My 2001 F-150 requires 5W-20 Oil.
Only Ford carries this stuff!
Does anybody know of an alternate
choice that won't void warranty?

Thanks!
Rickesh


[This message has been edited by Rickesh (edited 02-05-2001).]

 

It's the same engine as the 99 and 2000 models. I can't see why you couldn't use a 5w30.

Also you could use a 0w30 synthetic and that would be closer to the 5w20 specs.

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Lube-Direct


New Lubrication Forums

 

I asked my Service Manager about this not long ago. There was never a TSB or anything issued on it, and they were not sure why the change was made; one of the guys in that office said he had heard it was for emissions reasons.

I explained that I was wondering about it because I live in Texas, where it feels like about 5 feet from the gates of Hell in the summer, and was wondering if running that thin of oil would provide sufficient protection in the summer months. The Service Manager told me that Ford says that yes, it will. I asked him if he would run it in his SuperCrew, and he told me that he owns one, and that that's what he's running in it, so he must be fairly confident.

As to the quality of Ford's oil, I change mine religiously every 3,000 miles, and that's hardly enough time for it to break down. Even if Covert Ford has to use Motorcraft oil, as long as I keep fresh oil in the truck, it should not be a problem.

Just my $.02 worth.

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Tom Brendel
2001 SCrew XLT 2WD, Toreador Red, 5.4L, Med. Parchment 60/40, 3.55 LS, Class III Towing Pkg, Aluminum Wheels, CD Changer, Bed Extender

Mods: K&N Air Filter, Superchip, Extang Black Max Soft Toneau Cover, Extang Cargo Cleats

[This message has been edited by tbrendel (edited 02-05-2001).]

 

I bought a 2001 Taurus on Saturday and this was the explanation I got. Ford made the switch to squelch noise coming from environmentalists saying their engines are producing higher levels of pollutants than others. The new stuff is supposed to be cleaner for some reason. It's also in reaction to the recent fuel shortages and price hikes. It's supposed to save the United States over $40 something million dollars per year on oil costs. Weather or not this is true remains to be seen but I don’t plan on switching in my truck. The specs for the 2000 say 5W30 and that’s what I’m using. I did switch to synthetic at 3000 miles however.

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Stock Stuff:
Y2K SCab 4X4, Chesnut Metallic, 5.4L, 3.55 Limited Slip, Skid Plates, Factory AM/FM/CD, 40/60 Split Bench, Sliding Rear Window, Towing Package and Keyless Entry.

Extras so far:

• GY 305/70X16 Wrangler ATS Tires
• American Eagle Series 146 Chrome Wheels
• Ravin Z-55 3" Single In/Out Exhaust System
• WMS Velocity Tube
• K&N Filter
• Genuine Steel Products Step Bars
• Blaupunkt Houston CD Player
• Blaupunkt PCxt573 5x7/6x8 Speakers
• Pioneer TS-A6815 6x8 Speakers
• Clear Corner Lenses
• PIAA Super White Bulbs
• GTS Hood Deflector
• Catch-All Floor Mats
• Tinted Windows
• Bull Ring Retractable Tie-Downs
• University of Georgia Hitch Cover GO DAWGS!
• The "REAL" GA State Flag on the front bumper [><] "Keep It Flyin!"

Coming Soon:

• Clear Tail Lights (NOT Altezza! Yack!)
• Herculiner

Pictures:
http://albums.photopoint.com/j/Album...3401&a=8556922

[This message has been edited by onemilmhz (edited 02-05-2001).]

 

Hey Rickesh! I've had my 2001 about three weeks and noticed this first thing! (Unfortunately, not prior to driving off!) Anyway, I also used 5w30 in my '97, but I've decided to not mess anything up and stick to what it requires. I've checked the web for Castrol (my preference) and lo and behold they've come out w/a 5w20 earlier this year. I was told via e-mail, by Castrol, all new Ford as well as Toyota will be requiring 5w20. Haven't checked the parts store yet, but will soon.

 

msparks is correct . .the german auto manufacturers go WAY longer on oil changes . .our BMW goes 10,000 miles between changes on conventional oil . . .runs fantastic and never uses a drop of oil . .i quized the service techs and mechanics thoroughly about this . . they are all convinced that americans have been sold a major scam on the frequency of oil changes . .that changing before 10M miles is a waste of natural resources . . .

 

We've driven about 12 different Mercedes in the last 14 years from the old 190's in the late 80's to the C-Class and E-Class throughout the 90's and honestly, we had the oil changed by the dealer with services which was about every 15000 miles. Never a problem, never burned or leaked a drop and the oil would drip clean off the dipstick.

We now have a Volvo and the recommended change interval is 5000 miles however, it's a turbo.

Yet, I'm changing the oil in my Expy, and previously in a Grand Cherokee at 3000-5000 miles. Why? Not as much confidence in the engineering and I'm brainwashed.

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<A HREF="http://home.att.net/~jmtkennedy/Expedition/Expy.JPG" TARGET=_blank>
2000 Eddie Bauer Expedition 4x2</A>

• Estate Green
• 5.4 ltr
• 3:55 LS rear
• Superchip!<A HREF="http://home.att.net/~jmtkennedy/Expedition/Airaidfr.JPG" TARGET=_blank>
• Airaid FIPK</A><A HREF="http://home.att.net/~jmtkennedy/Expedition/GibExitFr1.JPG" TARGET=_blank>
• Gibson S/S Swept Side Cat Back Exhaust</A>
• Tow Package
• Rear Load Leveling
• Moonroof<A HREF="http://home.att.net/~jmtkennedy/Expedition/CenturyChildSeat.JPG" TARGET=_blank>
• Century Child Seat!</A>

[This message has been edited by FamilyRide (edited 02-05-2001).]

 

That's the way for is just as Stupid as ever.

They have do develop a "new oil" so they can have the market on the oil sales!

Europe has had high quality oils out for 20 year or more. synthetic oil have proven to reduce emmission. Not to mention extended oil drains reduce the amount of waste oil out there.

And don't give me the crap about 3,000 miles.

I lived in Europe. I drive a European car "2000 VW". I know that they have have drain intervals of 15,000 KM's and more.

Go to anyone who has a late model Mercedes, BMW, VW, Volvo. Ask to look in the owners manual and tell me what it say's.

I bet they all say 10,000 miles or 1 year, if not more!

If the US were really interested in reducing emmissions they would be using some techniques that Europe has been using for decades.

For instance Biodiesel:
http://www.biodiesel.org/fuelfactsheet.htm

Sorry to rant about our countries wonder enviornmental view


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Lube-Direct


New Lubrication Forums

 

Wal-mart carries the oil and filters.
Much cheaper than the dealer.
I'm getting close to my first oil change and intend to stick with what FORD specs for warranty reasons.

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2001 F150 XLT SC SPORT 4X4 FLARESIDE
* Black
* 4.6
* Auto
* awesome factory 10 spoke 17" wheels
* "MAN"ual shift 4x4
* 3.55 Limited slip
* Captains chairs W/console
* Factory tube steps
* Slider

 

A buddy of mine and I bought our SCrews about 4 days apart, his being an Xlt and mine being a Lariat. Both are generation III's and are about 3 weeks old. Both called for 5w20. Anyway, we were in a local Walmart for some other things, and walked over to the automotive section knowing full well that they wouldn't have any 5w20. We couldn't find any, so we asked a worker in the automotive department, and he said he had a case in the back, and that it had been sitting there in the back for about 3 month's, as there was no spot for it out in front with the rest of the oil. Boy were we surprised. This was actually the Ford ( Motorcraft ) oil, and the cost on it was $ 1.30 per quart. I am not real sure if I am comfortable using it, as this oil is very very thin.

 

Tom,
I'm in your area, and I too am concerned that the 5(winter)20 rating is too thin for towing or racy driving in the summer months here in Texas. I will talk to my dealer first, but I have a 5.4 in a modified 2000 Harley 150, and will probably need to see some data before I run that oil in the summer.

 

MSPARKS, it's not only European cars. Where I work most of our eguipment is Caterpiller; loaders, excavtors; etc. They all call for service at 250 hours. We have a German brand excavtor, Leibherr and it lists service at 500 hours. I think the Europeans go with the longer drains is because the cost of petroleum products is very high.

 

I just posted a clarification thread on this subject a few days ago. Here is my post:

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 improves fuel economy. In addition, use of the new oil will help reduce oil consumption due to its lower volatility."



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VENOM 99
Y2K F-150 SuperCab XLT 4x4
5.4L, 4R70W, 3.55LS
ORP, Trailer Tow
Extang BlackMax tonneau
BedRug
Alpine CDM-7857 CD/Receiver
Cobra 18 WX ST Weatherband CB Radio
--envious of those with the chrome steel 5-spoke factory wheels--
www.students.uiuc.edu/~cellariu

 

Penzoil and Mobil have released their 5W-20 Oils.

Check out the Mobil Drive Clean 5W-20 Oil Spec.
http://dallnd6.dal.mobil.com/GIS/Mob...c?OpenDocument



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2001, F150 SuperCrew, 5.4, Limited 3.55, Trailer Tow, 255-70-16, Captain Chairs.
Assembly Date 10/4/2000.
++++++++++ Modifications ++++++++++
** Gibson Side Swept Stainless Steel - Cat-Back exhaust. **
** K&N Filter **
*************** AUSTIN, TEXAS ***************

 

J&JHalo00150,

I, too, am taking this with a grain of salt. I am continuing to research this, and will post if I ever find some hard data on the subject.

I love my truck too much to let it be destroyed because Ford caved to some environmentalist weenies!

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Tom Brendel
2001 SCrew XLT 2WD, Toreador Red, 5.4L, Med. Parchment 60/40, 3.55 LS, Class III Towing Pkg, Aluminum Wheels, CD Changer, Bed Extender

Mods: K&N Air Filter, Superchip, Extang Black Max Soft Toneau Cover, Extang Cargo Cleats