Ford 6.0 Service Schedule - Montana Owners Club

bsmeaton · 09-13-2006, 08:31 AM

I just went to the Dealer to schedule the first maintenance on our new 6.0 Ford (wow -trip to CA really ate up the miles). I just assumed 5,000 mile intervals - but Ford said wait until 7,500 miles. We went over the schedule and heavy or towing use only increased frequency of filters, not oil. Also noted the 6.4 is 10,000 mile intervals.

I'm hesitant to go that long between oil changes, but I'm also one that believes I should give the environment a break when I can.

For those Ford owners - do you follow this schedule or are you more conservative?

Brad & Dory

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tcorbitt · 09-13-2006, 08:53 AM

Hi Brad,

I have the same engine. This is my 5th Diesel. 80-90% of my mileage is done with the Monty in tow. I have always changed the oil every 10,000. Use standard filters and oil. Never an oil related problem. Since the Ford requires a 15qt oil change, anything less than 10K under heavy use is a waist of money. If I was not towing, I would increase the change interval to 20K with a filter only change at 10K. These engines are work horses that even when towing a 12K 5th are really not being overworked.

Just my 2 cents... Tim

06 F350 4wd PSD Crew
06 Mountianeer 34PHT

Broome101 · 09-13-2006, 11:20 AM

10K here as well. Had my oil sent off once at 10K interval for a sample by Shell. Came back I could have gone another 5K with no problem. I do complete oil and filter and fuel filter as well every 10K. I use Shell Rotella as well.

Broome101
2005 F350 PSD,SRW,CC,LB, King Ranch, 4x4
2005 3685FL

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SKOOBDO · 09-13-2006, 11:41 AM

Since I don't drive my truck often (7000 miles since January 2005), so far I've gotten mine checked out about every 3,000 miles.

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capn chris · 09-13-2006, 11:44 AM

This has been a hot topic many times w/as many opinions as owners. Do what you're comfortable with. I use Rotella-T and change every 5K. Personal choice to take care of my baby...'04 6L PSD.

~Chris~
2004 F250 SD PSD FX4
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steves · 09-13-2006, 12:27 PM

I've got my big boy on a diet of Shell Rotella-T every 5,000 miles. As said above, do what you're comfortable with.

Steve & Betty (AKA steves)
2005 3400RL Montana
2006 F350 PSD SRW CC LB 4X4 King Ranch

Native Tex · 09-13-2006, 01:30 PM

I am like steves and Chris.....every 5K with Shell Rotella-T. Even the old 2000 model with the 7.3L got the same treatement and I never had an engine problem. I have always been one to over care for my vehicles. I guess that is why when I trade one I most often times get a very high trade value, and the guy who buys my old vehicle get a great one.

Native Tex

O.V. & Kathy Bonner
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Wrenchtraveller · 09-13-2006, 02:15 PM

I am so fussy with a brand new engine that I change the oil at 500 miles just to get the break in metals out. Always have, always will, because I have kept one vehicle 16 years and another one 13 years. My record for a truck was 8 years. I hope to break that record with my 05 F350.

Don & Donna
Vancouver Island
2005 Ford F350 V10 Lariat CC 4x4 LB SRW 11200 GVWR
2006 Montana 2955RL

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MAMalody · 09-13-2006, 05:15 PM

I change my oil every 3000 miles. I have the 7.3L.

Mike

F350 7.3L LB SRW
2003 3575RL

JH Sechelt · 09-13-2006, 09:23 PM

I change my oil every 5000 km's (3000 miles). Chevron Delo 400 15-40.
Would go longer between oil changes if I was driving farther distances.
I'm mostly back & forth to work 2 or 3 times a day 3 - 4 miles each way.

J&D

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TheRanch · 09-14-2006, 01:49 AM

I havent serviced mine yet only 2,500 miles but I will at 3,000 for the first time. 5,000 there after. My 1998 F150 I did every 5,000 and at 126,000 it runs like a new truck. Did the same for my 1989 F150 put 265,000 miles on it and my son is still driving it everyday.

2007 F-350 6.0 Turbo S/C SRW 4x4. 2007 Montana 3500RL

sreigle · 09-14-2006, 11:17 AM

I changed ours at 5,000 when using Motorcraft and, later, Rotella T dino oil. When I went to Rotella T synthetic I changed it at 7,500. After reading these posts I may try 10,000 with the synthetic. Even at 7,500 this truck never uses any oil. It is always on the full mark. When we get back from the rally we'll be at the 7,500 mark so I'll decide at that time.

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Steve Reigle (pronounced Regal)
Fulltiming since 3/21/03
'07 3400RL
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bsmeaton · 09-14-2006, 11:20 AM

Steve,
Do you typically have the dealer put in your Rotella T or do you have to go elsewhere?

Brad

sreigle · 09-14-2006, 12:30 PM

I don't know if the Ford dealer even carries Rotella T. Lately I've been going to Walmart. For those of you who know about my horror stories with Walmart and oil changes, well, I now go only to those who have a pit for changing oil. No lifts.

It's also cheaper if you buy the oil and carry it into the service area when you get there. If you buy the gallons they'll use them and credit back the usual oil charge. If you don't take in the oil, they'll use the quart bottles and that way is more expensive. Most walmarts now carry the 6.0's Motorcraft oil filter, too. They pretty much all carry the filter for the 7.3.

See another Montana or Mountaineer on the road? Flash lights twice, it might be one of us!
Steve Reigle (pronounced Regal)
Fulltiming since 3/21/03
'07 3400RL
'05 Ford F250 SD Lariat CC SB 6.0L PSD/TS FX4 4x4

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bsmeaton · 09-14-2006, 12:34 PM

Thanks Steve - that explains why the service guy looked at me funny when I asked if they use Rotella T.

daneboy · 09-14-2006, 04:55 PM

I'll have to read my Ford owners booklet again. I thought an oil change was required every 3K in order to keep up the 100K guarantee.
Jerry

Bluegill · 09-14-2006, 05:10 PM

I called the service department at the local dealer thinking i had to get the 500 mile break in oil changed. He said they dont do that anymore and to see him @ 7,500 miles.
I just passed the 5,000 mile marker.
So for me and my PSD.. it'll be every 7,500.

Blue

bsmeaton · 09-14-2006, 05:43 PM

Daneboy,
I've got the Ford booklet, and the factory required service is 7,500 intervals for the 6.0. The new 6.4 will be 10,000, and my 7.3 was 5,000. What I was surprised at is there is no increase in interval for heavy use (or abuse), which I think I had on the 7.3L (can't remember).

MAMalody · 09-14-2006, 06:27 PM

My owner's guide for the /03 7.3L diesel says to change the oil every 3000 miles for severe operation, which they defined to include towing a trailer over 1000 miles.

drhowell · 09-15-2006, 05:46 AM

Severe use would be running at high temp and or dirty conditions for extended periods. Most of our towing is on paved highways and very little at high or extreme temperatures. I prefer to change oil on the 10,000 mile cycle unless the conditions have changed. I did do the initial change at 3,000 miles more for the Ford warranty service and to correct a couple of minor issues. Since then I am on the 10,000 intervals.

There is an exception to the severe use schedule and that would be extended periods of low use or short trips. If the engine doesn't get up to highway temps and you are mostly on short trips around town or it sits for long periods with little or no use then you should change oil more often. Probably at least once per year.

For the most part there are two things that can break down the oil. Moisture (from condensation) and carbon. Anytime either of these conditions exist in excess you need to change the oil.

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