So how much attention to you pay to the W weight when looking at the oil?? At normal operating temps, the W number should be kind of irrelevant shouldn't it?? Isn't that just a reference for the viscosity of the oil when completely cold, and may have a benefit during initial start up, especially on cold mornings or colder climates??

For example...Amsoil has the 5W20 and a 0W20 as well as a 5W30 and 0W30. Would you ever make your decision on which one to use based partly (or in whole) on the 0W or 5W rating?? Under what conditions would you base this or choose (or not choose) one of these particular W weights?

DISCLAIMER...this is not an Amsoil thread...this is about the weight.

 

For sure. Most noteably in cold climates like we tend to get up here. I use a synthetic 5W-30 until January and then switch to 0W-30 until March. I decide this strickly on starting in extreme cold (-40 f ) for extended periods of time.

 

I am presently using a 5W20, Ford recommended oil for my engine. FWIW In 2000 Ford recommended 5W30 for my engine. In the summer I run 0W50. Why? Because it gets real hot under the hood of my truck in the summer. I am old fashion and the 50 gives me peace of mind.

JMC

JMC

 

I would use either a 0W or 5W in a modern Ford engine, but not a 10W.

 

I pay a lot of attention to the first number after I read about it several years ago and it made sense to me. According to the article (and I agree), most of the wear on engine bearings happen at initial startup before oil pressure builds up enough for the oil to form a cushion between the crank and bearings. The thinner oil gets there faster to cushion and you have less wear.

 

have to show my friend this thread. hes mixed like 4 differnt kinds of oil in his truck. 5W30 10W40 5W20 and 0W20. humm wounder how his interals like that. he says "oil is oil" and it all lubes it up. as for me i just stick with what the book says. 5W30.

 

Living in Florida I pay no attention to the "w" number. You're correct, at operating temperature that number is irrelevant. Generally, a 5w-20 or 5w-30 would be a great oil weight for these trucks in nearly any climate. In the southern states 10w-30 year round is fine. I never use any oil heavier than a 30 weight, its unnecessary and makes the truck feel sluggish, seems to ping more also. These underpowered 4.6s need all the help they can get.

 

5w-30 (just example) mean its a 5 weight oil with additive packages to make it thicker. Another thing to note: once you have used up your oil (over used it) or have burned it all up, you will be running a 5w oil.

 

Just for FYI, the reason I asked this question is I'm thinking about switching over to Amsoil 0W30 from a 5W30 and wondered about the performance or any difference with the 0W weight.

 

like I said... the biggest difference is your "base stock" will now be a 0 weight vs a base stock of 5 weight. Just don't ever burn your oil and don't try for those rediculous long interval oil changes. You'll be fine (IMO)

 

yeah i check my oil ever time i fill up its not needed my truck doesnt burn alot of oil but its always good to check. and it gives you something to do while your 60 dollars is feeding your F-150.

 

2 years before I retired from underground coal mineing we were useing and they still use a lot of Cat deseal(sp) During the winter months we had a team from Cat doing a lot of repair work. Anyway they ask what kind of oil we were useing. The company said "Dello 400" Cat said DO NOT USE DELLO 400 in extream cold. By switching to anouther oil the company saved $10,000.00's of dollars each year.

 

There's more to it than just the number. Since you are tempted to use Amsoil 0w30 over the 5w30, you should also pay attention to what is IN the oil. Amsoil's 0w30 has the best additive package of the 2. That would make the difference for me right there.

 

I have 2002 f150 68,000 miles what would be the best weight of oil to use??

 

5w20.