Mobil 1 - OK?

[60birdtom]

Just bought a 2003 Marauder that was built August 18, 2002 and has been sitting on a dealer's lot ever since (except for about 400 miles put on it by various people). Now that the oil has been in the engine for a year, I figure it's time to drain it.

Since I'll be driving this car seldom and not at all during the winter, I've been thinking that Mobil 1 might be a good idea since it doesn't deteriorate as fast as petroleum based oils. If I put 1500 miles a year on this car, that will be a lot.

Any thoughts on this? I normally do not use synthetics in any of my cars, but think that this might be a good idea for this one.

By the way, I love this car! What's not to like?

[03SILVERSTREAK]

Mobil 1 5W-30 is what I started Using after I broke-in my engine
after 1,035 miles and It runs well . Back when I had my 2000
Crown Victoria LX Brand new ,I used 5W-30 with no problem .

[jgc61sr2002]

60birdtom - Welcome to the site. You will like it here. The factory oil is Motorcraft 5 W 20 Syntheic blend. I am currently using this oil. Many members are using full Synthic. Congrats and enjoy the new ride.:up:

[RF Overlord]

60bird:

Welcome to the board...

Mobil 1 is used by many of our members and it has an excellent reputation...

Using a car only 1500 miles a year makes oil changes problematic...if you really don't drive it AT ALL in the winter, then maybe doing what boat owners do would be best...change it every fall, just before you put it away...I've heard it's best to leave the factory oil in for the first 1000 miles before switching to a full synthetic...

[Marauderer]

What about running 3 quarts of Mobil I 5w30 and 3 quarts of Mobil I 0w30? Any thoughts?

[RF Overlord]

Ummm...why?

I may be way off on this, but I don't think they directly add like that...in other words, I don't think you'll end up with a 2.5W-30...

[Marauderer]

I wanted 6 5w30 and they only had 3, instead of going somewhere else, I bought 3 0w30 on impulse. Now I wonder why I did it...

[RF Overlord]

That's not a really dumb reason...I don't see any problem DOING it, just wondered WHY you'd do it on purpose...since you already have the oil in hand, I don't see why it would be a problem to use it...

[60birdtom]

Thanks for all the advice guys. Sounds like Mobil 1 might be a good choice for this car, especially the way I'll use it. Wonder why they don't make a 5W20? I know that Ford is absolutely bonkers about not using an oil heavier than that in the 4.6L and I have heard of people destroying engines by using 10W30 in them.

[bugsys03]

Ford is supposedly coming out with a full synthetic 5W20 sometime also. By the way, I dare you to only drive this car 1500 miles a year. Once you start you cant stop,you will be in it every chance you get

[60birdtom]

Yea, you're probably right about putting more than 1500 miles a year on it. I'm already planning a trip to the coast of Maine in 2 weeks and I'll be driving the Marauder.

But, Winters are long around here - read that to mean that there's too much salt on the roads - and once the snow flies, the Maurader won't.

[03SILVERSTREAK]

Yea another snow storm like the one last year and im going to drive my wifes taurus for the winter

[mdnightrnr]

Mobil 1 released 0-20 synthetic it is exclusivly for all0-20 aplications .I spoke to Mobil they said 0-20 is the Ideal oil for all ford cars using o-20w

[SergntMac]

Originally posted by Marauderer
What about running 3 quarts of Mobil I 5w30 and 3 quarts of Mobil I 0w30? Any thoughts?
Awe Jeeze...Why do you wanna do this to us, eh? You really hate us, don't you...Christ!

[TAF]

No more oil threads.....

say it with me....

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[WolfeBros]

But how bout a spark plug thread and I ask about oil in there ?
oppsss I feel my life force draining away...........:shot:

j/k moderators. :D :D

[TAF]

Originally posted by WolfeBros
But how bout a spark plug thread and I ask about oil in there ?
oppsss I feel my life force draining away...........:shot:

j/k moderators. :D :D

How 'bout a "Warranty Thread" instead :puke:

[TripleTransAm]

How about a thread on what oil to use for squeaky seats?

[Jeff Thompson]

Hey, Marauderer...
If you want more info on oil than you'll absorb in a lifetime, do a key word search on the web, something like "synthetic motor oil". I guarantee there is more than you want to know. I have a 96 F250 4WD CC 460cid that doesn't get driven much. So, I was asking the same questions you are. After a blast of propaganda (marketing) about the brands (Amsoil, Mobile, Royal Purple, Redline, and MANY others), it came down to what brand do you like that is available and what you're willing to spend for it. These are all severe duty oils, not storage lubes. If the oil complies with the "Grade CA,CC,CD, etc" specs from Ford you're good. You really don't need pure synthetic. Your MM really doesn't need "breaking in" time on the engine. I have worked for Ford for 27 years in a parts plant (glass) and the folks from Assembly plants that I have talked with and vehicles I have seen come off the line and tested shows they are good to go. Unlike you and some other "classic" buyers, there are FAR more people who buy a brand new car/truck and flog it from first start. My daughter has a 2001 Excursion v10 with 95,000 miserable miles on it. She drives like she was shot out of a gun and complains about the rev limiter on the Interstate. It runs great! These are the other people Ford is trying to sell to. Ford went to 5w20 to get the mileage up. Same changes with rear end lube, transmission lubes, etc. They got up against cost/savings issues with synthetics. Remember CAFE? The company is much more concerned about the Feds than about you. If there was ever a 10w30 oil problem, I never heard of it. The technology is far advanced today for all lubes. Do you want to spend $50.00+/ oil change? Twice a year for 1500 miles? You're at greater risk from the antifreeze and other rot, not the lubes. The best thing you can do for your vehicle is USE it. You will be pissed when you can't take your annual trip because the battery's dead, fuel system's plugged, brakes grab/squeel, tires aren't good, xmsn won't shift right, corrosion is in secret places and you rode out your warranty in your garage. (Deep breath, now) I just registered today, because I want (don't need) a MM. My wife's 2001GM is wearing me out. I am having so much fun and enjoying everyone's good words. Abandoning you guys will be a huge, but not the biggest, marketing failure in the company's history. Keep up the good work and have fun! This is great.

[TripleTransAm]

Originally posted by Jeff Thompson
Your MM really doesn't need "breaking in" time on the engine.


I'm interested in this comment...
How would one explain the way my MM has 'loosened' up with mileage? It was a relative dog when I first bought it, then eventually became much snappier off the line, to the point of breaking traction quite easily. Cooler ambient temperatures and salt deposits on the roads should have made it easier to spin the tires when it was younger but this was not the case. I can honestly feel the car pull harder...

It's not a placebo effect since if anything a person tends to become more used to a car's performance, thinking it gets slower with time...

[WolfeBros]

I agree with Too Many Trans Ams. This engine loosens up nicely with about 5 - 6 k miles of operation. The statement about break in is not accurate IMHO.

[Crown Vic]

Welcome.

I started using Mobil 1 5w30 from when my car had 1000 miles on it. But my car is driven to/from work everyday and no problems so far. I'm on 27,xxx miles.

Isn't the rule of thumb 3000miles/6months, which ever comes 1st? I'm not sure if this applies to synthetics.

Where in Upstate NY are you. I work in White Plains....that's not upstate to the "Upstaters" but is for us NYC people...lol.

[Marauder57]

Originally posted by WolfeBros
I agree with Too Many Trans Ams. This engine loosens up nicely with about 5 - 6 k miles of operation. The statement about break in is not accurate IMHO.

I don't know about the length of break in....let mine go 1,500 before changing the oil....but the engine definately runs smoother as it goes along...I am at 4,300 miles and I have been able to feel the engine "loosen" up and almost get faster.....sounds "nuts" but true...I think most cars break in better over time...but this car by far more than the others I have had feels better the more it gets driven.....

[60birdtom]

Hey Crown Vic,

You're right - White Plains isn't "Upstate" unless you're from NYC. Ask anybody here from the Southern Tier and they'll tell you that! Now you have an idea of where I'm from.

[Jeff Thompson]

Well, well, so you don't like the break in comment. I'm talking about friction wear-in factors all across the drivetrain, not seat of the pants nirvana. If break-in was the big deal, the auto industry would be stormed with warranty problems from the folks who don't take care of their vehicles like you do. Look- it takes any ECM controlled engine time and experience to acclimate or "learn" the conditions under which it operates. Ford is balancing emissions, drivability, economy, safety, the whole nine yards. Things like elevation, seasons, fuel quality, your driving style and apparently very wide range of expectations. Looking at the number of modifications many of you are installing on your rides in such a short period of time, it will keep learning for a while. Any engine run to redline or breaking tires free had better be (not get)loose or you will be picking up the pieces. Pick the oil you want. Change it when you want. Take Ford to court on warranty? Give me a break. You guys expect the company and the dealerships to cater to your status as "special" car owners, then you feel empowered to tweak what you want to satisfy the hormones. There's a reality check in there somewhere.

[Marauderer]

I ended up going with amsoil 5w20 per the factory specs. I decided it was best and will put the other stuff in my wifes car :)

[WolfeBros]

Originally posted by Jeff Thompson
You guys expect the company and the dealerships to cater to your status as "special" car owners, then you feel empowered to tweak what you want to satisfy the hormones. There's a reality check in there somewhere.

Jeff you make some valid points in your post. Then you make an off the wall comment like this ?? You paint with a pretty broad brush pal. What is your reasoning and or agenda?
We are a pretty docile group here. Your more than welcome to make your points but will you allow some of us to have an opinion that might be different than yours ?

[Jeff Thompson]

I'm sorry I'm upsetting the tone and diverting the attentions from everyones interests. Of course, everyone is entitled to their opinion. If you articulate this opinion, I would think you might discuss the thoughts behind it. Why do you think this? How do you know that? Can you elaborate? Can anyone learn from it? The "off the wall" comment, as you put it, wasn't said to make you mad, it was said to make you think. This is what you look like to one person with no history with you, two days to recognize it and willing to say something. Do you really think this is important enough to have an agenda? Have a nice day.

[Marauderer]

Sometimes it just helps to be a little thicker skinned in these forums. You have to realize that no matter how docile the group, there is always a brash wannabe intellectual lurking in the shadows, ready to pounce at the drop of a hat.

Even though they sometimes mean well, people just take the wrong approach. Instead of presenting the "facts" or LEADING you to the answer (because they know and you obviously don't), they for whatever reason (intentional or not) borderline call you stupid.

What is really funny, is that if you react to the perceived insult, then people jump out of the woodwork to tell you how wrong YOU are :)

I love this board, but it is really sad when you have a very simple question and you spend 1/2 an hour and too many words qualifying and phrasing it correctly so that you get answers and not preaching or sarcasm.

[MAD-3R]

Well, being I did some Modifications to my car, and it did go "Boom."
Did I expect ford to replace my engine? No, not really,
Was I HOPING they would? Hell yes!!

When I had my engine rebuilt, The "care and feeding" instructions I recieved was to be easy on it for about 500 miles, change the oil useing real oil, not syth. and then after the 3000 Mile mark, go to sythetic. The reason I was given, and this is from the rebuilder, was to let the part set, and breakin.

I do think that Jeff Thompson was trying to say was that it isn't NESSASARY to break in and engine like it was 20 years ago. Our engines (and I assume all engines) work better after a couple thousand miles on them. but just driving it normaly will acomplish it just fine.

[Merc-O-matic]

Here's a question? Corvettes, Mercedes, etc. supposedly
come from the factory with FULL synthetic oil, while the Marauder
comes from the factory with a synthetic BLEND. Why do we have
to wait to the first or second oil change before we can go to
FULL synthetic (supposedly to let the rings/pistons seat, etc.)
when the other guy starts with FULL synthetic from the git go?
Go Figure.

[Marauderer]

Is it just a left over from the old days? I myself, regardless of what I was told "broke my car in" by not driving on the highway, at uneven speeds, and for short periods for the first 500 miles just out of habit.

[60birdtom]

I went to my Parts Manager and told her (yes, her) that I wanted the Motorcraft 5W20 and she bought a case to have on hand.

Much to my surprise, she got Motorcraft Full-Synthetic 5W20 - you know, the stuff that wasn't supposed to exist.

The oil gets changed on Monday!

[TripleTransAm]

I heard something about Ford coming out with a full synthetic 5W20 but I didn't think it would happen so fast.

Oh well, chances are we won't be able to get it up here in Canada either. *sigh*