Ford Repair: Oil Change/Timing Chain, preventative maintainance, mileage vehicle

Question
Hi Steve,
I use Castrol "High Mileage,10W40". Change every 3000-3500 mi. Mechanic said 3000 mi. too often; says companys trying to sell more oil. Gets dark caramel look around 3000 mi. Should I change then, even if 3000 mi. oil change  too soon? Is it better to go by color of oil, and not mileage?
Vehicle and timing chain has 147,000 mi. on it. Also, when do I need to change the timing chain? It makes no noise and doesn't run rough.


Thanks!

Mike E.

Answer
Mike-

  Well...oil useage is still a bit controversial.  Some people do it religiously at 3K miles...others at 6K miles.  It mostly depends on the oil you use.  An SAE (non-synthetic) blend won't hold up as well as a synthetic.  Then again synthetics cost more...but they last longer and protect better.  I only use Mobil 1 10W30 in my Mustang and 10W40 in my truck.  I could probably get 4000-5000 miles between changes, but I do it out of habit every 3000 miles.  Long story short...using good oil, you would be safe with more mileage.  Using generic stuff I'd change it at 3000 regularly...but it's a personal call.  As for the timing belt, there really isn't a set mileage but in the interest of preventative maintainance I usually recommend it be changed around 100k miles.  Could it last twice that trouble free?  Sure.  Then again it could already be stretched or ready to snap.  I would keep that in mind around the time you hit 150K miles just to avoid any future issues.  Hope this helps.

Steve