...And why are all the anti-5W-20 people ignoring the fact that an engine experiences much, if not most of its wear at startup and getting oil to the parts and under pressure the fastest is what minimizes this wear? Anecdotal evidence by board members who have used thicker oil and had engines clatter during the morning's first startup Vs. the engines of members who use the right oil or even use 0W-20 Mobil 1 oil is ignored by the nay sayers?

 

Hi Dennis-

I guess I'm one of those anti-guys! Anyway, the only difference you might notice with the W rating is in below zero applications. The pour point is less (*F) the lighter the oil. At ambient temps around 50 or 60*F you will notice no difference in flowability, especially is you use a synthetic.

 

Can't argue with that. Both oils are rated 5W in the case of 5W-20 and 5W-30.

The question is, what's wrong with 5W-20 use in the Triton engine Vs. the use of 5W-30 and can you back it up with proof? If you can't, then why keep saying it?

I keep saying 5W-20 is what's spec'd by Ford in the Owner's Manual, so while the vehicle is under warranty and if you value your warranty at all, that's what you are supposed to be using. Prove me wrong.

 

You can use "either" 5W-20 or 5W-30 in your motor and it will NOT affect the warranty. Many Ford dealers are only using 5W-30. Ford dealers are represenatives of Ford, thus if they are using 5W-30 Ford has NO legal means of deny any warranties based on someone using 5W-30. Don't believe me just ask a lawyer...

Just because something is spec'd in the owner manual does NOT mean it is the best, nor does it give "proof" that it is best, it simple means it was an engineering decission based on Ford's best interest, hence CAFE specs...

 

Show me the FoMoCo document that says 5W-30 oil is better for the Triton engine than 5W-20 oil and show me the FoMoCo document that says use of the 5W-30 oil in the '01 and newer Triton engine will not jeopardize your warranty.

 

Here you go:

How is that? Don’t trust me call a lawyer and ask for yourself…

 

01 XLT SPORT,

I would almost rather drive a Chevrolet than deal with a lawyer.......I said ALMOST.

With that said, I dont think using 5W-20 or 5W-30 would make a difference in performance or longevity. I doubt that any dealer has ever denied a warranty claim because 5W-30 was used.

 

I have a choice of 14 Ford dealers in San Diego County. Here are the results of the 14 service advisors I called regarding the use of 5W-20 & 5W-30 Motor Oils.

5 Stated:
They use 5W-30 For All Years, Including 2001 - Up

5 Stated:
They use 5W-20 For 2001 - Up / 5W-30 For 2000 - Older

4 Stated:
They recommend 5W-20 For All Years, Including 2000 - Older

I heard extremes of both sides regarding this issue. From one service advisor telling me that 5W-30 is used exclusively, and they don't recommend 5W-20 due to low protection.

To another service advisor telling me that they recommend 5W-20 not just for 2001 - up engines, but any modular engines from 2000 and older due to valvetrain starvation issues with 30W!!!

Confusing? Apparently the dealerships are like the owners, with their own opinions. After checking with the Ford Motorcraft web page, here is a quote...

From the horses mouth!

_____________________________________

2000 Ford F150 XLT Supercab 4x4

2001 Acura NSX Coupe

2002 Honda RC51 Superbike

 

If the dealer screws up by not following FoMoCo's policies and requirements, the dealer pays. That seems pretty simple to me.

Dealerships, as far as the ones I know of, are not owned by Ford. They're owned by non-Ford corporations.

Certainly, if you engine blew because the dealer put in the wrong oil, you can sue FoMoCo and the dealer. You can sue anybody you want. Unless there's a FoMoCo document out there that allows the use of non-5W-20 oil by the dealership in defiance of what's in the Owner's Manual, FoMoCo will not have to accept any responsibility. The dealer will end up with bearing the full responsibility for damages.

 

Hi- The Magnusson Moss act protects the consumer (truck owner) against the rejection of a warranty claim due to aftermarket parts, including oil...etc. This act forces the dealer (Ford) to *PROVE* that the modification or alteration to the truck caused *DIRECT* damage to the particular part in question. This includes oil. I have not heard of any oil related failures with the Triton engines in all the years that they have been out, nor have I heard about Ford rejecting any claim due to oil viscocity.

I have never heard of a Ford truck that has had a problem because of oil viscocity.

 

With all due respect to mf150 and his post which is true about the The Magnusson Moss act I do not really believe it applies if the dealer goes and uses something they are not suppose to.

The dealer IS a represenitive of FORD MOTOR COMPANY and acting on Ford's behalf when servicing Ford products. So if the dealer used something they were not suppose to either the dealer or Ford or BOTH would HAVE TO COVER ALL COST of any repairs.

It is very simple and if it had to go to court an OPEN and SHUT case and in my opinion, no need for a lawyer. Simple go in show the JUDGE the work order stating what the dealer used with the FORD logo all over the work order, CASE CLOSED I win, plus any other damages I may be seeking that the court finds fair...

 

Starvation? Hmmm.

My dad is a retired police officer and he has talked to several of his State Troppers friends and they have been having problems in the 4.6L tritons in the Crown Vic police cars at high revs not getting enough oil to the back cylinders causing engine failure. Ford has replaced these well out of warranty because of the problem. This may be why they went to 5W-20 or maybe it is CAFE who know? Just thought I would throw that out there.