Hi,as a new member i asked yesterday if i could put 5w30 in my 2006 5.4L F150.I'm from FRANCE and we don't have 5w20 here.We only have 5w30 or 0W30.The answers yesterday were YES and today they are NO.So what can i do?I don't wanna have any engine problems.

 

"We only have 5w30 or 0W30"

You're NOT gonna have engine problems, caused by the oil, running either of those weights. In fact, you could add a few more to the list.

Just change it out on a regular basis with a new filter and no worries.

5W20 is a FORD "recommendation", not a "necessity".

Enjoy your truck.

 

We're telling this guy no because for one, he's already been using 5W20 to begin with...thus no reason to change over. And two, he can go back and exchange it for what he's been using. No one is saying (or did they mean to say) that 5W or 0W 30 will hurt. It'll be just fine, especially if that's all you can get. I have an '02 that calls for 5W20 but I've been using 0W30 since day one. Absolutely zero problems.

 

The difference in the viscosity is nearly nothing. The M1 in Xw-20 will be on the high end of the SAE viscosity range. No, not all oils of a 20 viscosity are the same thickness, or of any viscosity-30, 40 50,etc. The SAE range for a 20 viscosity fluid at temp is from a thin 5.60cST to 9.29 cST. The M1 will be on the high (thick) end of the scale. The M1 in the 5w-30 will be on the thin side of the 30 scale, SAE 9.30cST to 12.49cST, because it is an Energy Conserving oil. So, if the Xw-20 is at 9.20 and the 5w-30 is at 9.50, they are so close to being alike you or your engine won't know the difference. High mileage oils are usually on the "thick" end of the respective viscosity range. Also, the thinner oils will absorb and release heat faster and better than a thicker fluid- your engine will run cooler using the thinner oils. Ford speced oils are tested at 302F so heat is not an issue with oils meeting these specs.

Bast0325, you need to look for an ACEA certified oil using a PAO basestock. If you can find Castrol over there in a green bottle- there's yer oil. Use either a 5w-30 or a 0w-30- nothing thicker. These Triton engines require an oil that can flow quickly at startup, hence the 5w or ow spec, to get lubrication to the cams ASAP. If you can't find the Castrol, I can look to see what might be available in your general location or you could get mail order oil from Amsoil. Amsoil is more ACEA compliant than API compliant.

 

Thanks for your answers.I found 0w30 ,i think i will put this oil in my truck.What is the mile average for changing my oil?
What other maintenance do i have to take care of?
I repeat,we do NOT have more then 200 FORD F150 all over FRANCE so i can not let it have any problems,nobody can fix it here!!!!!!

 

Thanks for your answers.I found 0w30 ,i think i will put this oil in my truck.What is the mile average for changing my oil?
What other maintenance do i have to take care of?
I repeat,we do NOT have more than 200 FORD F150 all over FRANCE so i can not let it have any problems,nobody can fix it here!!!!!!

 

If that 0W30 is a full synthetic oil, I'd change it every 12000km (7500 miles) or 6 months, whichever occurs first. If you wish to do it more often, that's up to you. What brands of oil filters can you get there?

 

I can get MOBIL ESP FORMULA 5W30 , ELF EXCELLIUM 0W30 or TOTAL ACTIVA ENERGY 9000 0w30.I'm living near the GERMAN border,maybe i can get other brands over there.

Do i have to change gearbox oil?If yes,how often?

 

I would change the automatic transmission fluid about every 50000 km (30000 miles). You need to be picky here, you must use ATF that meets Ford Mercon V specifications.

The Elf and Mobil are full synthetics. I can't figure out what the Total is. I think I'd go with the Elf.

 

Jeez, I forgot just how great the oil standards are in Europe. You want the best? You found it in the Activa Energy 9000 made by Elf. ZDDP in the 1500 ppms and a PAO basestock....this stuff rivals Amsoil any day. Here's the MSDS on it. FWIW, Elfs parent company is Chevron but you have to follow a long trail to figure it out.

http://recherche.quickfds.com/cmt_bi...va+energy+9000

I'd consider changing this oil at 10,000 mile OCIs. A normal API oil with Fords specs will go 7500 with room to spare on my 4.6. Unless you are pulling a trailer or loads of idling, make it 10,000 miles and be happy you can still buy oil with additives in it. Because of the ACEA standards, European cars often recommend OCIs in the 10,000 mile range and some even longer. The Mobil is a GP III dino synthetic and isn't going to hold up any where near as good. But if it's cheaper, just change at the normal 5000 miles.
The ATF may be a problem. You might want to check availability of the Mercon over there. It may have to be shipped over from the US. Like it was suggested, use only Mercon V.

 

Using a synthetic 0w-30 I would run 7500-10,000 mile (12,000-16,000 kilometers) oil change intervals.

Other than the motor oil the two other services that must be done are the coolant and transmission services.

Coolant services can easily be done preforming a simple drain/fill on the radiator. I'd do this every 30,000 miles (48,000 kilometers.)

The transmission is a little trickier. If you want to service it yourself get on these message boards and we'll walk you through it. If you take it to a shop in France be sure they use a Mercon V approved fluid. I would service the transmission every 30,000-60,000 miles (48,000-97,000 kilometers) depending on the type of service being done. Go with the shorter interval if you're doing a simple pan drop/refill--go with the longer interval if you do a complete fluid exchange.

 

Activa Energy 9000 is Elf? That looks like Total to me - the Elf listed is Excellium.

 

Elf makes Total.

 

A company that makes oil for a competitor? Interesting. Or - did Elf buy out Total?

 

Total merged with Elf back in 98 or 99 - Yea 99 I think

I remember - It was soon after I purchased my truck in the fall of 98, I don't think it was official until 99.