I use Royal Purple #11(5W20) synthetic racing oil in my Lightning. Put it in at 4,000 miles after using Motorcraft 5W20(first change at 1,000 miles) up to that point.

IMHO, you guys that are leery of using 5W20 don't realize just how 'good' these synthetic oils are. I ran full synthetics for years in my 'driver's school' cars--a Z281LE(305 ci) and a Saab 9000 Turbo where I was in 3rd and 4th gear most of the time--at WOT--for minutes(each group would be 'on track' for 15-20 minutes per run) at the time. They were both daily drivers too. No, these engines didn't require 5W20(I used 10W30-Redline, Mobil 1, or RP) but ours do.

Right now, I think only RP and Amsoil have a 5W20--as soon as Mobil 1 comes out with one, I'd surely change to it if I were using 'dino' oil-5W20. It should be priced at about 1/2 what RP costs.

Dan

 

My new ford lightning i plan on using 5-20 motorcraft blended and motorcraft filter and this way i don"t have anything to worry about if ford says use 5-20 weight then thats what i will use. and i called ford and they said if i use anything other than 5-20 my warranty would be void and null case closed

 

I have to second the use of 5W20 for the sake of no problems with warranty. As time goes on the 5w20 oil should be coming down in price. My understanding is that the 5w20 allows a minor advantage in gas mileage thus boosting the fleet mileage ratings for the car maker.

 

I would respectfully disagree with that statement. First if someone wants to use 5W-20 thats great. However Ford can NOT deny a warranty to those like me using 5W-30. Main reason because many Ford dealers including mine are continuing to use 5W-30 on oil changes. I have two work orders with it printed right there in black and white 5W-30.

The dealer is a Ford representive and certified by Ford to do warranty work on Ford trucks/cars. So if many dealers are continuing to use 5W-30 there is nothing to sweat as far as warranty.

Second, nothing changed inside the motor so there is not a real valid reason for Ford to have swithced from 5W-30 to 5W-20, Ford did so to meet cafe specs.

 

I agree that the oils are virtually the same and he engines also, yet to save a hassle if the manual and engine compartment info say 5W20 then I use 5W20. Reality there is no difference, but what lawyer lives in reality.

 

We can discuss the reasons behind the specifications till we're blue in the face (or fingers). CAFE, tolerances, etc. The real proof is in the Used Oil Analysis (UOA). 5W-20 is showing good wear numbers in all the modular engines (5.4, 4.6, and the 6.8L)

In my 5.4L,

and the 4.6L,

and the 6.8L w/towing.

The FACTS are that this oil viscosity works. It works well, but if you are still leery of it, keep using 5W-30. It certainly won't harm your motor.

Personally, I like the idea or notion of getting a little better gas mileage. Although I'd be hard pressed to prove the mileage I'm getting now is better that what I was seeing with 5W-30.

 

I'm testing out two 5w20's right now in my F150's. Conoco Hydroclear (same as Motorcraft) and Texaco Havoline. I'll be posting results over there when they become availible. In the meantime, my 5w30 numbers are also up over on that board. Search under valvoline and you should find them if interested.

I'm MNgopher over there.

 

I agree with you people and just so it's clear I don't think there is anything wrong with using 5W-20. I am just waiting to know for sure after time that 5W-20 is going to be ok as compared to using 5W-30. I tow at times and have read (in the past) that its better to use a little heavy weight. Could that be wrong? Sure but since I have never heard any problems with using the 30 weight I just feel better. Doesn't mean I am right, just what I feel comfortable with at this time.

 

I agree with you 01 XLT Sport. I hope I didn't sound condescending. I think people should use what they are comfortable with but I also think people should and can feel comfortable using a 5W-20 that meets Ford’s specification.

That being said, I think the answer to your question is yes, but to a point. A little heavier weight oil is normally better under sever service like towing, hot weather, etc. At least that’s what my Dad taught me but I can’t help but wonder if this is the ‘old-school’ approach. Many manufacturers recommend different viscosities depending on service and temperature but not Ford. I think even GM only recommends 5W-30 for their gas trucks. Oil technology is ever changing and far more advanced than when I was a kid and my Dad used straight 30W in everything. And I am not an expert. I rely on Used Oil Analysis (UOA) and they may not tell the complete story of how the oil is performing but they are the best indicator we have.

However, I'm not confident that you'd see better wear numbers from say a 10W-30 or 5W-30 versus 5W-20. At least it doesn't appear to be the case from the UOA's I've seen. Personally, I'd stick with 10W-30, 5W-30 or 5W-20 in the modular V8's. I don’t think you’d see better numbers from going even thicker still (XXW-40 or XXW-50). They may be worse is some cases.

By the way, I’m anxiously waiting for a UOA on a batch of the new Mobil 1 0W-20 that includes lots of short trip driving, towing a 3,000-pound trailer for 300 miles, and 90+-degree weather. I even let my girlfriend drive it!

 

PacNWBlueOval:

No, you didn't sound condescending at all and your post was well written. I do agree with what you said about "old school", perhaps that is kind of where I am stuck at. The other thing that didn't help me think about using 5W-20 is the fact that the two Ford dealers in my area don't use it either. Does that mean it is not as good as 5W-30? I don't think so, but just the point I have some "old school" in me, the dealers don't use it, at least not at this time, and knowing Ford was having a very hard time meeting Cafe specs all figured into my own logic of wanting to stay with the 5W-30.

10 years from now I could be proven very wrong, and could have found that my engine may have lasted another 50,000 miles using the 5W-20. Then again in 10 years maybe it would play out that neither oil grade is better then the other when it comes to wear.

So that's why I look at it as to each their own and feel regardless of the weight 20 or 30 that people will be just fine and there are no warranty concerns.

I feel those that are **** like me about changing oil (I do it every 3,000 miles) it most likey will not matter the weight (20 or 30) or if it is dino, syn or a blend...

 

I would be very interested in what your results are after that. For me numbers help alot, they help to clear some of the smoke and "old school" thoughts. It would be nice to see some of the oil manufactures do real world testing with different weights of their OWN oil and post some results rather then comparing their oil to another...

 

01 XLT Sport,
I think if you are changing your oil religiously at 3,000 with 5W-30, you are going to have a very long and happy relationship with your truck.

I'll have to remember to give you a heads up when I get my analysis back from Blackstone.

I especially agree with your idea about manufacturers posting tests. Maybe with detailed descriptions of service and some statistical analysis. That would be great but I’m not holding my breath. They might upset the EPA if they could show better wear trends with 5W or 10W-30.

By the way, you and I have the same model year truck. We're cool.

 

Thanks...

 

That is, IMHO, absolute crap and totally untrue....... My friend, who drives a '01 Harley Davidson Edition SuperCrew, also happens to be the service manager at the Ford dealer where I bought my truck. He switched his personal truck (and so did I) to Mobil 1 Tri-synthetic 5W30 at 5K miles. According to him, so long as you use a quality oil (dino or synthetic) and filter, and adhere to the recommended service schedule (and keep records to prove it), there's no way Ford can void your warranty. Any comments to the contrary are most likely made by an unscrupulous service department in search of a quick buck.

Moral of the story, find yourself a new service department.

-Mike-

 

I would not put 5W20 in anything I own except for break in periods. Friday, my new Mustang GT will be getting Mobil 1 5W30, which is on the lighter side of the 30 weight oils.