I found this article when doing so research on 5w20 oil.

http://www.performanceoiltechnology.com/ford5w20.htm


New for model year 2001: Ford and Honda specify 5W-20 motor oil for ALL cars and light trucks.

Ford and Honda disguise the real reason by telling customers it is better for their vehicle. DON'T BELIEVE IT! Ford even went as far as to print "Use 5W-20 oil only" in bright yellow on the oil filler cap.

They are NOT looking out for the customers best interest. They are looking out for their best interest which ultimately results in more billions of dollars profit for them while all you end up with is less protection for your engine and an engine which will wearout sooner. Read on to learn the TRUTH behind 5W-20 and beware because more OEM's will be doing the same thing in the years to come.

Question: My owners manual species 5W-20 oil. Do I really need to use 5W-20 oil and why did my 2000 model year vehicle require a 5W-30 oil, while the exact same engine in my 2001 and 2002 requires a 5W-20 oil?

Answer: Absolutely Not! You DO NOT need to use a 5W-20 oil. Do not let your dealer scare you by telling you that you have to use it for your warranty. That is one of the biggest lies and deceptions that dealerships use to scare customers. Once you know the facts and the law you will be much better informed to protect your rights and us what is really best for your engine.

The ONLY reason 5W-20 was specified for your engine is to increase the CAFE (Corporate Average Fuel Economy) reported to the Federal Government. CAFE is the combined average fuel economy of all of a vehicle manufacturers product line. Minimum CAFE levels are specified by the Federal Government. In order for a vehicle manufacturer to continue selling profitable large trucks and SUV's, which typically have poor fuel mileage ratings, as compared to smaller cars, and still meet mandated CAFE requirements, they must also sell enough of the smaller cars which have much better fuel economy ratings to offset the poor fuel economy ratings of the larger vehicles. For model year 2001, the change to a 5W-20 oil will allow Ford and Honda's overall CAFE to increase by a very small amount, typically in the tenths of a mile per gallon range. 5W-20 oil is a lighter viscosity than a 5W-30 oil and therefore has less internal engine frictional losses, or less drag on the crankshaft, pistons and valvetrain, which in turn promotes increased fuel economy. This increased fuel economy is virtually undetectable to the average motorist without the use of specialized engine monitoring and testing equipment under strictly controlled test track driving when compared to a 5W-30, 10W-30 or a 0W-30 viscosity motor oil.

Therefore, 5W-20 has absolutely no benefit to you, the customer, other than to make you have to buy their expensive Honda or Motorcraft oil (which neither Honda or Ford actually manufacturers an oil; they simply source it to the low bidder) and get an oil which provides less protection for your engine!

Question: What are the negative aspects of using a 5W-20 motor oil?

Answer: There are many negative aspects, the most important is that 5W-20 has less film and shear strength than a 5W-30, 10W-30 or a 0W-30 motor oil. This can lead to increased and accelerated engine wear under today's demanding heat and high stress engine operating conditions. In our analysis, there is a limit to how light of a viscosity an engine oil can go, as a light viscosity oil such as 5W-20 offers less protection for your engine. What's going to be next 5W-10? If you operate under severe service conditions such as towing trailers, hauling heavy loads, stop and go driving in hot weather or sustained high speeds on the highway then you are even in a worse predicament. You would be much better off using either a 5W-30, 10W-30 or a 0W-30 motor oil.



Question: Could using a 5W-30, 10W-30, 0W-30 or even a 10W-40 or 20W-50, oil in my vehicle which specifies a 5W-20 oil void my new car warranty?

Answer: ABSOLUTELY NOT! Vehicle manufacturers only recommend using motor oils meeting certain viscosity grades and American Petroleum Institute service requirements. Whether a motor oil is a 5W-20, 5W-30, 10W-30, 0W-30, 10W-40 or 20W-50 (for racing and high performance applications in, for example, a Cobra R Mustang) or even a synthetic vs. a petroleum based oil will not affect warranty coverage. The manufacturer is required by Federal Law to cover all equipment failures it would normally cover as long as the oil meets API service requirements and specifications and was not the cause of failure. In addition, the Federally mandated Magnuson - Moss Act states that a manufacturer may not require a specific brand or type of aftermarket product unless it is provided free of charge. If your dealership continues to tell you that you must use 5W-20 motor oil and or/ a specific brand of 5W-20 motor oil, then ask them to put it in writing. Their position is inaccurate, and, in fact violates existing law.*

Additionally, if there is ever a question of whether or not a particular motor oil was the cause of an engine failure make sure to get a sample of the used oil in a clean bottle, typically 6 oz. minimum. The oil can then be sent to two independent testing labs for analysis. This is standard procedure for most commercial vehicles, trucking, construction/excavation and fleet companies and there are numerous certified test labs all over the country. Remember, a knowledgeable and informed consumer is your best defense against being taken advantage of by a car dealership service center.

* Note: If a car or truck dealership, service center or other business states that using AMSOIL motor oil in your vehicle will void your new car warranty, ask for that statement in writing and send it to AMSOIL technical Services. If the business won't provide the statement in writing send AMSOIL Technical Services a letter identifying who made the statement, the name and location of the business and what the statement was. AMSOIL will then send a letter to the business informing them that their position is inaccurate, and, in fact, violates existing law. Your name will be held in confidence.

AMSOIL mailing address: AMSOIL Inc., AMSOIL Bldg., Superior, WI 54880

For those consumers, that still must use a 5W-20 oil even after reading this informative article, AMSOIL does manufacture a 5W-20 synthetic motor oil, called XL-7500 5W-20. It is a 7500 mile/6-month motor oil. AMSOIL's 5W-20 synthetic motor oil provides outstanding wear protection and increased power, performance and fuel economy in high and low temperatures and also meets and exceeds the Ford and Honda specifications.

For even better performance and protection we recommend using AMSOIL's Series 2000 0W-30 synthetic motor oil. This is the top performing AMSOIL Motor Oil for gasoline powered light trucks and passenger cars. It uses race-proven technology and provides unsurpassed fuel efficiency and better wear protection than other conventional and synthetic motor oils. It is a 35,000 mile/1-year change interval motor oil. Use it in conjunction with AMSOIL's Super Duty Oil Filter's that specify a change interval of 12,500 miles/6-months, whichever comes first.

 

Ford does not specify 5w-20 in all its engines, if its only for cafe reasons than why not in all engines?

Any articles on sludge build up caused by the adatives in oil to make an oil a double grade? the bigger the differnce the more the adatives. for example there is a larger difference between 5w30 and 10w30, how about straight grade sae 30 or sae 10, or how about the fact that you will still have the same acids in your oil weather you use synthetic or not, and that the only way to remove the acids is by changing the oil?

Do you have a definate proof that ford did not change the engines, ford states at this time only use 5w20 on vehicles that are designed for it as they are doing testing to see if it can be used on vehicles prior to the change. Perhaps different bearings and or clearances? they have stated that on previous engines requireing 10w30 that a 5w30 can be used

 

"The manufacturer is required by Federal Law to cover all equipment failures it would normally cover as long as the oil meets API service requirements and specifications and was not the cause of failure. In addition, the Federally mandated Magnuson - Moss Act states that a manufacturer may not require a specific brand or type of aftermarket product unless it is provided free of charge. If your dealership continues to tell you that you must use 5W-20 motor oil and or/ a specific brand of 5W-20 motor oil, then ask them to put it in writing. Their position is inaccurate, and, in fact violates existing law"

Ahh yes, sweet validation.

 

ralderman,

Thanks for this very enlightening info. I have been going back and forth on whether to continue using 5W-20 or go with a 0W-30 or 5W-30 motor oil. I think this info seals the deal. AMSOIL Series 2000 0W-30. Which is what I am using in my other vehicle.

 

Truth is that Ford, not some oil company, warrants your engine. Ford and Honda (two of the best builders IMO) feel that 5W20 is fine. They still offer extended warranties that cover the engine up to 100,000 miles so they must feel there is no long-term harm from using 5W20. Why risk the price of a new engine because *YOU* THINK these companies are "wrong" or only changed their specifications for the purpose of meeting economy requirements. It doesn't matter WHY they changed, it only matters that the specifications did change and we, the owners, must fulfill our obligations to maintain the vehicle's warranty.

What's really disturbing is that some of us are willing to believe some person (an AmsOil salesman nonetheless) when he tells you it's OK to use whatever he says is OK and just happens to be selling. Under the MM interpretation given by the AmsOil distributor above, you could fill your auto tranny with gear grease then claim MM protects you when it craters a mile down the road. We all know that's not true.

Be smart- use your own research to determine your obligations. And try to use INDEPENDENT sources instead of those with something to gain by spreading mis-information.

 

CAFE CAFE CAFE standards are the ONLY reason that Ford and Honda want you to use 5W20 or 5W30. Their tolerances arent any tighter than GM, Nissan, etc. 5W20 and 5W30 oil is close to the consistency of water when hot. And no, I don't use amsoil or any synthetic. I'll listen to what people in the know that have built passenger car and racing engines for years have to say, as compared to what some engineer who has designed the infamous "slapper engines" says.

 

The part number for the 4.2L V-6 connecting rod bearing is the same from 6/97 on. The engine specs didn't change. Ford only specified 5W-20 to meet CAFE requirements. I want my engine to last way past the warranty. I'm sticking with Mobil 1, 5W-30.
(FORD = First - On - Race - Day)

My $0.02

 

And you think 10w30 has any different consistency than 5w30 at operating temps? It too would have a consistency like water at that point, same as the 5w30.

I'd take a look at the info supplied by amsoil or any other party with a direct interest in selling oil to you with a large grain of salt.

I also found the comment about having to buy the oil from Ford or Honda intersting since I know I've seen two other brands - Valvoline and Conoco stocked on shelves around here - and for exactly the same price as the 5w30, 10w30, etc... Valvoline runs 1.17 a quart at the store I purchase my oil, including 5w20. Thats a non issue.

From what I understand, Ford requires motor oil that meets a ford spec. The spec, going from memory here, essentially requires a 5w-20 to meet it. That spells out the condition of the warranty on the engine. It doesn't specify brand, only a performance spec.

F150forever - great. We've proven exactly one piece has stayed the same on one engine.

Ah yes, the man is out to screw us... Sheesh, we'd all be using steam power the way some people here are against anything new.

 

Sorry just my .02

The last person I would listen to is someone who has been building racing engines for years (Except f-1 type engines) They still use very old out dated (not out dated for the track) engines with carbs.

Our engines are designed for today and what the American Government requires so you really do want to listen to the engineers.

Oil mixes change daily and they are constantly testing it why do you think the SAE star is always changing on the oil containers??? THINGS CHANGE, CHANGE is constant. If you want it the old way buy an older truck!!! (Or a Dodge)

Man I'm sorry I have a real hard time with this debate. If you can't answer "Yes" to any of the following questions than you need to follow your owners manual.

1. Do you have a degree in Mechanical engineering?
2. Were you part of the design team for these engines?
3. Do you have access to an Electron Microscope to properly check microscopic wear?

Man I could go on and on about this but I digress, I will dismount the soap box now.

P.S. no flame of any kind intended as always just my .02

Peace-

 

Just to fuel the fire, no where in my 02 owners manual does it say that 5w-20 is required in the 4.6l. It does however state 5w-20 is recommended; that is a big difference "recommended" vs. "required".

According my cousin who is an ASE certified mechanic and works almost exclusively on late model fords (and whom I trust more than anyone or any internet report when it comes to my truck); using 5w-30 or 10w-30 will not hurt anything and will not affect the warranty.

As a matter of fact, when it came time for my first oil change I worried because I could not find 5w-20. It was my cousin the mechanic that told me to just pick up some 5w-30. What was the alternative? Don't change the oil until 5w-20 becomes available, hell it's still hard to find around here I'd still be running on the factory oil.

 

To answer Crash's concern about fuel mileage. The gains by using 5W-20 over 5W-30 oil is down to 1 to 2 tenths of one mile per gallon. It will not show up on your window sticker. However, if you multiply that gain by millions of vehicles, thus the increase in Ford's CAFE standards. By the way, the engine builders I've talked to build Supercharged, Turbocharged, and normally aspirated engines. An F1 engine still operates under the same principal, gasoline powered, internal combustion, subject to friction. If I were part of the design team of these engines I wouldn't put my name on them. I currently have an '01 L that USED to have engine knock until warm until I changed to 5W30 oil. It calls for 5w-20 on the filler cap. Lets see if an engineer (GOD) on this board can explain that one to me.

 

Whats with all of the engineer basing going on here? I'm an engineer, albeit a a civil engineer, with absolutely no mechanical engineering experience. Do you think every engine builder is gods gift to knowing everything there is to know about engines? I don't. Are most of them extremely talented at what they do? Sure. Do I think they are the best reference as to what oil to run in my current engine? No. An engine they built - potentially. Two different animals.

Oh BTW, Wards tends to disagree with your assessment of whether the design team should be proud of the 5.4l engines - seeing as how it has won a place on Ward's Ten Best engines list for several years now. Damn Engineers. They aren't perfect, but then most of you could never afford the price you'd have to pay for the "perfect" engine.

 

Should be interesting to see who has fewer oil related problems. Those who use what Ford specs or those who use what Joe the mechanic says to use?

The only reason I ever get in on these debates is to make sure impressionable people have a good idea of what their warranty and Ford says. That has been my only point in all these debates.

Ford and their engineers say to use 5W-20 oil, but there are always people who trust Joe, who has been building and rebuilding the same old 307, 350, and 454 engines for years and years.

 

I too am weary of the "debate" but would like to make sure that everyone that reads this quote realizes that it is only PART of the text of the owner's manual.

Honestly, Ford doesn't care what weight oil you use and they do say that 5W-20 is only "recommended". But down a little further in the owner's manual is a paragraph with a set of specifications that are required for the engine's oil. You MUST use oil that meets these specs or Ford can (and apparently will) void your warranty. Unfortunately, at this time, 5W-20 is ONLY oil that meets Ford's required specifications.

It's your truck and your warranty- do as you wish. Just don't come whining & crying on the message boards if something bad happens and Ford denies coverage for "improper maintenace".

 

Dennis, we all know the only reason you get in on these debates is to spread your BS. As in your last post. No REAL information. Ford and their engineers say that "piston slap" performs as designed. I will say this about GM. They, for the most part, have superior powertrains. If they ever get their el-cheapo interiors improved, look out for them. By the way, I wouldn't call Mike Troyer Joe the mechanic. He's one of the people I have talked at length about the oil topic. Yes, he's a salesman, but he also is well read on making engines last.

Crash, Every little bit counts, especially when selling L's that get 14 mpg on the highway.

In conclusion, buy what you want. I think people are way too worried about big daddy Ford not paying for an engine failure that will NEVER occur for going to a slightly thicker oil.