The dreaded oil question

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Jun 23, 2021 | 06:39 AM

GM in a Ford

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More Turbo

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The dreaded oil question

Ok, I don't want to get into a brand war so I won't bring up brands. Just trying to figure out how to get oil that will not void my warranty. The owners manual has the following statement about oil and says it must meet API SP requirements. Also from the manual it lists meeting the WSS-M2C961-A1 specification. The oil I am looking at does meet or exceed the SP requirements but does not list the WSS-M2C961-A1 specification. They have other Ford specifications listed for their oils, but none of them appear to meet the one my truck calls for. So for warranty purposes, is the SP specification the only thing I really have to worry about?

From the owners manual:

We recommend Motorcraft motor oil for your vehicle. If Motorcraft oil is not available, use motor oils of the recommended viscosity grade that meet API SP requirements and display the API Certification Mark for gasoline engines.

Jun 23, 2021 | 06:48 AM

KU4OJ

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From: Southern Crescent

Quote:

Originally Posted by GM in a Ford

Just trying to figure out how to get oil that will not void my warranty.
<snip>
From the owners manual:

We recommend Motorcraft motor oil for your vehicle.

Walmart always has Motorcraft oil and it's just about always the cheapest thing on the shelf. Ran it all my Fords since 1994. My only complaint is going to Walmart is a hassle with parking and long lines and such.

Jun 23, 2021 | 06:54 AM

GM in a Ford

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I am not opposed to using Motorcraft oil and have used it in the past. Was looking for a full synthetic though.

Jun 23, 2021 | 07:06 AM

GM in a Ford

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Ok, when I checked the mfg website, the PDF doesn't list that the 5w30 oil meets the Ford WSS-M2C961-A1 spec. But when I view an image of the oil online the back of the bottle says it does meet that spec. So I guess my question is answered for now. But am curious if the SP spec is really the only one that matters for warranty purposes now that my curiosity has been piqued.

Jun 23, 2021 | 07:16 AM

shawnee1

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Quote:

Originally Posted by GM in a Ford

For warranty, you need to meet both requirements. For warranty, I would go by what Ford lists as approved not what is printed on the container unless you want to fight the oil company for any future oil related engine warranty claims. Granted, the pdf you are looking at may be out of date. Or the oil mfr could be taking liberties with their labeling. Too may approved oils to mess around with one that isn't listed if you are concerned about warranty.