We just got the wife a 02 Explorer w/ 4.0 V6 and am having a time getting the info on the type or weight of oil to use. 1 dealer stated 5/20 and an other stated 5/20 but after 36,000 miles 5/30 would be OK. 1 stated look at the filler cap. If 5/30 was used it wouldnt work the valve train right and it would rattle all the time because its to thick. 5/20 summer and winter. Cannt find 5/20 anywhere except the dealer and would then be motorcraft type I guess. Help!

 

Ford's Technical Service Bulletin:
TSB 99-8-16 (Dated: 5/3/99)
Says SAE 5W-30 provides optimum protection and provides 1/2% increased fuel economy. 5W-30 is now recommended for all service procedures requirring replacement.
Also noted in this TSB: "At both high and low ambient temperature conditions SAE 5W-50 provides the best overall protection. It allows faster starts under cold ambient temperature."
I hope this is of some help.

 

Look at the emissions sticker under the hood, it should say what oil to use. If you have the owner's manual, it's in there, too. Your '02 is newer than that service bulletin, so go by the sticker.

 

Use whatever your owner's manual reccommends. For my '96, I've been using Mobil 1 full synthetic 5w-30 for a few years, starting at 34k (when I bought it) and the engine is still running very smooth, even at 110k miles now.

 

The sticker is best. The newer models have their own TSBs to keep track of.
I have a '91 XLT with the 4.0 pushrod engine. My uses include alot of off-road in the mountains.
I rebuilt mine two years ago after the oil pump went out on a hunting trip. By the time I got home I had cracked 4 pistons and spun a few mains. But she got me home and into the garage. A bad pump on a previous rebuid did it. Now I baby the life's blood in it using 5W-50 full synthetic and the best filter I can find. Changes every 3,000 miles or three months. Sooner if the oil starts breaking down. Just my $.02.
Too each his own and the best of luck to all.

 

The 2002 4.0L V6 uses 5W-30. I have a 2002 4.0L V6 and this is what the manual reccomends for this motor. The 2002 4.6L V-8 uses the 5W-20. Use the 5W-30 and have total confidance that you are going to be fine...