Oil Change Questions

[ryan21288]

Ok so im going to do an oil change tomorrow. I know they say to use 10w-30. But with 163k on the car and who knows when the rod bearings were changed should i use a thicker oil. I also wanted to change over to Mobil 1 Synthetic with a Mobil 1 filter. Also should i have my trans flushed? It looks like the trans is original! So im guessing its been well maintained. What kind of fluid should i use in the tranny? Should i upgrade to a better fluid. I am going to put a bigger tranny cooler on the trans at the same time. Thanks in advance for your help.

 

[SHOtime2511]

most people here go with dino oil,i like Castrol high mileage (the green bottle).
mobil1 filters are good but so are the Motorcraft filters that cost about 1/4 the price.
go with the larger FL-1A Mustang oil filter,it allows an extra half qt of oil and has more filter surface.
someone else should chime in on the trans questions,im not an ATX person.

 

[SHOtimer]

Your car would probably benefit the most with regular Castrol GTX 10w30, or the high mileage version of the same with the Motorcraft filter.

Without having the rod bearings changed I'd stay away from any type of synthetic oil, it runs thinner and you would be more likely to spin a bearing...

Regarding the ATX, I'd run Castrol Domestic Blend ATX, or Mercon 5.

To avoid leaks I'd get the rubber Fel-Pro ATX pan gasket from Rockauto, it seals much better than the cork gasket that usually comes with the filter.

I'd also not get it flushed, just drop the pan, clean the magnet, the pan, and change the filter then fill it up.

Doug

 

[SHOZ123]

Viscosity ratings are just that. Regular oil or synthetic if rated at a 30W are all still 30W. There is a range of what constitutes a 30W classification.

Bottom line is change the rod bearings and don't count on oil thickness to keep from spinning a bearing.

 

[LOUDSHO92]

I run 10w-40 as it has a higher flash point so it doesnt burn off as easily. I prefer Castrol GTX.

 

[goalieman59]

Ok, not to hijack but I have some of the same questions, But should I switch oil between 5w30 for the winter and 10w30 for the summer, and the FL-1A filter is so much bigger but it works the same? /end hijack

 

[SHOZ123]

The first number followed by a W means the rating at 0F.

 

[SHOtime2511]

Ok, not to hijack but I have some of the same questions, But should I switch oil between 5w30 for the winter and 10w30 for the summer, and the FL-1A filter is so much bigger but it works the same? /end hijack

yes the FL-1A filter works the same/better and fits with no problem at least on MTX cars.
ATX cars the engine sits more forward so there may be an issue but IDK ive never owned an ATX.
i run the same oil year round but im also in Florida....

 

[AREA 91]

yes the FL-1A filter works the same/better and fits with no problem at least on MTX cars.
i run the same oil year round but im also in Florida....

The Motorcraft FL1A will fit an MTX. I believe there is not enough room on an ATX.

I have seen where the oil filter actually touches the starter when trying to thread it on the block. I have also seen where it will rub on the heat shield of the exhaust manifold.

 

[goalieman59]

I am glad I bought the other filter then, now what about the oil?

 

[SHOmethewayhome]

get maidens oil, you'll be glad you did.

 

[goalieman59]

I only use castrol GTX in my car, i just need to know what weight.

 

[K-Dawg]

10w30, 10w40, 5w30, 5w40... It really doesn't matter that much, IMO.

 

[goalieman59]

Thanks everyone/endhijack

 

[ryan21288]

Ok changed the oil today. I went with the filter meant for the car went with a bosch filter. I got 5 quarts of Castrol GTX 5W-30 and i also put in some lucas oil stabilizer. Next oil change im going to change the rod bearings and do a tranny flush. I talked to my friend who owns his own repair shop. He said do a flush. I might put in some lucas tranny fix. Ive had great luck with it in my old accord. I can't see that my trans has been replaced but man does it shift smooth and it doesn't slip hopefully a tranny flush will just be proventitive maintnance. This car is going to be my DD so i want to make sure its reliable and by no means do i beat on the car lol. I do however accelerate quickly everyonce and awhile to hear the sound of the secondaries lol.

 

[sho_ted]

lucas = snake oil, waste of money.

Also no way will rhe FL-1A filter fit on my 94 ATX

 

[SHOZ123]

Look at the newer style. All the oil filters have a smaller size anymore.