hi folks,

my 01 5.4L has 222k miles on it now. i have been using the 5w20(i think it is) as recommended on the oil cap. however, on my last dealer service, they said an engine with that many miles should be using a heavier weight oil.

may i ask what viscosity/brand you all find best?

tia, jackc...

 

A 5w30 would be fine but if 5w20 got you to 222k I would just keep using it. I use Amsoil 0w30 changed once a year. I have 122k now.

 

It seems odd that a dealer/tech (assuming it/they is/are Ford) would recommend anything outside of factory spec, especially on Triton motors.......
The experienced gear heads and engineers will tell you that if you have run a certain weight oil for the life of the motor, stick with it. The heavier weight oil isn't necessarily going to prolong the life of anything on your motor other than what it lubricates. This would be a classic case of "if it ain't broke, don't fix it".

 

Agreed with everything so far. The only time I would suggest switching to a heavier oil would be if you were trying to "cover up" some kind of tick or knock or something. If it's got you this far why would you want to change? Disregard what that guy told you.

You never want to swap to a heavier oil for no particular reason...there's nothing good about running a heavier oil than what the motor is built for unless there's a specific reason.

 

"You never want to swap to a heavier oil for no particular reason"

That's why I don't get Ford(dealership) putting 75W-140 in the front diffs of a 4X4. ?? Do they just want to have only one weight of gear oil in the shop?

Rear, I can see. Front, I don't get it.

Can anyone explain the logic?

Thanks

 

Everything I see states that recommended is 75w90 for the front.

As far as the original post, I agree with the others. 5w20 got you this far, kep using it.

 

As for the 75W140 in the front axle, it's kind of a moot point if you think about it. There's no drag influence if 4WD is not engaged and when it is, I don't think you're really worried about mileage or any of the other comparable factors. Plus, and not to disagree with you, but I don't think an engine and an axle is a good comparison on this subject. Besides, the full sun 140 they're using now is a superior oil anyways.

 

If your not burning it off then keep using it. Thats the only time I change.

 

for those of you skeptical about the dealership suggesting out of spec solution, i want to comment that the dealership in watsonville, ca is suspect on my list, i dont think they are very sharp, hence my deferring to y'all's counsel.

thx very much for your time to reply, ...

 

The only time I go for thicker oil is if the oil pressure gage drops below 15 psi when the engine is heat soak sitting at a red light. But then it time for new bearings.

I like to know the bore wear on a 5.4 with over 200K miles ?? I got a 302 block with 250K miles and bore wear is .003 to .005.

They say bore wear increases alot if the motor in not running above 180 degrees. I need to get around and install a water temp and oil gage just to see what the numbers are in a 5.4.