2009 Escape V6 & Amsoil 0w-20 synthetic oil

[SVT_4_me]

is anybody using 0w-20 synthetic oil in their 2009 escape? i just changed the oil in my wifes escape (14k miles) yesterday with amsoil 0w-20 synthetic (6 quarts) and a motorcraft fl-500s filter. after she got home today i took a look under the escape and there was one small drip of oil on the bottom of the filter. would the thinner oil be leaking past the gasket? is this anything to be concerned about? any input would be appreciated...

[JFUSION21]

no it has nothing to do with the oil, synthetic oil won't leak out of the filter any more than conventional oil. One drop of oil doesn't sound like much, it could be residue left over from the installation. I say wipe the filter completely clean and inspect it again after a day of driving to see if it re-appears. As long as you didn't over-tighten the filter it shouldn't leak. I usually do mine about 3/4 to 1 turn after the gasket contacts the mating surface, no more and no less than that, and be sure to lube the gasket before hand. One other piece of advice, is always inspect the old filter that you remove to make sure the gasket gets removed with it. A few times I've seen the gasket remain stuck to the mating surface after the filter is removed, then when your install the new filter you end up with two gaskets crushing together and that can cause significant leakage and possible engine damage.

[09XCAPE]

My $02 is to not use full synthetics but many do. While synthetics do act "thiner" in motors and have been know to reveal leaks in higher milage engines through seals I suspect your leak is due to reasons stated above.

IMHO I would use the "semi" synthetic factory fill 0-20. Walmart carries the Motorcraft in 5qt jugs for $14

The 09's (4 cyl anyways) has a filter "insert" element which for now I can only get at the dealer vs the "screw" on type standard filters. It includes a new "O" ring for the filter case and drain plug on the case.

[SVT_4_me]

Originally Posted by 09XCAPE

My $02 is to not use full synthetics but many do. While synthetics do act "thiner" in motors and have been know to reveal leaks in higher milage engines through seals I suspect your leak is due to reasons stated above.

IMHO I would use the "semi" synthetic factory fill 0-20. Walmart carries the Motorcraft in 5qt jugs for $14

The 09's (4 cyl anyways) has a filter "insert" element which for now I can only get at the dealer vs the "screw" on type standard filters. It includes a new "O" ring for the filter case and drain plug on the case.

100% synthetic oil offers much better protection than the synthetic blend. it also offers much longer drain interval... the amsoil i am using is guaranteed for 25k miles or 1 year. it will also offer better fuel economy and much better cold weather/cold start protection.

the V6 uses a screw on filter (FL-500s). i could only find it at the dealer however...

i have determined that the drip i had on the filter must have been residual left over from lubing the gasket on the filter. i checked it again, and no drips whatsoever. so i am in good shape...

[09XCAPE]

Originally Posted by SVT_4_me

100% synthetic oil offers much better protection than the synthetic blend. it also offers much longer drain interval... the amsoil i am using is guaranteed for 25k miles or 1 year. it will also offer better fuel economy and much better cold weather/cold start protection.

...

I understand the 'advertised" benefits of synthetics and if you are after longer change intravels than it does last longer than Dino or Semi's

With that said my choice is not to run it. I build my own engines for my Hot Rod cars and have seen results of running synthetics in 8 cyl push rod motors. Typical is bearing wear due to owners being convinced 7500 oil change intravels are OK.

The 0-20 wt has way more to do with "better" milage than dino vs semi vs synthetic.

For "normal" driving and use conditions synthetics are OK but IMHO I just prefer going dino or in the case of my Escape using the semi factory fill spec.

YMMV...no flame intended :-)

[drescape08]

my question for you is are you getting better gas mileage w/ the amsoil? have looked into getting it myself. and a FYI: the reason for oil leaks to appear w/ a fully synthetic oil over a dino or semi is the fact that these oils break down and help fill any gaps in the seals. a full syn will not break down and clears this sludge away that is filling the gaps...hence why you get oil leaks w/ a full syn.

[Greyghost04]

Both sides bring up good points. Which way to go?

[Nutty 5.0]

Originally Posted by JFUSION21

I usually do mine about 3/4 to 1 turn...

Me too!
An old timer taught me a trick to use the old filter with open end up and place the new one on top to both:
Verify the old gasket is on the old filter
Apply oil to the gasket

Been using this method for years and it really is helpful!

BTW 2009 v6 AWD Limited guy here, Amsoil is great and if you use one of their filters (Which they do not yet have for the V6 Fl500 mentioned earlier!!! I did find one at my local Napa though; unsure part number) and depending which of their oil you use you can go 7500 mile oil change intervals, 25,000 or the the signature series for 35,000 and all are for that mileage or 1 year so it really is nice because it ends up saving money and time overall. But you're looking at a $60 oil change and Amsoil does suggest to go 6 months the first time using their oil and then continue with the mileage or 1 year...

[3.0_09ESCAPE_4WD]

A heads up guys if your looking for a oil filter for the v6 guys the FL 500 filter is made by Purolator as with all Fords motorcraft oil filters so check out purolators at your local auto store and the NAPA oil filters are made by wix.

[sh0ck1999]

hmm i use mobile 1 full synthetic havent had a problem yet. its a 04 escape and i currently have 235,000 miles on. the engine purrs like a kitten everything else is falling apart haha.