Oil changes--what to use
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Senior User
Joined: Nov 2003
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From: Hawaii
Oil changes--what to use
What viscosity does everyone use? The manufacture states 5-20 (or something like that). I'm not that crazy about running the 5 part of that. It seems to me after warming up it would turn into the thickness of water.
I'm very reluctant because I live on an island where the temp is always in the 80's and I'd rather run 10-30 for that reason.
What do you think? Am I harming anything considering the circumstances?
I'm very reluctant because I live on an island where the temp is always in the 80's and I'd rather run 10-30 for that reason.
What do you think? Am I harming anything considering the circumstances?
Senior User
Joined: Oct 2003
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From: Texas
I'm like you.. Never have used 5-20 when I use to live in the Pacific Islands 10-30 is more my cup of tea.. I 'm sure you will be fine w/ 5-20 though but I would check w/ the other local "affectionados" and see what they think..I've been in TX the last 20 years and I've always used 10-30 Mobil one. My 2002 Screw is not due for oil change yet and I might stick w/ the factory recommended 5-20...Will be watching this thread and thanks for starting it!!
Freshman User
Joined: Nov 2003
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From: Pembroke Pines, FL
I have always lived in SoFla and few people around here use anything less than 10w30. Most places put in at least 10w30 if you dont specify reguardless of what type fo vehicle you own.
I am about to do my first change on my 4.6l with Amsoil. I used it on my last vehicle and several friends use it, the oil is noticably cleaner and it even quieted down a friends Honda. If they tell me to change at 25k with Amsoil then I am real comfy changing at about 7.5k.
BH
I am about to do my first change on my 4.6l with Amsoil. I used it on my last vehicle and several friends use it, the oil is noticably cleaner and it even quieted down a friends Honda. If they tell me to change at 25k with Amsoil then I am real comfy changing at about 7.5k.
BH
Senior User
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From: Texas
Originally posted by openclasspro
the reason 5 weight is recommended is:
1- tolerances-using thicker oil will promote wear
2- better fuel economy
the reason 5 weight is recommended is:
1- tolerances-using thicker oil will promote wear
2- better fuel economy
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Senior User
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From: Hawaii
openclasspro
I can understand the better fuel economy part but not the tolerance thing. I don't think they build them that tight.
Thank you for the input and everyones responce.
I hope we can get more to see what the consensus turns up.
I can understand the better fuel economy part but not the tolerance thing. I don't think they build them that tight.
Thank you for the input and everyones responce.
I hope we can get more to see what the consensus turns up.
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Joined: Dec 2001
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From: Louisville,Ky.
I have always used the recommended 5w-20 Motorcraft semi-synthetic oil and have never had a problem. It is comperable to the Mobil1 but cost less. Good enough for Ford, good enough for me.
Always use a Motorcraft filter too!!
Jimmy
Always use a Motorcraft filter too!!
Jimmy
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Junior User
Joined: Nov 2003
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From: Odessa Texas
I was always told that the recommended 5-20 weight was good for low mileage or new vehicles but as mileage increased it was better to put a heavier weight. Whether thats true or not i dont for sure. i live in west texas and in the 110 degree summer i use 10-40 cause anything else turns to ****. Also in the below freezing winter i use 10-30. Im gettin up to 170,000 miles
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I would suggest a search on the Oil and Lubrication board towards the bottom of the FTE on 5w-20. There is lots of info there as to the 5w-20's and the specs regarding them. They are not just lighter oils. If your truck has high mileage and is using oil, moving up to a CH-4 in 10w-30 would be a good choice. That would be something like Motorcraft Diesel rated oil or similiar. In regards to the 5w-30 or 10w-30, the first number is the viscosity rating of the oil cold. The 30 number is the rating hot so both oils will be the same relative thickness at operating temp. Considering where you live either will do just fine but the 5w-30 usually will have a higher Viscosity Index.
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Joined: Jun 2003
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I just switched to Mobil 1 5W-30 in my '99 F150 4.6 @ 115,000 kms. Used Motorcraft multigrade before then (as provided by my local Ford Dealer).
Main reason I switched is the truck is going to be outside for more of this winter - and Calgary can get cold (we've already had one snap of -26 Deg.C)
I figure it will be kinder on the engine.
On a similar topic, just picked up a '03 Mustang GT with the 4.6 V8 too. This engine asks for 5W-20, whereas the truck wanted 5W-30.
Any idea what they did to the 4.6 MOD engine to make the change in oil requirements, or is this just a "use Motorcraft 5W-20 oil ploy" from Ford ??
Main reason I switched is the truck is going to be outside for more of this winter - and Calgary can get cold (we've already had one snap of -26 Deg.C)
I figure it will be kinder on the engine.
On a similar topic, just picked up a '03 Mustang GT with the 4.6 V8 too. This engine asks for 5W-20, whereas the truck wanted 5W-30.
Any idea what they did to the 4.6 MOD engine to make the change in oil requirements, or is this just a "use Motorcraft 5W-20 oil ploy" from Ford ??
Elder User
Joined: Jan 2003
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From: North Dakota
Ford mechanic told me that the 5w-20 does something to meet emissions standards. Also better for fuel economy being a thinner oil when hot, less parasitic losses within the engine. This is what I was told...
Tuned
Joined: Sep 2003
Posts: 311
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From: Arkansas
Mobil 1 5w-30, Motorcraft filter. 6000 mile changes. Ford and one of the larger petro companies did a big study on using synthetic oils....found that as the oil ages, engine wear reduced. So frequent oil changes would cause more wear than leaving the oil in for a few thousand extra miles. An independant group is doing their own research with some of the larger sythetic brands. Using a 5.7 Camaro for the test suject. Got 18,000 miles before having to change the oil completely. One important thing is learned. If you really want to extend drain intervals then change the filter frequently and consistently top off the oil every 1000 miles and after a filter change.