Getting ready to change mine. Need some suggestions.

 

I get the next few oil changes from my dealer for free, so I'll be using them. But after that, I'll use Motorcraft filters and probably Valvoline oil.

 

I've owned Ford trucks since '79 and I've always had good luck with Motorcraft oil and filters.--Jack
J E, did you get your splash guards installed?

 

bigjack, Not yet I went to a big 10 store. They did'nt have them in stock yet. This is the last week of hunting season so I have not had "made" time to find them somewhere else.
My wife's getting me a spray in bedliner and toolbox in next month though.
I am leaning toward the motorcraft 5w20 and filters too. Just wondering with these hot Mississippi summers should I use something else?

 

I am in the same fix, the maintenace book calls for Motorcraft filters and 5-20wt synthetic oil. In past vehicles I have always used regular oil. Will regular 5-20 be ok for the new 2004 5.4L. I don't want to void the warantee . Any advice here?
thanks

 

I had good luck with the plain old MotorCraft filters that I pick up at WalMart, and Chevron 5w-30 oil in my 2001 with the 5.4L. The 5w-20 just seems to thin for hot summer days in the 90's and 100 degree range.

I plan on using the same stuff in the 2004 when it finally get it.

I did email Chevron to ensure the 5w-30 met the Ford Specs. It does.

 

you should use 5-20 the engine is tighter in tol, and for the best lubricity a 5-20 should be used. this is not in the owners manual for good reading these engines will last longer and run better with the correct oil. a 5-30 will not lube as well as a 5-20 in many areas of this motor.

 

I'd sure like to see something in writing that says that these engines are built with tighter tolerances. How tight can you go before they just seize up??

This 5w-20 vs 5w-30 has been up for argument for several years. The reason for the 5w-20 is now recommended is the same reason 5w-30 was recommended a few years ago when we were all so accustomed to using 10w-30.

It is all about CAFE.

Here's some excerpts taken directly from Ford Technical Service Bulletins.

TSB 99-8-16: Tests have proven SAE 5W-30 viscosity grade motor oil provides the optimum protection and benefits for Ford gasoline engines. At both high and low ambient temperature conditions, SAE 5W-30 provides the best overall protection. It allows faster starts under cold ambient temperatures.
SAE 5W-30 also provides approximately 1/2% increase in fuel economy over SAE 10W-30.

TSB 01-4-7: "ISSUE:
Engine oil recommended for use in 2001 vehicles is SAE 5W-20 motor oil. This oil has an improved formulation to improve fuel economy."

I'll see if I can find the complete TSB's. I recall one of them listing almost every engine that Ford had ever made. 5w-20 was now recommended for nearly every one of them, regardless of what the 10-15 year old owners manual (that came with the car) said.

 

I bought my oil from the dealer. I looked all over for the 5w-20 synthetic blend but couldn't find it.

I guess it's probably a personal choice but after dropping close to 40k for a new truck the last thing I want is to try to save a few bucks on oil and filters.

 

I guess it's probably a personal choice but after dropping close to 40k for a new truck the last thing I want is to try to save a few bucks on oil and filters. [/B][/QUOTE]

BINGO--Jack

 

I guess I have to agree with TWWellman, after the expense of the truck why skrimp on the oil and filter expense.
In the back of my mind though I know I have had many cars which gave me over 100,00 mi. and I always used Fram filters and either Castrol or Penzoil natural 10w 30 oil. I never had a bit of trouble with the engine on any of them, even the piece of Cr_p chevy caprice with a so called diesel engine back in the 80s. I got rid of all of them because of trouble with the peripherals: transmission, brakes, electrical system, or plain old boredom with the interior or exterior of the car.

 

When mine comes in I plan to go with Pennzoil and Purolator. I've been using this combination for years and so far so good.

 

Hey, if money is of no concern why not go amsoil...... Personally havent used it but have heard it is damn good

 

Are you guy's going to use 5w20?

 

I'm not going to use it in my new truck when it arrives, and I didn't use it in my 2001.

My local Ford dealer doesn't use it either.