Hi I'm new to the board and this is my first post here. I'm the proud new owner of a 01 F-150 Lariat with the 5.4L. I previously owned a 97 F-150 with the 4.2, and my wife drives a 00 Expedition with 5.4. I was wondering what was the general opionon on the recommendation to use 5W20 oil in the 2001 models. My 97, and the Expedition both recommended 5W30. I changed the oil in the Lariat last night for the first time at 1700 miles(I put 5W30 back in it), and couldn't help but notice how thin the 5W20 seemed when I drained it. That just seems to thin for my tastes, especially considering where I live (Atlanta area). Thanks in advance for the replies.

 

Use 5w-20!
That's what it's designed for. (I'm an engineer)
THe new Honda Insight uses a new 0w-20. These new oils are less volatile than 5x-30 and 10w-30. YOu'll get better MPG, more HP, lower emissions, and longer engine life using them. Also Mobil 1 and Amsoil will soon be marketing these new oils, as well.

 

NLP how do you know that mobil will me making or marketing 5w-20 soon?

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97 F150 Longbed V8 4.6
K&N air filter
K&N FIPK tech MOD & removed elbow silencer
Tires: Yokohama 265/75/16 Geolander AT+
Hyper white xenon bulbs
Bedliner and raven shell
6 disc cd changer
Oil & filter used

Gasoline used

My Truck

 

I would also think that changing the oil at only 1700 miles is not long enough for a proper break in period. Just my opinion but I waited to 5000. In fact I have always used $1 oil and $4 filters on vehicles and always changed at 4-5K miles without a problem. Have had many engines last 200k miles. What else matters.

 

Is there supposed to be an advantage to leaving oil in longer ? I don't see how it can hurt to change it sooner break in or not. After all there are bound to be some loose metal floating around in any new engine. So long as you still do the recommended 5,000 mile change wouldn't it be better ? I just changed mine to 5W20 at 1,000 miles. It was not as much fun either with the filter on the engine, my '99 Expy had the relocation kit.


oops I meant 5w20
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'01 EB Expy 4x4, 5.4L, 3.55LS w/tow pkg, 4 Wheel Air Suspension, Moonroof

[This message has been edited by Dave XP (edited 04-09-2001).]

 

Hi Good info. here.

Question for NLP, if possible, please see under Engines--thread "An Observation" from Badd Andy.

I just made replies there, trying to get info didnt want to start a new thread.(maybe i shouldnt be asking?)

Where did you get you info from, Is there a web site, that shows this??

Tks. for any info. you can pass on. OT

 

I just posted a clarification thread on this subject in early February. Here is my original 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

 

Sorry guys, I don't remember where I read about Amsoil and Mobil 1 5w-20 or 0w-20. It may have been blueovalnews.com, but I'm not sure. I did in fact read this either in Motor Trend, or on an automotive website.
Not a forum.

 

I was just flipping through my new Popular Mechanics and in the automotive questions and answers section. A guy asks the exact same question as the orignial post. You may want to pick up a copy.
The answer in general was: Do not use anything other than 5w-20, or you can damage the engine and lose your warranty.
The article also said that 2-3 oil companies are producing this new oil, and it would be available very soon.

 

NLP, What issue of PM?

 

The newest issue. May I guess.

 

Another brand has joined the ranks offering 5w20. Valvoline 5w20 recently appeared at my preferred oil buying location, along with a nice publication from Ford indicating which vehicles were approved to use the new oil. While not a synthetic oil, or Mobil 1, etc..., at least another choice has appeared for those looking!

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1997 F150 XLT, Flareside , Moonlight Blue, 4x2, SC, Auto, 4.6L, 3:08's, Cargo Cover by Century, Penda bed liner, Blue Oval reciever hitch plug, Driver Design bug deflector, Monroe Reflex Shocks, 235/70/16 Firestone Wilderness AT's, sliding rear window, captain's chairs, Valvoline Durablend Oil, Purolator Pure One Oil Filter, 280 lbs. of traction sand (ahh, winter in the great white north! ), and 119,000 miles and counting!

 

Thanks for all of the replies. Guess I'll go back to the 5W20. Now I wonder should I put it in my 00 Expedition? It's always something, isn't it?

 

Going from a 5w30 or a 10w30 Synthetic, to a non-synthetic 5w20 makes absolutley no sense to me! Synthetic has been proven, beyond a shadow of a doubt, to reduce drag, improve lubrication, and reduce engine deposits. Now Ford is saying to go back to dinosaur oil?? As I said, makes no sense to me, and I will use only synthetic in my vehicles, 5w20 be darned.

 

Then go talk to an Amsoil dealer and get your synthetic 5w20. Not promoting - see what oil I use in my sig - but letting ya know.

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1997 F150 XLT, Flareside , Moonlight Blue, 4x2, SC, Auto, 4.6L, 3:08's, Cargo Cover by Century, Penda bed liner, Blue Oval reciever hitch plug, Driver Design bug deflector, Monroe Reflex Shocks, 235/70/16 Firestone Wilderness AT's, sliding rear window, captain's chairs, Valvoline Durablend Oil, Purolator Pure One Oil Filter, 280 lbs. of traction sand (ahh, winter in the great white north! ), and 119,000 miles and counting!