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falcongtho3
Well-Known Member
Not only is the most popular Ford oil filter in short supply, the FL500, but so is the PF63 AC Delco, which for all purposes is the exact same filter. The NU2Z filter is a replacement for the 500, so there is an out but the new filter is longer. Also, good luck finding ULV transmission fluid. You won't find any.
Skye
Well-Known Member
I've been to a handful of places the last week or so. Each of these businesses were aware of the topic, but had not received any guidance to operate different. Sites that work in bulk barrels, possibly refined at overseas locations, I believe are seeing the worst of it.
I haven't found bottled oil in short supply, but I have noticed some weights or types might not be available. Instead of seven weights or versions of Pennzoil, there are five. Shelves do get cleaned out on the weekend, almost any location.
While the filter brands associated with the bankruptcy are out, I haven't seen shortages of others. If you do visit a store and a particular brand or size is not there, ask about it. Businesses in my area keep most in the back, because of thieve'n. People swap one low-end filter for a better one, keeping it in the same, low-end box. Or steal it outright.
I haven't found bottled oil in short supply, but I have noticed some weights or types might not be available. Instead of seven weights or versions of Pennzoil, there are five. Shelves do get cleaned out on the weekend, almost any location.
While the filter brands associated with the bankruptcy are out, I haven't seen shortages of others. If you do visit a store and a particular brand or size is not there, ask about it. Businesses in my area keep most in the back, because of thieve'n. People swap one low-end filter for a better one, keeping it in the same, low-end box. Or steal it outright.
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Skye
Well-Known Member
During the pandemic era, I then developed a stash of food and other household products that could carry me for a few weeks, in-case supplies were disrupted in the future. I continue to maintain the stash and rotate through it consistently.
Yesterday, the local Wal-Mart's oil shelves were ready for the weekend. While there were a few holes, they were ready to go. Previously trips to other shops showed same.
Motor oil is often produced like gasoline: there's a base stock of product, with the manufacturer's "pack" then mixed in. This can vary though. There are many manufacturers with broad product ranges and different processes.
In the last few weeks, I've read a few articles about oil base stocks and base stock reserves, one penned by an executive from an oil producer, another from an industry analyst. In each, they expressed their concerns about base stock reserves being low. While reserves were still present, they were approaching levels not seen previously.
Things in the Middle East remain "fluid". An article today highlighted that, while the Straight of Hormuz is now open for business, there are as many as 80 mines in the main channel that need to be removed. The area needs to be swept thoroughly. The entire industry will take at least a few weeks or more to gradually turn-up production, re-schedule shipping, re-furbish crews, etc.
Then, we have the bankruptcy of First Brands and any impacts of that on the filter market.
Like food, I've decided to think one oil change into the future and set one oil change of materials to the side for each vehicle. General guidelines on-line mention unsealed units can be kept as long as five years before use, while opened bottles should be used within one year. If kept inside the home, oil filters can be held for many years.
Yesterday, the local Wal-Mart's oil shelves were ready for the weekend. While there were a few holes, they were ready to go. Previously trips to other shops showed same.
Motor oil is often produced like gasoline: there's a base stock of product, with the manufacturer's "pack" then mixed in. This can vary though. There are many manufacturers with broad product ranges and different processes.
In the last few weeks, I've read a few articles about oil base stocks and base stock reserves, one penned by an executive from an oil producer, another from an industry analyst. In each, they expressed their concerns about base stock reserves being low. While reserves were still present, they were approaching levels not seen previously.
Things in the Middle East remain "fluid". An article today highlighted that, while the Straight of Hormuz is now open for business, there are as many as 80 mines in the main channel that need to be removed. The area needs to be swept thoroughly. The entire industry will take at least a few weeks or more to gradually turn-up production, re-schedule shipping, re-furbish crews, etc.
Then, we have the bankruptcy of First Brands and any impacts of that on the filter market.
Like food, I've decided to think one oil change into the future and set one oil change of materials to the side for each vehicle. General guidelines on-line mention unsealed units can be kept as long as five years before use, while opened bottles should be used within one year. If kept inside the home, oil filters can be held for many years.
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Craig Brown
Well-Known Member
I ordered 4 5-quart jugs of motor craft oil, $49.00 for one order (last 0ne) and $52.00 for the other order (last one) Walmart was $30.00 per jug, and they didn't have any in stock and no filters. I ordered two motor craft oil filters for my F150 $15.00 for two. I bought a case of filters for the Mustangs last year @ $4.00 per filter. I just ordered 4 gallons of motor craft yellow coolant for $83.00. Orielly auto was $35.00 a gallon and they don't carry motor craft.
Gen 6 Mach1
Well-Known Member
Just like the TP shortage 5 years ago, everyone runs out to buy it and the manufacturer supplier can't keep up for multiple reasons.
I just checked the price increased by $15 to 165 for my case of Motocraft FS 5-50w . Oh well life is to short to be concerned about the small things . I'm not going to order and stockpile products to save a couple of dollars, that doesn't help anything .
Just had my wife's 23 Blazer in the Dealership for an oil change the price was cheaper than the last one in December.
"Just in time " theory of stocking the shelves works well , if there is no running out and buying up all the products . That creates a false shortage.
I just checked the price increased by $15 to 165 for my case of Motocraft FS 5-50w . Oh well life is to short to be concerned about the small things . I'm not going to order and stockpile products to save a couple of dollars, that doesn't help anything .
Just had my wife's 23 Blazer in the Dealership for an oil change the price was cheaper than the last one in December.
"Just in time " theory of stocking the shelves works well , if there is no running out and buying up all the products . That creates a false shortage.
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