretty inside and for me that equals better oil flow, faster lubrication and better protection.
Dino oils in the modern engine dont make much sense these days as synths are comparable or only slightly more expensive and considering the benifits are a wise investment. On the subject of brand. I believe that provided the synth had the correct viscosity and is changed often with a good oil filter all is equal. I use Comma fully synth and fram filters in mine and change around 8k.
We in GB tend to have longer oil change intervals it seems than across the pond. I am sure thats why some of them have mega mileage Explorers running well still.
If you have a goodun then use synth if she is a keeper mate!

Just one tip-Prime the new oil filter first!

 

[kernowman]

I use Mobil 1 fully synthetic - very expensive, but I swear by it.

 

[BIGBALLS]

Thanks for the replies
But does using full synthetic oil prolong engine use i.e.
Cam chains etc
Cheers BB

 

[blueka]

I used halfords semi-synthetic. I do recommend using a rubberized glove to change the filter though, not a filter wrench.

Good luck

Si

 

[aldive]

I do recommend using a rubberized glove to change the filter though, not a filter wrench.

Why?

 

[blueka]

I found the space too tight to get a filter wrench in there. So I used a fabric glove with a rubber palm, and gripped the filter in my hand, it came off no problem at all. Same with putting the new one on.

Si

 

[aldive]

I found the space too tight to get a filter wrench in there. So I used a fabric glove with a rubber palm, and gripped the filter in my hand, it came off no problem at all. Same with putting the new one on.

Si

Did you try the on that fits over the end of the filter?

 

[blueka]

nope, I couldn't find that style in any parts store, so I used the glove.

Si

 

[BIGHVM]

I found the space too tight to get a filter wrench in there. So I used a fabric glove with a rubber palm, and gripped the filter in my hand, it came off no problem at all. Same with putting the new one on.

Si

Yeah Si- a rubber palm works for me too!! smile. Need a some butter too.!

 

[BIGHVM]

Thanks for the replies
But does using full synthetic oil prolong engine use i.e.
Cam chains etc
Cheers BB

I believe It would as it will lead to less wear provided it is changed at the right intervals mate- the main reason being it is thinner on start up and so gets about quicker.....less cold start wear- that it is said -is when most of the wear from friction occurs.
Go with it, you got nothin to loose mate- ok its slightly more expensive, but way cheaper than a timing chain and tensioner change! Trust us its worth it.

 

[janolsson]

Just to revive this old thread i'd like to add my two pennies.
I have a local motor factors that stocks the ford brand oils, semi @ £18 and fully synth @ £24 for 5ltr bottles. Not sure if these are imported from US or Europe or UK spec.
Having read the user manual it states not to use certain API codes (not a clue about these) and a lot of other branded oils don't meet the particular ford spec.
I have been a member of another car forum (Saab) and they often discuss the whole which is best debate, with a notable bit of info.
ApparentlyUS oils are not as high in quality as european oils and a lot of the garages don't drain the oil they suck it out thro the filler, which in my mind leaves the possibility of a sludge build up in the sump.

Any one have any thoughts on this? Definitive answers? American members want to put me straight?

To finish, my opinion is in the uk, fully synth of the right spec at approx 8000 miles or annual which ever is first, depending on driving style 6000 if driving harder.
Jan