Recently, I read some discussion on the use of the "5W-20" oil on the new trucks. This is a quote from the January 2001 Automotive Engineering International magazine (publication of the Society of Automotive Engineers), discussing the new Ford Duratec 4-cylinder engines:

"The new engine, like most other Ford powerplants, will be filled with a new grade of motor oil that will increase fuel economy by an average of 0.6% across nearly all of the company's North American fleet of 4.5 million vehicles. The net effect of using the new SAE 5W-20 grade motor oil will help reduce CO2 emissions by 190,000 t (209,000 ton) a year, which is equivalent to taking nearly 23,100 cars and trucks off the road each year.

" The Ford Escape will be the first model shipped with the new oil. All 2001 model year vehicles -- except the 4.0L Explorer, 3.9L Lincoln LS, and 3.3L Mercury Villager -- will be shipped with the new oil as they go into production later this year. Eventually, all new Ford vehicles will use the new oil.

"... The major functional difference is that the 5W-20 oil lowers friction and imporves fuel economy. In addition, use of the new oil will help reduce oil consumption due to its lower volatility."


------------------
VENOM 99
Y2K F-150 SuperCab XLT 4x4
5.4L, 4R70W, 3.55LS
ORP, Trailer Tow, Extang BlackMax tonneau, BedRug
--envious of those with the chrome steel 5-spoke factory wheels--
www.students.uiuc.edu/~cellariu

 

Interesting info Venom 99, thanks.

I have to wonder if the journalist who wrote it isn't just parroting Ford's claims blindly. I can see how 20 weight oil may reduce friction slightly over a 30, 40 or 50 weight, but when they say " ... use of the new oil will help reduce consumption due to its lower volatility .. " I have to ask, lower volatility compared to what? Assuming Ford's now filling their new vehicles with Motorcraft brand 5W-20, are they comparing the new volatility to Motorcraft 5W-30, the previous recommendation? I've never heard volatility being a function in any way of oil weight -- only of the additive package or basestocks used.

I still haven't read anything very convincing about 5W-20's benefits over 5W-30 or 0W-30. I'm sure I haven't read all that's been written about this issue, though.

------------------
Loose Moose II

'01 F-150 Wedgewood Blue SuperCab XLT
5.4L, 4X4, SB, 3.55LS

[This message has been edited by Scott_XLT (edited 02-01-2001).]

 

Im sure ford knows what their doing.
In any event this was a good read.
Thanks venom

------------------
97 F150 Longbed V8 4.6
K&N air filter
K&N FIPK tech MOD & removed elbow silencer
Hyper white xenon bulbs
Bedliner and raven shell
6 disc cd changer
Oil & filter used

Gasoline used

My Truck