I just bought a new 2002 F150 4.6. They don't tell you at the dealer that the engine requires 5W20 semi-synthetic oil. I assume the dealer oil changes will cost near double for my new toy. I stopped in at Walmart looking for a decent oil to do the change myself. Nope, no 5W20 semi-synthetic on the shelf. It only comes in a full synthetic for top dollar.

So, who makes a 5W20 weight semi-synthetic oil I can use in my truck?

BTW, for all you guys worried about the lightweight oil... it is very appreciated around here when the temps hit -40 as they have been for the past month.

 

Have you priced an oil change at the dealer? My local Ford dealer often runs specials and they are reasonable. Otherwise, do you have Advance or Autozone parts stores in your area? They carry the motorcraft 5w20 semi-syn here.

 

Use dino. Semi-synthetic is not a manufacturer's requirement.

 

-40 degrees? Holy crap. I thought this winter in Kentucky was rough at 0 F. Do you have an oil pan warming unit?

 

Every Walmart I have been in sells Motorcraft 5w-20 and I thought that was semi-synthetic (blend). It comes in the red containter.

 

Andrew, here is a link to Pennzoil's technical data. Their hydrocracked dino 5w20 has a -49 F pour point which is very good for a dino, but still not sure if that's low enough for your bitterly cold conditions. It should, however, be easy to find and not too pricey. Hope this helps.

Pennzoil (meets Ford specification WSS-M2C153-H)

 

Andrew, If you intend on staying with the 5w-20, it is VERY important that it meet the Ford spec WSS M2C153-H. Very few dino oils will meet the spec despite their being a 5W-20 oil. Of the dino oils I am aware of that meet the spec are Chevron Supreme, Motorcraft, Honda and Tropartic. Look for the spec on the bottle and if it isn't there- you can't use it. The best of the mentioned dino oils will be the Chevron which uses the ISO-SYN technology that Chevron was the first to use. You will find that most proclaimed synthetics now use this group III base stock as part of their package. The item in Fords spec that is difficult to meet has to do with the weight of the oil without shear failure. I would suggest that you stay with the semi-synthetic. Also, it is interesting to note that most of the semi-synthetics in the 5W-20 run 8.6-8.9VIS @ 100C which is almost a 30 weight(9.3 min@100C). When it gets warmer there in Canada you could switch to a 10W-30 dino if you like . Some of the Ford dealers are doing this on their own to get rid of the imfamous Triton piston slap. Hope I haven't confused you.

 

flash, appreciate the info as i run 5w20 in my daughter's 2001 mustang but bought 5w20 ( castrol, motorcraft or valvoline) without knowing your tips. might not matter in warm climate (houston) but i will switch to an oil meeting the c153H spec at her next change. Since it was new, i have used 5w30 (castrol or valvoline only ) in my 97 4.6l with 140,000 miles. Oil changes always done at 3000 miles, mostly highway miles. No oil consumption to speak of (maybe a half pint) between changes. zero oil leaks. would you recommend something other than 5w30 for high mileage vehicle driven mainly on highway in a warm climate? thanks.

 

AMSOIL makes a full synthetic 5W-20 XL-7500 series motor oil that meets Ford WSS-M2C153-H spec.

It's available on-line through their website and is less than $4.00US per quart preferred customer pricing.

I don't know the pour point, but the AMSOIL 0W-30 I use has a pour point of -60F.

 

You may also want to consider the new Mobil 1 0W20. It will be out next month. Mobil has already included specs for it on their web site in the SuperSyn product data sheet. It had a -54C Pour Point and a strong 9.0 viscosity level for a 20 weight oil.

 

Wow, lots of great advice guys.

I do plan on using the semi-synthetic oils as they are only a buck or so more per litre than dino oil (an extra 6 bucks every 3 months won't kill me). You can never go wrong by at least meeting the Ford spec right? I will search a little harder at Walmart next time I am there. I didn't see any motorcraft products on the shelves as some have mentioned though I could have mistaken them for Fram items (same colour packaging). If all else fails I'll either buy from the dealer or have the work done there.

If I were to go to a full synthetic oil can I extend my service intervals? Say, oil filter every 3000 miles and oil + filter every 6000 miles?

 

That AMSOIL XL-7500 has 7,500 mile recommended drain intervals, which they say is conservative.

I no longer trust others doing my oil changes. The extended drain intervals were one reason I've switched to using synthetic motor oil, I don't have to change it as often. The OW-30 has recommended change intervals of 35,000 miles or 1 year.

I don't necessarily agree with the marketing strategy employed, but it's quality product and available online without having to go through a dealer.

 

If I were to go to a full synthetic oil can I extend my service intervals? Say, oil filter every 3000 miles and oil + filter every 6000 miles?

andrewe, what is the recommended oil change interval for your new truck? Even a good dino oil and filter will give excellent service for 5-7,000 miles or more.

The main thing is, while your truck is under warranty, you don't want to exceed Ford's oil drain recommendations. Regardless of which type of oil you use.

Once the warranty period is over, I would still stick with Ford's recommended interval unless you do some used oil analysis to confirm you can safely extend your drain intervals.

Scott

 

That makes sense. I wouldn't want to jeapordize my warranty. I suppose I will end up doing just what the manual says to. I figured it would end up this way but was hoping for a truly enlightening opinion.

Thanks for the help all. You've helped me end up where I started but now knowing why I'm there.

 

So what DOES your manual say for oil change intervals for normal service?