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2003 Ford Expedition Maintenace

Tiny
AZAMORA619
  • MEMBER
  • 2003 FORD EXPEDITION
  • 5.4L
  • V8
  • 4WD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 120,000 MILES
HI, this is not a question about a mechanical problem or any other problem, but a question on maintenance to avoid problems. So I just bought a 2003 expedition, with 120,000 miles. Its an Eddie Bauer with a 5.4L engine, car runs good and everything, but I want to do a tune up, so I just want to know what would be the BEST spark plugs, that will give me a good gas mileage, and extend the life of the engine, also what kind of oil should I used, owners manual states to use Motorcraft Syntetic 5w-20, is this sill a good oil for my engine with the mile it has. I have heard that with engines that have lots of miles is recommended to use thicker oil. So I just want to know what is the BEST oil for my engine? BRAND? WEIGH TYPE? ( I live in Michigan were we sometimes get temperatures of below zero, I heard its a factor)I want to keep this engine running for a long time.
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Sunday, March 22nd, 2015 AT 9:22 AM

7 Replies

Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
  • 109,885 POSTS
As far as the spark plugs, I recommend you use a factory Autolite brand plug. The OEM brands always seem to work the best. HOWEVER, I have a concern. These engines are pron to problems with removal of the plugs and actually the plug blowing out of the head due to a shallow thread on the plug. You may want to have the work done by someone who has experience and the tools to retract a plug that breaks off in the head.

As far as the oil, yes, 5w20 is what you should use. As far as brand, they all are required to pass the same API certifications, so any brand (Valvoline, Pennzoil, Gastrol.) Are good. In my personal vehicles, I use Pennzoil.
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Sunday, March 22nd, 2015 AT 10:52 AM
Tiny
AZAMORA619
  • MEMBER
  • 31 POSTS
On the spark plugs, do you recommend using iridium spark plugs on this engine?
On the oil, is it true, that putting thinner oil on engines with more than 1 hundred miles, will have less viscosity and that it is recommended to put thicker oil, like instead of 5w-20 use 10w-30?
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Sunday, March 29th, 2015 AT 7:05 AM
Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
  • 109,885 POSTS
When you get the plugs, ask for the same type that came with the vehicle new. As far as the oil, the lighter weight is for a couple reasons. First, there is less resistance in the lighter oil so it is believed to help with MPG and lessen emissions. Also, today's engines have very close tolerances. Therefore, the lighter weight can get to where it needs faster.

As far as the 10w30, if you live in a warm climate, it won't hurt anything. Is it needed after 100K? No.
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Monday, March 30th, 2015 AT 8:37 AM
Tiny
AZAMORA619
  • MEMBER
  • 31 POSTS
Thank You. I will get the original plugs and I will go with the lighter oil. Thank you.
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Monday, March 30th, 2015 AT 4:31 PM
Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
  • 109,885 POSTS
You're very welcome. Just fyi. The engine in your vehicle is a good one. If it has been maintained over the years, you can expect to get well over 200K from it. I work on a few that are pushing 300K and they always use the 5w30 oil.

If you have other questions or concerns, feel free to let me know.

Take care and have a nice Easter.

JOe
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Monday, March 30th, 2015 AT 7:23 PM
Tiny
AZAMORA619
  • MEMBER
  • 31 POSTS
Again thank you. The owner said, the truck was taken care of, so hopefully its true, and I will keep using the 5w-30 oil so I can get as many miles on the engines as I can.
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Wednesday, April 1st, 2015 AT 5:47 PM
Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
  • 109,885 POSTS
You're very welcome. I'm glad I was able to help you. If you have other questions, don't be afraid to ask.

Joe
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Wednesday, April 1st, 2015 AT 8:59 PM

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