Based upon a consensus of posters, I was going to let the MID dictate when to initiate my first oil change. However, my odometer just hit 4000 miles and the MID is at 50%, placing the change at 8,000 miles, which I think is way too long to wait. I'm certain that whatever good stuff (add pkg) is in the break-in oil would be depleted by 8,000 miles. I will probably change the oil/filter between now and 5,000 miles. Does this seem like a reasonable approach? I will appreciate any comments.

Wait until 5k. I would also suggest that your extrapolation of what the MiD tells you is likely incorrect. I am sure the algorithm used takes into consideration that the oil's depletion of effectivity is not linear.

My research indicates that 5k - 7.5k is a good interval for mineral oils - this will leave enough residual additive chemistry and alkalinity in the oil to avoid sludge, and oxidatives varnish.

Those using synoil can easily do whatever the MiD tells them with full assurance.

Hope this helps.

RR.

repecat...I changed my oil when the MID said 30%...but I also did an oil analysis at the same time. When the results of the analysis came back, they told me that all the additives in the oil were long gone, and the oil was "shot." I know people don't believe in the benefits of oil analysis..but I do!!

That sort of info from my own analyses is what i based my "rule of thumb" recommendation on. Ford did a lot of research, and came to 5k for common mineral oils used in a variety of climates and driving situations.

However, JJ, measuring the TBN of the oil is something that varies fdrom lab to lab, and they sometimes do not get it right. I question whether the additives were long gone or not - it may still be uncertain. What mileage did you have at your OCI, and was it urban, suburban, mixed, or highway miles?

Hmm this oil analysis needs looking into. I havent had my first oil change yet either. I dont know the MID takes into consideration how hard you drive the car. Or better yet, if there was a sensor on the filter or oil that would indicate how many particals per million are in the oil, would help determine how good or bad it is, no matter the oil type.

So gentlemen. I'm planning to do another oil change this weekend (love that cold weather when doing this). I have nearly 5000 miles on the current change and the MID went to "<20%" in the last 24 hours. Do you think 5000 miles is OK for Mobil 1 or would 4000 (as I've done with this oil in other cars) be maybe a little better.

All of this in light of JetJock's posting.

To Road Rage;

I have been really torn about perhaps changing to MotorCraft Syn-blend as you have recommended. Not for the cost because the difference to me is not even a consideration. I just want the best oil for my engine.

I'm also going to add Chevron's Fuel System Cleaner (Tectron??) and plan to do this every 10,000 miles. With a quality gas from a clean (newer) station support the 10,000 mile interval for this?

I think that folks and companies that encourage oil changes every 7500-10,000 miles are nuts. Audi has done something like that and has had problems (per my father'law) with sludged up cars.

I will never go over 5,000 ever in any car without an oil change. EVER.

I'm at 2800 in the new TL, and the change % is 60. I will change it between 3000 and 4000. If you plan to keep the car for 75,000+ miles do the oil changes.

My 98 Formula get it's oil changed MONTHLY when it's being raced. Some folks change it every 10 passes.

I know there is a lot of you that beleive in the oil monitor on our TL. In reality I will always change my oil every 3000 miles. I change my own oil (anal maybe) but looking at how dirty it is at that time I could never go the time that the monitor states. I use Valvoline 5-20 and a Tough Gard version of the Fram filter and the oil is always thick and dirty when I change it. My daughter is driving my "old" 2003 CL-S and I change the oil in it at the same frequency. Maybe its old school but I have never had a problem with an engine due to lubrication problems ever since I started driving. Also I have always used Valvoline oil and Fram filters. By the way I love my TL.......

i change my oil every 6000 miles and the filter every 3000. so every 3000 it gets a new filter and a top off of oil and every 6000 i change with mobil 1 0w-20. i like to do this for safety. if the oil filter gets clogged for any reason the engine will bypass it. then, any containiments that are in the oil get to wreck your motor... filters are cheap (i use purilator pure one) there only like 6 bucks (less if you get a cheap one) takes 10 min and gives me the piece of mind that all is well... even if i over change the oil (especially since i use mobil one) i dont really care... its better to be safe then sorry. why save a couple bucks and wait when it could cost several thousand down the road.... especially since i plan on keeping the car well beyond the warrenty period

dosnt the MID say change oil at lik 40% and change oil now at lik 30%?? i believe thats what it says in the manual.....

service soon is at 15% and 10% service now hits at 5% and 0%

Page reference please.

If we are talking about the "first" oil change, I would recommend sooner. I know the engines are suppose to be pre-broken-in, but I have traditionally done my first at 1K to insure any debris on break-in are removed, and then every 3000 after that. Changing oil on a more frequent interval is relatively cheap insurance. I sold my Accord at ~200k-miles and it still did have any perceptible oil burn. I would strongly recommend a good filter. I use the Honda brand as it has or at least had a pressure relief valve in the base that was calibrated for the car.

we both know he doesnt have one.... thats kinda harsh isnt it ron?

heh heh, by the king

Why have you changed your "tune" on this subject? In July you said you would change the oil in your TL at 1K miles. Read your post...

Up until I read the message I just referenced, I couldn't find anyone who was doing a change at 1K. My friends have told me to change at 1K for exactly the reasons stated in the other message.

Good catch jafo. I thought the question was so good that I started a new thread requesting additional information from Road Rage, thanks. I respect his insightful (sp?) responses and look forward to more information.

Link to new thread? I can't find it.