The local K-mart store is closing down and they are haven a great sell on oil but I am not for sure about it. It is Castrol Synthetic Blend 20W 50 at $1.25 qt. I have used Castrol before and it is okay but I do not know about putting a 20W 50 oil in my 4.6? Is the oil to thick for my truck? I really do not tow but I do have a lead foot and it is summer. Any help would great.

 

this site by a long shot...but if your truck is new, 97-2002, and your engine is in good shape, I personally would NOT put 20w-50 in it.

I DON"T THINK IT WOULD CAUSE ANY IMMEDIATE HARM,

BUT

I think the thinner weight oils will provide better long term lubrication within the tolerance specs of the engine..

Just my 2 cents...there are some really smart guys on this form who can give you the 411 on oil

 

get it for your old lawnmower only

 

do not use it in your truck!

 

20w-50 is way to thick of an oil during summer use 5w-30

 

I agree, do NOT use 20w-50 that weight would be for an older motor thats worn out. It could possibly cause damage due to how thick it is, so stay away from it.

 

racecars and airplanes usually use 20w50....

i still wouldnt put it in my truck when the mfg recommends 5w20.

 

My father, a fellow 97 F-150 owner, just had an oil change. He has 140,000 mi. on his 4.6L and decided that it might be a good idea to up the viscocity of the oil ( it being an older engine and all). He switched from 10w-30 to 20W-50 and the difference was noticable. His gas milage went out the window, the engine lost power due to more internal friction, and he noticed on the freeway there was more of a " out of breath" feel from his engine.
He asked if I would switch his oil back to 10W-30 Mobile synthetic and his engine is back to normal. A higher viscocity oil will not harm the engine, but you might sacrifice gas milage and some power. He used 5w-30 for the first 50,000 mi. then switched to 10W-30.

Good luck with your decision, remember that with today's motors wear out is not that significant, the only way you will damage your engine is to run low oil...etc.

I would suggest 10w-30 or10w-40 if you are worried about ambient temp. ( summer time)

check this site out for specs. reg. running temps. and outside air temps. for engines.

www.redlineoil.com

look under motor oil specs. they have an ambient temp. suggestion chart, outlining the diff between viscocity oil.