Moderator, I realize that there is a section for engine oil, but due to the much larger amount of viewing, I would like to post my ? here. I hope you agree that my ? is 'technical'.

How is engine life/durability affected by the use of the 5w20 as compared to 5w30 oil in a new 5.4 V-8 Super Duty? The prevailing attitude seems to be that the 5w20 helped fuel economy, but at the expense of engine life. I have read the Chevron article "www.chevron.con/prodserv/baseoils/pdf/020/a.pdf" and the 150K mile durability test concerned me. Reguardless what the manufactor says there is no reason that with proper maintance, a gas engine can easily last for 200K miles. A construction company that I work with routinely gets 300-400K miles from its Ford Super Duty's. Their trucks have gas V-8's and 4.10 axles, but aren't new enough to require the 5w20 oil.

For those who put on a lot of miles quickly, how is the 5w20 oil doing? Are you using the Motorcraft semi-synthetic or another brand?Has anybody approached 200K miles using the 5w20 oils?

Basically, I want to give this engine the best chance for a long life. As always, your feedback is appreciated. Fred

 

If its ok with monsta, I'd like to give my opinion on this....

I have used 5w30 SYNTHETIC in my truck since new... my service advisor said it was fine... no warranty problems.

THAT BEING SAID, I have a very good relationship with my dealer and cant speak for other dealerships.

I am very happy with the fully synthetic oil I use and havent had any problems.... by the way, I use Mobil 1 but I understand many people are also using Amzsoil and a few are using Castrol sythetic as well

Thanks Monsta for letting me input...

 

I am not sure that Ford did anything with the tolerances on the engines when switching over to 5w20. Therefore, the old-fashioned 10w30 or 5w30 should work well.

I live in Texas, and I don't care what Ford says, there is no way I am running a 20 weight oil down here in August. It is hotter than crap down here in August. 20 Weight is too damn thin for 100+ temperatures. Straight 40 weight or 20w-50 is what you really need.

Most people do not realize how important the CAFE requirements are. The manufacturers can be subject to $100s millions for each 0.10 mpg they miss. MPGs on the EPA cycle are extremely important.

Ever look at a GM car/truck with a stick? There is this stupid, idiot "upshift" light that comes on telling you went to shift. The light is basically on all the time. The whole reason for the light is to improve GM's EPA cycle MPGs. With the light, GM is allowed to shift according to the light because the EPA assumes that is what the average driver will do. GM tunes the light to maximize MPG's, so GM gets the best performance on the EPA cycle test. Probably costs them $50 per car, but it is worth it to GM. To the consumer, the light is worthless.

Most people probably don't know this either, but the OEM tires are picked based on price AND rolling resistance. Want to know why most OEM tires stink? They are made with hard rubber (just like big hockey pucks) and no tread. They don't grip, but they will roll forever. That's what the manufacturers want, good EPA results.

Back to oil. There is nothing wrong with a good quality 10w30 (or 5w30 for those of you in colder climates). I run 10w30 year 'round. I can't see Ford voiding your warranty for this, or reducing the lifetime of your engine. Saves yourself some money too. 5w20 usually costs more (apparently, for no particular reason).

 

I thought I replied to this, but it doesn't show, so let me try again:

I've tried 5W20 in two vehicles- an '89 302 with 70k, and a '95 4-banger with 110k. In both vehicles the oil EVAPORATED in less than 2000 miles. It didn't even register on the dipstick. This oil is too thin for older engines, and I wouldn't use it even in new ones. I'd rather have SOME of the wrong oil than NONE of the so-called recommended stuff. Give me 10W30 anyday!

 

>Moderator, I realize that there is a section for engine oil, but due to the much larger amount of viewing, I would like to post my ? here. I hope you agree that my ? is 'technical'.


Of course! I see absolutley NO reason why this question shouldn't be here!!

I've given my .02 (maybe .05 by now) on this subject but will say again that I think you cannot go wrong using 5W-30 in the engine. Using synthetic may even be better but that really remains to be seen.

Frequent and regular oil changes are the key to longevity. I use 5W-30 Mobil 1 in my V10.

 

Thanks guys for responding. Any users of the 5w20 in newer motors care to check in. I would be interested in hearing from the experiences of Ford technicians.

 

i use the 5w-20 in my truck and i have had no issues. it doesnt seem to use any oil either. but then again ive not even got 20,000 miles on my truck.


-nathan

 

5-20W does help on the initial startup for wear, But in very warm temp's I think the 5-30W syn wins. I use the 5-20 in winter and switch to 5-30 in summer.

 

>i use the 5w-20 in my truck and i have had no issues. it
>doesnt seem to use any oil either. but then again ive not
>even got 20,000 miles on my truck.
>
>
>-nathan


Ditto!

Matt

2002, F250 SD, SC, 8' Bed, V10, 3.73 LS, Arizona Beige, ICI Stainless Step Bars, Truxedo Tonneau, Prodigy Brake Control, Flowmaster 40

 

I too switched to Mobil-1 5-30 synthetic at 800 miles;
checked with Ford customer service (not the dealership) to
comfirm "no warranty issues" (the dealer mainly wanted to sell 5-20 I think, and they don't use it either I've been told);
have had no problems at 32K; I changed it every 4000 until 30K, not I'm going for 5K between changes. It's just too hot in South Texas for 20 weight oil.

 

I also changed to Mobil 1 5W30 just today as a matter of fact. My motor has 500 miles on it, and i dumped the factory fill for the M1. IMO there is no way in heck this will cause any problems but I do want to point one thing out...

At the dealer in talking with the Chief Mechaninc, he told me there is no way the dealer would void any warranty for using a different weight oil but on occasion Ford will take random oil samples from motors needing a major repair under warranty and if they find it to be anything other than what they specify, they WILL void your warranty. Ford will void your warranty, not the dealers. Even though Ford only "reccomends" 5W20, it does give them a loop hole, one im sure they would eagerly jump thru to avoid any warranty claims.

Now you have to go into the whole question of whether or not they can actually tell what grade the used oil is/was as the viscosity and make up of oil changes as it is used, but thats another whole issue.

Just FYI.

 

 

[B]Hey I run 5W-20 synthetic in my 01 v-10 and i run it hard . It has 80,000 + on it
I have cut off my muffler and runnin straight off converter. It uses some oil but I dont know if its from the thinner oil or from more freely flowin exhaust. It's my F-350 single tire 1 ton w/ utility bed. 5 spd man tran. so far so good !
mark_the_redneck

 

Mobil now has a synthetic which is advertised as a replacement for 5W20... For some reason I remember it as 0W20?!?!? Has anyone else seen this oil?

OBTW, 36,000 miles and no problems with the Motorcraft 5W20 synthetic blend.

Edmo

 

I have 14K on my V-10 now and all I have run is Motorcraft 5W-20. If you go to the Oil and Lubrication section, there is a thread titled "UOA 04 v-10". Sounds like the 5W-20 is just fine.