Crown Vic

[Studebaker]

We just bought a 2003 Crown Vic, one owner, with 99,982 miles. The car has had a steady diet of Motorcraft 5w-20 and filter every 5,000 miles from the dealer. We have since put 1800 miles on it and no oil useage.
I will be doing the oil changes myself. Would you continue on with the Motorcraft, or for the same cost, use Wal Marts 5w-20 Syntech full synthetic?

 

[earlyre]

either one. it's a 6 of one, half dozen of the other type argument.

it's like arguing if a tomato is a fruit or a vegetable. just slice the dang thing so we can eat it.

but personally, of the 2 oils you listed, i would choose the motorcraft(widely available), for no other reason than not liking walmart.

 

[askani79705]

If it ain't broke

 

[EdwardC]

I'd probably go with the super tech synthetic on longer OCIs, 7.5k or so. Save some time and a couple bucks.

Some other crown vic owners:
https://bobistheoilguy.com/forums/ubbthreads.php?ubb=showflat&Number=2614835

 

[Islandvic]

ask they guys at crownvic.net

I used to own a '96 Crown Vic a LONG time ago.

That site used to be a wealth of knowledge on any subject Crown Vic related!

I used to run Motorcraft filters and Valvoline Maxlife (API SL) because it reduced the oil consumption compared to other brands.

If you do not have oil consumption issues, stick with Motorcraft filters and oil.

Good Luck

 

[Mud]

Either

I generally went with the best sale price on a quality oil, zero oil issues over many miles with these cars. Filters were either MC or Wix.

 

[RISUPERCREWMAN]

I would stick with the MotorCraft FL-820-S filter but the vulnerable 4.6 will run forever on any 5W-20 API oil with 5K intervals! I personally run a high quality full synthetic in mine! I plan on keeping this car forever as its an incredibly practicle & possibly the most comfortable, durable, safest, roomiest, nice riding car I've ever owned!

 

[Rolla07]

Originally Posted By: askani79705
If it ain't broke

+1

 

[OneEyeJack]

They use 5w-20 in taxi service, just Motorcraft regular dyno oil and some use Motorcraft syn-blend with excellent results.

A Crown-Vic purchased at auction as an ex-police car with 80-100K miles is considered as a brand new taxi.

The first thing they do is change the diff oil because the original owners never touch it.

 

[bullwinkle]

Originally Posted By: RISUPERCREWMAN
vulnerable 4.6
Guessing you meant "venerable"-as long as it's a 2V, I agree. The E-250 4.6s we've been running have been good, shame they don't have a little more low end grunt.

 

[tig1]

In the 96 Merc GM I owned that had 218K when sold, I used M1 10-30 at 10K OCIs and the engine remained very clean, sounded great, and showed no signs of wear.

 

[Merkava_4]

Originally Posted By: RISUPERCREWMAN
I personally run a high quality full synthetic in mine!


You must be running SuperTech full synthetic then.

 

[dlundblad]

Originally Posted By: Merkava_4
Originally Posted By: RISUPERCREWMAN
I personally run a high quality full synthetic in mine!


You must be running SuperTech full synthetic then.

You're making me want to try the stuff in my Jeep.

 

[fdcg27]

We've had these cars in the fleet at work and I can tell you that these engines don't seem to be picky about oil.
The 4.2 Mods we had stayed clean on cheap API SM drum oil in various grades.
Pick a brand or grade, we've used them all.
Use any 0W-20, 5W-20, 5E-30 or 10w30 synthetic (any of these grades would be fine in your climate) on intervals of probably a bit more than 5K and the engine should run about forever.
They do run about forever on bulk of any grade in taxis that spent their first lives as police cars.
Some of these engines develop high oil consumption when idled a lot, which can be fixed with a valve guide seal replacement.
Some of them also require timing chain replacement at some point, but I don't think that this is common.
Good car, good engine, decent slushbox.

 

[RISUPERCREWMAN]

Originally Posted By: Merkava_4
Originally Posted By: RISUPERCREWMAN
I personally run a high quality full synthetic in mine!


You must be running SuperTech full synthetic then.

Actually Royal Purple API 5W-20 & a Motorcraft FL-820-S Filter. Both which I obtain from the same isle as the SuperTech Syn! LOL

 

[RISUPERCREWMAN]

Originally Posted By: bullwinkle
Originally Posted By: RISUPERCREWMAN
vulnerable 4.6
Guessing you meant "venerable"-as long as it's a 2V, I agree. The E-250 4.6s we've been running have been good, shame they don't have a little more low end grunt.


Your absolutely correct. Thank you sir.