I was just wondering if switching oil to another number would hurt...
Right now I use 5w30 ( recommended in the manual) and I live on an island which has summer all year long... Im thinking of switching to Castrol Synthetic for trucks which I see we only have 15w20 or something..

Also thinking about converting oil to 10w or yeah... I need

I just use the recommended 5w30 (synthetic blend), but I want to know if it will be ok to switch to something that suits my weather! AS far as I know the only kinds of oil we have on island are Mobil 1 I think, Shell oil ( not sure what kind ), Motorcraft Synthetic Blend.. which I use, and Castrol at some stores..

 

id stick with what is recommended, the 5w30.

 

I run Castrol Syntec in all 3 of my F-150's, 5w20 or 5w30 as recommended and I have no problem finding it at Wal*Mart or any auto parts store. I've run Syntec in all of my vehicles for the last 20 years or so and have had several go over 250,000 miles with no engine problems.

 

The recommended oil is for the best mileage and wear on this engine. The new motors have such tight tolerances that it's all that is needed. We have a local police department that puts 15W40 in everything. Guess what, I have replaced a lot of the Crown Vic engines. Coincidence? I say nay nay.

 

That's 100% correct ^^^^

The 2000 is updated to 5w 20 - That's the recommendation via Ford OASIS - TSB. Use a blend. - Motorcraft or Castrol.

 

I have an 02' 4.6 which calls for 5w20, however it can be hard to find sometimes so I have used 5w30 a few times...is this ok on it? Also are all the major name brands pretty much the same, or atleast good oil? I know many are loyal to a specific brand but curious if there is really any major differences.

 

5-30 wont hurt it. Ford change to 5-20 mostly for fuel economy. They recommended 5-30 in the 97-2000 modulars changed it in 2001 or late 2000. your engine is no different from those.

 

So, should I change it to 5w20 for fuel economy? Will it hurt, I use 5w30 Synthetic Blend Motorcraft.. And so Im hearing people saying it wont hurt and some saying the recommended is ok...
Oh and can anyone help me how do I remove the drain plug are we supose to use a wrench or a ratchet.... I did it before, but forgot what size// Thanks!

 

Your alright, - It's up to you. I still use 5/30 @ 257,000 miles and change every 3000 or 3 months - which ever comes first. When I re-stock, I'll most likely follow their recommendation.

If you run a Motorcraft PCV valve, you shouldn't use oil if you follow a similar regimen. Many after market valve margins are to tight which can and has caused oil usage in the past.

Oil Filter - Motorcraft FL820
PCV Valve - EV238

BTW - Drain plug size =15mm, socket or wrench.

__________________________________________________ _________

Clipped from the bulletin ~

TSB -

ENGINE - ENGINE OIL - RECOMMENDED
APPLICATIONS FOR SAE 5W-20 AND SAE 5W-30
MOTOR OILS - GASOLINE AND FLEXIBLE FUEL
VEHICLES ONLY

ISSUE:
Ford Motor Company now recommends SAE 5W-20 viscosity grade for servicing most gasoline and flexible fueled vehicles.

ACTION:
This oil is an improved formulation to improve fuel economy.

Testing has validated this viscosity grade can be used in many previous model year vehicles. It is recommended ALL vehicles on the following Vehicle Application Listing be service with SAE 5W-20.

Article No.
02-1-9

01/21/02

FORD:

1993-2002 E SERIES, F-150, RANGER

 

You don't base oil use on weather.
The factory does not do this except for extremes such as very cold climates for which your position does not apply.
The only equipment I see oil weight based on temp is snowblowers and the like that don't use exotic oils (their hard to start in very cold weather)with heavey oils.
What gets lost in this shuffle is the cam tensioners are oil pressure driven.
You use heavier oil and you get more chain and tensioner wear from the cold start higher pressures plus the oil does not get to the upper parts of the motor as fast.
Get rid of the old way of thinking.
113,000 miles + on 5w20 with heavey towing at gross combined weights of 12,000 lbs. and still a perfect 2002 4.6 motor.
What else can I tell you but reason and experience?

 

Thanks everyone.. I guess its pretty much my chose to whether I use 5w20 or 30.. and I'll just stick to what it says in the manual... Im confused tho because it recommends 5w20, but the manual says also 5w30 I guess.. I'll stay with what I have.. Thanks everyone again! Probaly switch to 5w20... later... Already have 5w30 synthetic blend in storage..

Thanks for the info j brew... I hopefully would benefit from switching .... for fuel mileage!

 

This thread is very interesting! My 97 has 158k on it and I have no idea what oil was used on it prior to me at 157k. When I got it I switched to Mobil 1 fully synthetic Truck & SUV 5W-30. I need to do an oil change due to soem work I've done on it. Would now be a good time to switch to 5W-20? I ask because I'm not sure if there are differences based on the number of miles on the truck. Again, VERY useful thread. Thanks!

 

^^ I think thats still OK since you are using the recommended, but 5w-20 is alright too since its recommended also for fuel economy.
I'd just stick with what the manufacturer says, its confusing though. Because in my manual it says 5w-30 then in another page it says 5w-20 recommended... wtf!? Did they spell check before they issued these manuals.. But for you since your using fully synthetic I don't think there's a problem at all!

Similar to MXR181 5w-20 is hard to around here.. well hard to see it on some store shelves.

 

I posted the TSB - That supersedes the manual - That's why there is a TSB. It's a Ford Technical Service Bulletin that applies to you. It's there for best vehicle performance.

Also use Motorcraft oil, the blend - Full synthetic isn't recommended. - Best thing you could do for your truck would be to follow manufacturers recommendations, - unless you actual facts that something is better for your particular engine. I don't think you'll hurt anything running what the manual says, but that's exactly what their referring to, - your manual/your engine. No, they didn't get the spelling wrong. - Their trying to help you.

 

I have a '97 Explorer w/ the 5.0L V8 (302). My dealer removed the 5W30 oil cap and replaced it w/ a 5W20 oil cap. Now it only gets 5W20 at the dealership.