I just got back from my dealer who has done a good job for me with my truck. I asked the service manager the day I got my truck about 5w20 oil and why. He said that that was the spec but did not know the reason. He did some research with Ford and found out that the 5w20 was used to enhance the lower emission perfomance of the vehicle and help fuel mileage a little. He said that Ford also said that running 5w30 would do just fine if you want.

Case closed - Mobil One 5w30 for me.

Just thought you guys might like to know.

klooger

 

Asked my dealer today and he said no. Must use what it calls for in manual or will invalidate warranty. I wonder if your delaer will go to bat for you if engine was to fail. I'm sure the oil wouldn't matter, but that might try to say it was.

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ORDERED 4/16/01 - WOOHOO!!!
2001 F-150 Supercrew XLT 4wd. 5.4V8, 507A, 3.55LS, Captains chairs, bed extender, cab steps, power moonroof, power seat, skid plates, trlr towing, aluminum wheels, AM/FM cass with 6 cd changer. Bright red clearcoat with DARK graphite interior

IMMEDIATE MODS:
Wet Okole seat covers
Fox Weatherboots front and back
AR Baja's 16x8
Cooper A/T's 265/75/16
Tint front
Line-X
Ravin Z-55 Duals out the back

[This message has been edited by SCOOBY14B (edited 04-20-2001).]

 

I totally agree with Scooby - see if the dealer would sign a document to that effect.
I do not think he will do it.

 

Hey Klooger,

Just wondering why you would run 5w-30 if 5w20 lowers emissions and helps fuel mileage? In addition to the fact the the manual calls for it, does that invalidate your warranty at all? Just curious, that's all.

 

Changing oil viscosity from 5W20 to 5W30 is not going to "break" an engine. I change viscosity in my truck depending on the season. I run a thinner oil in winter and thicker in summer. If the engine did fail, there isn't a dealer anywhere that would check the oil to see if that is why.

177,000 miles and counting

RickC

 

One reason for me not to use 5W20 is that I cannot find it anywhere. The dealer I bought the truck from is 50 miles away so they won't be servicing my truck. Maybe somewhere will have 5W20 when I get enough miles for my first oil change.
-Michael

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Oxford White 2001 SuperCrew Lariat 4X2
MODS:
Roadmaster Active Suspension
Retrax bed cover
Ultimate Linings sprayed in bed liner

 

Mike/Fireman467,

Maybe Good News. You live near a Walmart. They were one of the first retailers to carry this weight oil on the shelves. And if you don't do your own oil changes, they'll be able to do it for you at their lube shop.

1. Wal-Mart SuperCenter 5556 Sunset Blvd
Lexington, SC 29072(803) 957-4481
Photo Center, Tire & Lube, Vision Center, Pharmacy


TL

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AS OF 10-10-00: 2001 Supercrew, XLT 4x4, Island Blue & Silver Frost. 5.4L, 3.55LS, 17 inch 10 spokes, Capt's chairs, Moonroof, 6 pack CD Changer, keyless entry, cab steps, Box Extender, Huskys all around, Duraliner, Outland Sport Bumper Guard, Excalibur 1000 Security system, Lund Grill Screen and A.R.E. LSII Tonneau.

Teds_SCrew

 

Screwdriver and those concerned:

Using a better oil is not going to hurt the engine. It most certainly will help it in the long run. I am not concerned with passing any emission tests(proposed by the state of CA) and I fear in getting that extra half a mile per gallon by using oil that runs like water is not in the best interest for my truck. And besides, I am not even sure that my mileage would be better with the 5w20 versus Mobil 1 synthetic.

I think alot of you guys ought to study up on motor oil - you are missing the point as to why you have it in your engine.

As far as the waranty goes, well, my first oil change is coming up in a month or less. My dealer offered to do it for me and I am going to have HIM put in the Mobil 1 5w30. Then we'll see about warranty problems.

Mobil 1 5w30 for me, period.


klooger

 

I am running 5W-30 Mobil 1 in my SCrew and I don't give a rat's **** what the dealer or the manual says. If they ask - "Oh no, Mr. Service manager sir, I ALWAYS use Motorcraft 5W-20, I SWEAR"!

Like they never lied to me. As if!

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2001 SuperCrew Lariat 4X4
Amazon green, med parchment inside,5.4L,limited slip,skid plates,C3 tow package,leather,capt chairs,6CD.
Mods: K&N air filter,SuperChip,Westin black nerfs,Fumo oil drain valve,foglight switch mod + 9005 bulbs,Catch-all mats, Husky mud flaps
Soon: catback+FIPK or Ravin 77, line-x,more later

[This message has been edited by RamblinWreck (edited 04-23-2001).]

 

Ramblin:
If the manufacture says that using 5w20 is the best for the vehicle then why wouldn't you use it? Do you ignore all the other recommendations made by Ford? Since your truck has a "chip" and are using a "heavier" oil, maybe you should have just bought the F250 Crew with a Power Stroke instead??? My 2 cents!

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1999 Expedition XLT, 5.4, Oxford White, LLS
2001 SuperCrew XLT, 5.4, Metalic Silver, Gen III (Loaded - Even has Rear Ent. Sys!)
1999 30' Wilderness Travel Trailer

 

all this outguessing the engineers is completely laughable! the engineers designed the engine to use 5w20 and nothing else (summer and winter). if someone told you to put diesel instead of gas in your truck, would u? sounds like many of you would!

 

Hey emale and n6van......

The goal of the engineers is not always the same as the consumer. My goal is to make my engine last and last and last. Their goal is a minimum mileage and emission requirement. SEE?


klooger

 

hey klooger,

why try to make the engine last sooo long when the rest of the truck probably won't?

i must say that i've never considered using synthetic oil. why? cause i've had perfectly fine performance out of "regular" oil. it seems to me that sythetics probably aren't really needed unless you put your truck through quite a bit of abuse, or live in a very cold or extremely hot climate. in my mind the premium price paid for synthetics just isn't worth it. of course, all the advertising out there is to the contrary.

just keep in mind that you are actively choosing to void your warranty by using 5w30. under warranty, if something does happen to your engine that appears to be oil related, ford might request that you give them specific maintenance records. have fun...i'm sure mobil is happy about your allegiance to their product.

 

TroyK:

Simple. I drive alot of miles. The last three cars I have owned.

'86 Buick Riviera 197,500 miles. Sold.
'90 Buick Reatta 198,670 miles(and still going)
'93 Nissan Maxima 146,400 miles (and still going)

I used to sell synthetic and semi-synthetic lubricants. I've used Mobil 1 in all of these cars and I've never had a problem with cylinder wear or lack of compression or oil leaking. The cars have worn out before the engine. Now that I have a truck made of substantial quality, I expect it to last a long time and I want my engine to to be there with it.

If you don't believe in synthetics, then that's your deal. The difference between you and me is I have had great success with synthetics and I have enough miles under my *** to prove it.

Also, synthetic oil will not void the warranty.


klooger

 

n6van and emale: I am an engineer, and I have no problem out-guessing other engineers who only care only about meeting gubmint standards and not about performance or longevity. My manual says 5W-30 (early Gen II). My fill cap says nothing. You use what you want - I'll use what I want. The warranty is not voided. I am "actively choosing" the best oil for my truck and I don't give a rat's **** what the dealer, engineers, service manager, or for that matter, what you bleating naysayers think! Wreck out....

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2001 SuperCrew Lariat 4X4
Gen II,Amazon green (thats right!),medium parchment leather,5.4L,limited slip,skid plates,C3 tow package w/dealer replaced 1.47" YL3H-GA radiator,capt chairs,6CD,keyless entry,auto lights.
Mods: SuperChip, 3" cold airbox mod, K&N air filter, WMS velocity tube, Westin black step bars, foglight switch mod + 9005 bulbs, Catch-all mats, Husky mud flaps, Fumoto oil drain valve, decals peeled off.
Soon: Ravin Z-77 w/stock pipe or maybe catback, Line-X, tinted front windows, more later