Synthetic oil
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Member
Joined: Aug 2002
Posts: 44
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From: Mississippi
Synthetic oil
I'm sure this has been asked before, but I may have a new spin. First of all, is synthetic worth the money?
Second, my 2002 calls for 5W-20, would 5W-30 synthetic be fine? I live in the south, and I thought lower weight oils were for colder climates, so 20 just doesn't sound like enough.
Second, my 2002 calls for 5W-20, would 5W-30 synthetic be fine? I live in the south, and I thought lower weight oils were for colder climates, so 20 just doesn't sound like enough.
Senior Member
Joined: Feb 2002
Posts: 341
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From: Lewisburg, PA
I have been using Mobil One 5W-30 in my 5.4 since it had 1,000miles on it and I love it. I still change oil and filter every 3,000 miles but I;m very happy with the Mobil One. However, in 98 the manual calls for 5W-30. I don't know what year Ford changed it's recommendation but our 02 Explorer with the 4.6 recommends 5W-20. I have been using Motorcraft 5W-20 in the Explorer. It is a synthetic blend but so far we are happy with it. Again, it is changed every 3000 miles.
Addressing the weight question, several years ago we were having a chat at this site, one of the guys supposedly worked at the Triton plant and said that because the Triton engines have tighter tolerences then most he felt it was important to stay with Ford's recommended weight oils. Mostly because these engines needed thin oil for quick lubrication at start-up. This sounded reasonable to me so I have stayed with those weights. Some people have written that the only reason that Ford now recommends 5W-20 oil is because it lowers friction and allows a slight increase in mpg. I do not know this to be true so you have to decide for yourself. Hope this helps you.
Addressing the weight question, several years ago we were having a chat at this site, one of the guys supposedly worked at the Triton plant and said that because the Triton engines have tighter tolerences then most he felt it was important to stay with Ford's recommended weight oils. Mostly because these engines needed thin oil for quick lubrication at start-up. This sounded reasonable to me so I have stayed with those weights. Some people have written that the only reason that Ford now recommends 5W-20 oil is because it lowers friction and allows a slight increase in mpg. I do not know this to be true so you have to decide for yourself. Hope this helps you.
Senior Member
Joined: Jun 2001
Posts: 934
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From: Northwest
I hate to see posts end, but this has been discussed quit in depth a few times. Do a search and you will be kept busy for a couple days just reading the posts. You will probably come away more confused than educated though as their is a huge variety of opinions on here. Good luck.
Senior Member
Joined: Jun 2001
Posts: 934
Likes: 0
From: Northwest
Welcome aboard subnet_rx.
If you ever need any information, just try a search first. Chances are, it's been asked before. If you don't get your question answered, then don't hesitate to post. As you have probably noticed, the forum is divided into subcategories. Their are some very knowledgeable people on here that should be able to take care of most problems that come up.
If you ever need any information, just try a search first. Chances are, it's been asked before. If you don't get your question answered, then don't hesitate to post. As you have probably noticed, the forum is divided into subcategories. Their are some very knowledgeable people on here that should be able to take care of most problems that come up.
