Recommended oil to use

[DonSor]

I just had my '99 Ranger 4.0L engine overhauled. So essentially I have a fairly new engine. I know that I have to change oil and filter the oil after the first 500 miles. I live in San Diego, CA so we seldom have drastic temperature change. I was thinking about using Mobil Syn 1 0W-30 oil which cost a bit more. Am I wasting my money. Should I just stay with the standard 5W-30 oil which I've sued before?

[DeltaP]

Go for it. Especially with the new engine. You'll be changing oil a lot less.

[DonSor]

While we're on the subject some vehicles do not require to change oil until 7500 miles which is possible because of the quality of oil. However, since filters don't get changed until the oil change, what happens to the pressure drop in the oil filter after long mileage, meaning that as the filter does its job filtering, doesn't that affect the amount of oil going through through the filter. some commercial engines have oil bypass whereby after the pressure in the filter reaches a certain point, it will bypass the oil to ensure sufficient lubrication. My point is that oil filters do not cost much so will it be prudent to replace the oil filter at lets say 4K miles (half the mileage) than that of the syn oil at 8K miles? This is true of the air filters and that's why I use the K & N air filter whereby I service it everytime i change oil.

[DeltaP]

Sounds to me like you've already done some homework. Read the manufacturers literature it'll show whether the filter for your application has a by-pass valve, anti-drainback valve or both.
I started to answer your questions but soon realized the answers will only ask further questions and rather than sit here all day, (I need to get outside and work on my own car)! , I think you'd probably get all the answers you need here: Google the "Filter Manufacturers Council". Their FAQ's tab will probably have the answers readily for you. HTH

[lectraplayer]

I, however, would not use 0W30 oil with that engine. That seems a bit thin. I would stick with 10W30. I guess that's what you meant, but it would help to be sure.

[DonSor]

After researching a bit I will be using the Mobil 1 0W-30 weight synthetic oil. But thanks for the advice anyway.

[Earlyboomer]

I have a 1986 Ranger with the 2.9L V6 that has 175,000 miles on it. It still doesn't burn oil and I have used Castrol synthetic and then switched to Mobil 1 5W-30. This engine still has as much of its original power and torque as possible with an engine with that much mileage. I was figuring on posting a maintenance history and tips to keep one of these Rangers running in another thread. I have owned it since new. I vote for Mobil 1 5W-30 and you could check Mobil's site also for a recommendation.

[lectraplayer]

Heck. 175K isn't even broken in well now. You can expect Ford motors to stay in factory condition until over 300K now.