Best Oil for 1987 2.9L V6

[RolandTrafton]

Hey guys. I just bought a 1987 Ford Ranger 2.9L V6. Out of habit, I’m changing the oil.

I’d like to find out what the last viscosity, brand, and synthetic/non-synthetic the prior owner used, but I’m afraid I won’t be able to find out, so I’m going to start from scratch.

If you had a 1987 Ford Ranger 2.9L V6 in California where it can get up to 100 Fahrenheit, and doesn’t really have a winter, what type of oil and brand would you use?

 

[gaz]

I have only ever used 10w40, I did switch to full synthetic in my 87, 2.9L in 91. I wound up in California several years later and added an oil cooler to help maintain happy temps.

 

[Dirtman]

10w30 or 10w40.... whatever is on sale. It's a 2.9, not a very tight tolerance or complex engine. Just change it when you should and it'll run fine on any old garbage.

 

[19Walt93]

10w30 is a more updated formula than 10w40 but they'll both work fine in a 2.9. A zinc additive might be worth using but I've heard that it's less necessary once a flat tappet cam is broken in. Change the oil at least twice a year and use a Motorcraft filter, you'll be fine.

 

[dirtymike]

Ditto, 10w30 with FL1A Motorcraft filter. Don't waste money on synthetic or additive. If your lifters are clicking your cam bearing are wore out.

 

[adsm08]

Yellow and slippery.

 

[sheep herder]

2.9? Best to find an oil that will mix well with coolant.