Oil viscosity
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Oil viscosity
I have a 2006 f150 fx4.
I'm using 5w20 just like the service manual says to use, but I'm wondering what were to happen if I were to use 5w30 oil instead? I went to the auto part store and the recommended upgrading to 5w30 since I have 100,000k plus on true truck.
Thanks for reading.
I'm using 5w20 just like the service manual says to use, but I'm wondering what were to happen if I were to use 5w30 oil instead? I went to the auto part store and the recommended upgrading to 5w30 since I have 100,000k plus on true truck.
Thanks for reading.
Post Fiend
Joined: Apr 2002
Posts: 19,311
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From: Waterloo, Iowa
Remember oil viscosities have been trending downward, in part, to eke out that last 300 yards in extra fuel economy. With that said I don't think the differences in those weights will make much difference. Keep clean, fresh oil in it and quality filters and fuggedaboutit.
Posting Guru
Joined: Jan 2015
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From: San Antonio, Texas
I agree with @Tedster9 . And he expressed it with class. "Keep clean, fresh oil in it and quality filters and fuggedaboutit".
I switched to 5W30 on my '04 5.4L after the timing job @ 212k miles. Before that, I even tried 0w40 for a while. With that, there was a 'hard to observe' slight difference in the VCT response to the PCM's retard commands (as observed on scanner monitor gauges). I think that is a result of getting the slightly thicker oil through the fine screens in the VCT Solenoids into the Phasers. But it is was enough to set a DTC code. But 5w30 is doing fine down here in South Texas.
I switched to 5W30 on my '04 5.4L after the timing job @ 212k miles. Before that, I even tried 0w40 for a while. With that, there was a 'hard to observe' slight difference in the VCT response to the PCM's retard commands (as observed on scanner monitor gauges). I think that is a result of getting the slightly thicker oil through the fine screens in the VCT Solenoids into the Phasers. But it is was enough to set a DTC code. But 5w30 is doing fine down here in South Texas.
Hotshot
Joined: Apr 2009
Posts: 14,333
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From: Stanley, VA
I have an '07 5.4 3V. It now has 208,000+ miles on it. I've been running 5W30 conventional oil ever since it was out of warranty. Change the oil and filter every 3000 miles.
Florida, with the 95+ degree temps, quite often topping 100 (don't believe the tourism commercials, it gets HOT here) I don't like the idea of 5W20.
So far I have had no problems with the engine. It still runs and idles smooth and gets decent mileage.
Florida, with the 95+ degree temps, quite often topping 100 (don't believe the tourism commercials, it gets HOT here) I don't like the idea of 5W20.
So far I have had no problems with the engine. It still runs and idles smooth and gets decent mileage.
Senior User
Joined: Nov 2013
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Much debated topic across the F-150 forums...You'll find 'absolutists' that state you can ONLY use 5w20, while the manual calls for a heavier weight in warmer climates, also the Australian 5.4 spec's at a heavier weight oil. I've read information suggesting that Ford uses the 5w20 to get the most MPG's, at the expense of longevity. As important as pressure is on these modular's top-ends, I use 5w30 on an engine that's notorious for leaking past the tensioners and blowing out the back side of the (stock) oil pump at RPM's.
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Not a worry if you use a full synthetic. Cheaper after 208,000 miles too.....6k oil changes vs 3k oil changes saves you $$$$$$$......do the math. 
Hotshot
Joined: Apr 2009
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From: Stanley, VA
Even if I went with full synthetic, I would still change the oil more often than required, so the savings wouldn't be as significant (I'm stubborn when it comes to oil change mileage).
