MrBill,

Do you really believe the entire engine was redesigned and all the tolerences changed between the Gen1 and Gen2 to accommodate the change? C'mon... I've been told, as well as many others, that the change was for nothing more than to enhance the lower emission perfomance of the vehicle and help fuel mileage. This I believe is true but, I don't believe for a minute that the tolerences changed.

 

Cooper:

Something changed, and don't think it was only oil. The 4.6 Gen I is rated 220HP, subsequent ones rated at 231HP...what do you think? 11HP due to oil??? C'mon????

 

11 ponies isn't much. That could be nothing more than a tweak of the EFI/computer. My point is that if there were major changes and redesign of the motor, regardless of what oil they recommend and regardless if it was in the middle of a model year, Ford would have been touting it.

 

it may mean absolutley nothing, but i do find it ironic that ford didn't put any oil weight markings on the filler cap for those of you who purchased early s-crews. for those of us who purchased later gens, 5w20 is emphatically written on the oil cap and is the only oil talked about in the owners manual. certainly makes me wonder what the heck is going on.

 

Cooper:

In this case 11 Ponies is 5%. If manufacturers could get 5% more horsepower by specifying synthetic lubricants or other light grade oils, AND reduce emissions, they would be on it in a heartbeat.........but they're not !!!!

[This message has been edited by MrBill (edited 05-20-2001).]

 

Sorry guys....Last post on this, promise.

In the case of the 4.6, they could just add a Superchip and gain +26hp (12%). I think that if they could gain ? mpg, lower emissions and still offer adequate protection with a lighter grade oil they would and did. 5w-20, i'm sure, offers adequate protection.

We all have our own opinions on this and should. I would suggest if your going to make a change to Mobil1, Amsoil or any other brand, do a little research so your comfortable with your decision. There's tons of info and stats on the web.

Hope I spelled ADEQUATE right.

Coop

 

I think the dealer did sign a document, it's called a receipt.

On the other hand if a Ford vehicle calls for 5/20 oil, thats what a Ford dealer should put in the darn engine.

Joe




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Thanks to everyone on this board for teaching me so much about my new truck.

** Purchased on 03/14/01 **
White/Arizona Beige Lariat
Captains Chairs Gen III(medium Parchment)
5.4L V-8
Moon Roof
Single CD
Bed Extender
Cab Steps
Towing Package
Ford Bed Mat
** Built 12/00 **

 

yesterday i had me s-crew at the dealership for some minor warranty work and an oil change. the service department manager was in the office when i picked up my truck. so, i was able to ask him about the oil weight issue. here is what he said. ford has been gradually phasing in the use of 5w20 across "almost" all their engine lines. in fact, they are even recommending its use all the way back to older early 90s vehicles with the ohc v/8s! he showed me some sort of tech manual in which this was written. when i asked him why, he gave me several reasons. fuel mileage and cold start emissions were better with the lighter oil. he also mentioned that ford has had some issues with premature wear on the overhead cams and other nearby and associated hardware. especially in cold climates. so, whether or not he knows his head from a hole in the ground, i'm not entirely sure. but that is what he said, for whatever it's worth.

 

My oil cap doesn't say anything... it doesn't have any lips! hahahahahahaha

Sorry... I just had to inject some of my 7 yr. old daughters humor.

After a bit of seaarching I finally found Motorcraft 5w20 at the local Wal Mart which I took to my mechanic along with a Motorcraft filter and paid $10 labor for an oil change. I'd rather go the safe route than have a fight from Ford if my engine fails while under warranty.

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Mine: 2001 SuperCrew Lariat GenIII
Non Piston Slapping / 1.02 Radiator
Bright Red / Beige
5.4 / 3:55 LS / Tow Pkg.
Heated Seats / Captains Chairs
6 Disc CD / Moonroof / Sliding Rear Window
Bed Extender / Line-X Bedliner / Tinited Windows

The Wife's: 2001 Expedition Eddie Bauer
Med Wedgewood Blue / Tan Leather
Heated Seats / Moonroof / Rear Ent. System
Tinted Windows / 2nd Row Captains Chairs