What's the consensus on when to do that first oil change on the 2.3?

We changed ours at 2K and switched to full synthetic vs Ford's blend for at least a half dozen reasons. Runs better IMO.

Also had Ford come to our house to do first oil change so our MT bronco wasn't driven by a novice nor put on a lift. Techs didn't even have to drive it. Pretty sweet. Ford sent 2 technicians because of our BL skid plates. Both techs said what a pain it was to remove the oil filter...even with 3 inch lift. They did NOT remove front driver wheel to change oil filter.

Usually on new engines we always do first oil change between 1500-2500 miles. Just our 2 cents

I’m doing 1000 miles for the first oil change, largely because I'm paranoid and it'll give me an opportunity to inspect the full vehicle myself to check for any factory mishaps. If you aren’t paranoid like I am… 5000 is good, just check the oil level after ~3000 miles. Newer engines tend to consume a little extra oil until everything is settled in.

Also… worthwhile to note that consistent on-time oil changes are a little more important on the 2.3L. 2.7L is dual injection… but the 2.3L is only direct injection, so it’s going to be more reliant on quality oil and on-time oil changes to keep things clean and running smoothly long term. I've been known to get lazy and go 8000, 9000, even 10,000 miles on my Focus before doing oil changes. Bad idea on direct injection engines, don't be lazy if you intend on keeping it long-term.

If you don't put many miles on your Bronco (under 7500 miles per year), every 6-10 months is a good rule of thumb. If you live in a climate that frequently drops below freezing in the winter, definitely lean more towards 6 months.

one oil change every 10k, as Ford says, equals 15 changes over 150000 miles, at a cost of about (15x142) $ 2130
one oil change every 5k, saves your engine, equals 30 changes over 150000 miles, at a cost of about $ 4260

a new engine, with all the labor and additional parts necessary to install, will run you between $ 6000 and $ 10'000, especially a few years from now.

So, for an additional $ 2130 you save yourself the hassle, inconvenience and about $ 8000 in extra cost........................

First oil change somewhere between 1000 and 3000, depending on conditions. Thereafter, every 5000 miles - and you will never regret it!

anyone here about engine options for 2023?

mike triumph

anyone here about engine options for 2023?

Nothing official yet, but based on what has been leaked it’s the same as it is this year. 2.3L 4 cyl. and 2.7L V6.

1,500 miles max for the fist change in my opinion. Beyond that what's the opinion on synthetic vs. regular after that ?

MarkPS

1,500 miles max for the fist change in my opinion. Beyond that what's the opinion on synthetic vs. regular after that ?

Full synthetic. The Bronco will not be a daily driver for me—expecting under 7,500 miles per year. Full synthetic holds up better over time and doesn’t break down as quickly when it’s just sitting there. Obviously a desirable trait for someone like me who may go entire weeks without driving their Bronco.

If I’m being honest I’d still use full synthetic even if I was daily driving it. But for most people who are daily driving their Bronco 15,000+ miles per year, a synthetic blend is perfectly fine. Synthetic blend is also what Ford recommends.

Definitely do not use conventional oil. Bad idea on engines with turbos.

RagnarKon

Full synthetic. The Bronco will not be a daily driver for me—expecting under 7,500 miles per year. Full synthetic holds up better over time and doesn’t break down as quickly when it’s just sitting there. Obviously a desirable trait for someone like me who may go entire weeks without driving their Bronco.

If I’m being honest I’d still use full synthetic even if I was daily driving it. But for most people who are daily driving their Bronco 15,000+ miles per year, a synthetic blend is perfectly fine. Synthetic blend is also what Ford recommends.

Definitely do not use conventional oil. Bad idea on engines with turbos.

Thanks, mine will be a daily driver as of right now, if I sell my ranger.

I think we’ve talked about this on another thread before, but I’ve course I can’t find that thread so we’ll do it again :giggle:

In terms of which oils, personally I really like Pennzoil Ultra Platinum (expensive choice), or Pennzoil Full Synthetic (more value-oriented). Amsoil is also an amazing oil, but can be hard to find for a decent price. A lot of people also like the Mobil 1 full synthetics. No experience personally with Mobil, but it’s very popular so I imagine it’s quality oil.

For synthetic blends I use Motorcraft Synthetic Blend—readily available just about everywhere, auto parts stores, Walmart, your dealer, etc. This is the oil the Ford dealer will use for oil changes. Motorcraft also makes a full synthetic that is really good, but it is MUCH harder to find and therefore usually overpriced when you do find it.

For oil filters I use Motorcraft and I buy them at the Ford dealer in bulk with FordPass points. All of my vehicles use the same filter (including my future 2.3L Bronco when it arrives), so makes it really easy.