I've been using 10w30 (thats what we had, had to use it up) for my truck.

I finished this box so I want to go to 5w (should I get 5w20 or 5w30?). Going to use Pennzoil dino.

Would there be any problems with this?

 

I have had my truck for only one oil change so far - I put in MotorCraft 5w30. After reading the discussions here, I will go to the MotorCraft 5w20 on the next change. Its $1.77/qt at WalMart, so the price is not too bad.

Prior to owning this truck, I have used MotorCraft Oil in my Fords for the last 3 years. As per a recommendation here, I think from Labnerd, that said the MotorCraft was one of the sleeper oils - really good oil that no one said much about. (I hope I quoted that right?)

John

 

5w30 syn. 150 000 miles no problems

 

since you live in texas 5W oil is not going to matter much on cold start versus the 10W. but the "20" as in 5W-20 could improve your gas mileage a bit versus 5W or 10W-30 since it is not quite as thick when hot. 5W-20 should give you plenty of protection. I use it exclusively with no problems whatsoever.

 

Thanks guys, I'll pick up a crate of 5W20 next time I change the oil. If I can find Motorcraft I'll get that.

 

Ford says 5W/30 for my 98, they moved to the 5W/20 around 01-02? Might have been only for fuel mileage to meet EPA requirements, Who knows.,,,,98

 

they moved to the 5W/20 around 01-02? Might have been only for fuel mileage to meet EPA requirements, Who knows.,,,,98

Hey screamer..I remember reading in these forums a couple of times that ford changed the recommendation after a large volume of complaints/servicing for piston lash. Sounds like a ford fix!

 

Piston lash? Is that slap or???,,,,98

 

Ford now recommends pretty much all modular engines to switch over to the 5W/20.
http://www.sts.sae.org/servicetech/j...2/ford-sae.htm

They wouldn't recommend the 5W/20 to be used on older engines if CAFE fuel economy numbers were their only concern. Almost all the Ford dealers here in San Diego will only use 5/20, even on my 2000 F150 and our 98' Expedition.

I heard something about valvetrain oil starvation for modular engines if the oil was too thick, and that 5/20 would be better.

On a side note, our new Honda Civic uses 5/20 and the scheduled oil change is every 10K miles!!!

 

Mike Troyer of Troyer Performance has the following reccomendations for oil viscosities. He wrote this in the Computer Chips section a few weeks ago:


"I like using Mobil 1 better than Amsoil - it's cheaper and Mobil 1 does not use polymers for their multi-viscosity oils like Amsoil & most others do.

For a motor with mods that is making good power, I like to use Mobil 1 in a weight of 10W-30 - forget that 5W-20 crappola.

For a stock engine, you can certaily use a 5W-30 if you like, in a full synthetic like Mobil 1 - now I do NOT like Mobil1's new 0-weight base oil where it says on the label to use it in place of the 5W-20 oils most automakers are calling for - I disagree with that.

Camshaft manufacturers hate polymers, which is why most of them hate most synthetic oils in general. Now I am NOT a lubricant "expert" - there are certainly people that know more about this than I do, but I do run Mobil 1 10W-30 in all our vehicles year-round, as it gives better engine protection that any 5W20 or 5W-30 - those 5-weight oils are only spec'd for fuel mileage, it's *not* for best wear protection in the engine." Mike Troyer


Mike makes some very good arguments for changing viscosities but he also says to use whatever makes you comfortable.

Tom

 

Definately not an expert. BTW Amsoil 10w30 uses no VII's either(VII's are viscosity index improvers AKA polymers)

Also as far as performance Amsoil has a lower noack volitilty than mobil 1 and will stay in grade far longer than mobil 1, Amsoil uses a beefier additive package which will allow you to extend your drains far longer than with mobil 1.

Not that I'm knocking Mobil 1, it would probably be my #2 choice oil just want to set some facts straight is all.

Here is some info on Amsoils sequence III test for the 10w30:http://www.amsoil.com/performancetests/sequence_3f.htm

And a head to head test with Mobil 1 and Amsoil 5w30.
http://www.amsoil.com/performancetes..._vs_mobil1.htm

 

I've always done 10w-30. I don't think anything less than that is capable of lubricating well enough. 5w-20 just seems like it's far to lightweight for heavy-duty towing, etc.

Just my $.02
-Flea

 

Not to go against Mike, but I always though that the lighter weight oils (I think 5W20 is too light) help get the oil at the critical points on an OHC engine faster (at start-up). As far as wear protection, If you get a good quality oil such as amsoil, monil 1, or redline, you will not have a wear problem. Over at www.bobistheoilguy.com they have had many UOAs come back with the lighter grade oils. They have found that a majority of the above mentioned names have sufficient protection abilities for everyday usage, of course synthetic is better at holding up and canclling out harmful chemicals.

I've been running 5W30 Redline (which uses one heck of a lot of Molly) in my GT with NO problems.