Oil Change

[Lonegoose]

I'm sure this has been discussed here so forgive me for bringing this up but I'm a new owner of my T-Bird and want to change the oil myself. What is the best oil to buy? I know the manual talks about synthetic blend??

Can someone fill me in with the amount and best oil to use. Many thanks!! Anthony

[PaulD]

Re: Oil Change

That subject is like politics....everyone has an opinion and it does not need to be backed up by facts. I use MotorCraft. Lots of other choices. I do not recall anyone reporting a oil relate problem despite the numerous choices people have made on their own.

[steelblue5505]

Re: Oil Change

If you want to read other T-Bird owners' thoughts on this very subject just click on the "search" tab up on the blue tool bar and type in the word oil or oil changes. Lots and lots of good stuff.

[Gobird]

Re: Oil Change

I have been using MotorCraft, 76,000+ miles on the car. Your 03 will hold 6 1/2 qt.

[MATBird]

Re: Oil Change

My Lincoln dealer uses Motorcraft synthetic blend

[Lonegoose]

Re: Oil Change

Thanks guys. I appreciate the quick response. I did some research and plan to take a ride on my lunch and get Motorcraft at the local dealer. I'm assuming that Pep Boys and auto parts stores do not carry it. Should be a fun weekend getting it changed for the first time. I've always done it on all vehicals I've owned but never on a car this low to the ground.....may have to find a friend with a lift.......AD

[Gobird]

Re: Oil Change

Anthony D Yes, you'll need a floor jack and jack stands or a lift. Very easy to do for a DIY guy. I did my own for years until I found a dealer that would do it for $15.00.

[Lindy]

Re: Oil Change

Use what ever oil you like. IMHO if a guy can document that he used Motorcraft oil, it will look appealing (to a potential car collector) on the cars pedigree, i.e., service records.

[Lonestar]

Re: Oil Change

Thanks guys. I appreciate the quick response. I did some research and plan to take a ride on my lunch and get Motorcraft at the local dealer. I'm assuming that Pep Boys and auto parts stores do not carry it. Should be a fun weekend getting it changed for the first time. I've always done it on all vehicals I've owned but never on a car this low to the ground.....may have to find a friend with a lift.......AD

Wally World, less than $3.00 a quart (less if you get a 5 qt jug). However, pick up a filter at your local Ford or LM dealership or go to NAPA and get a NAPA Gold.

[Lonegoose]

Re: Oil Change

....Dang nabit..don't have a Wally World here in Fresno...what can I say, I'm used to changing my oil every 3k in my truck with Castrol and a purolator. This fancy synthetic stuff is past my pay grade but only the best for the Bird right?...

[snowbird]

Re: Oil Change

Tony: Your Bird did not leave Wixom with 'synthetic ' oil in the engine, so why change. Get a good grade of oil and go with it. Nothing wrong with Castrol although they do not make their own oil, just blend it. Neither does Ford (Motorcraft), Pep boys , or any auto parts stores. So , depending on where you live in the country and what oil refiner is in the area, that is who's base stock oil you are getting and blended to the sellers specifications.
At least that is the way I see it.
Now, just find a good filter.

[steelblue5505]

Re: Oil Change

A good filter is just as important as the quality of oil, maybe more so.

[Wheats]

Re: Oil Change

Just changed mine today@30k miles,used Mobil 1 5/20 and Motorcraft filter.I purchased a set of ramps that are invaulable with this car.

[SugarDaddy]

Re: Oil Change

....Dang nabit..don't have a Wally World here in Fresno...what can I say, I'm used to changing my oil every 3k in my truck with Castrol and a purolator. This fancy synthetic stuff is past my pay grade but only the best for the Bird right?...

Wally World = WalMart

There are 3 here in the Fresno-Clovis Area.

[Jim Young]

Re: Oil Change

I think my 04 came with Motorcraft 5-20 blend and I change it every 4000 miles with a ford filter. Ford says 5000 miles . Buy my oil at Wally World ... 5qt and a single 1 qt (6 total) My other cars have over 100K miles... none use any oil and they all get the same oil.
Jim