The subject came up in a different thread so I thought I'd start a new thread. I'm curious about which oil you guys use in your 4.2. Clearly this thread could (should?) be in the Oil and Lube forum, but since we all drive trucks with the 4.2, I figure we can talk about oil if we want to.

I spend a lot of time in the Oil and Lube forum and find the subject of oil pretty interesting.
I have settled on Chevron Supreme 10W30.
I'm not an advocate of synthetic for most applications.
I believe the 5Wxx oils were a move to better CAFE numbers and are not the result of "tighter tolerences".
So...what oil do you guys use? Why? any other thoughts or comments?

 

10W30 Pennzoil with a Wix filter

 

Just changed the oil in the truck today. Used Halvoline 5W30 this time. I used Motorcraft 5W20 on the last oil change.

 

I am going to change my oil for the first time tomorrow.
I am going to use 10w30 Mobil 1 fully synthetic oil and a Motorcraft oil filter.

 

Use Valvoline 10w30 and Purolator Pure One oil filters.

 

Chevron Supreme 10W30 and Motorcraft 400-S filters. The numbers on this oil are very close to some synthetic oils.

 

Quaker State 5w30 I have been using fram and Quaker State filters, but now I will be using Purolater filters.
Will

 

Castrol Syntec 5W-50 and Purolator Pure One oil filter

In my opinion, synthetic oils provide superior stability & endurance (heat, load, film shear, etc) that in turn provides maximum engine protection. Additionally, synthetic oils provide better corrosion protection of engine internals and are less likely to cause sludge buildup.

 

Was that a typo? 5W50 ???
Never heard of such.
Did you mean 5W30 ?

 

No Typo… I use a 5W-50 Synthetic.


Years ago, the Society of Automotive Engineers (SAE) created a viscosity grade system for motor oils. This system established eleven distinct motor oil viscosity classifications or grades: SAE0W, SAE5W, SAE10W, SAE15W, SAE20W, SAE25W, SAE20, SAE30, SAE40, SAE50 and SAE60. These are known as single grade or single viscosity oils. The grade indicates how well an oil flows at a given temperature range. The "W" in the classification indicates that the grade is suitable for use in cold temperatures. In simple terms, the lower the number, the lower the temperature at which the oil can be used for safe and effective protection. The higher the number, the better protection offered for high heat and high load situations. Modern multigrade or multi-viscosity oils effectively meet the viscosity requirements of two or more classifications. Examples of multi-viscosity oils are SAE5W-30, SAE10W-30, SAE15W-40 and SAE20W-50. The number with a "W" focuses on an oil’s properties at low temperatures. The number without a "W" characterizes properties at high temperatures. A multiviscosity or multi-grade oil, e.g. 10W-30, meets the 10W criteria when cold and the 30 criteria once hot. SAE10W-30 and SAE5W-30 are widely used because under all but extremely hot or cold conditions, they are light enough for easy engine cranking at low temperatures, and heavy enough to protect satisfactorily at high temperatures.

When talking about single grade oils, it is probably a safe assumption to say a SAE60 grade oil is twice as thick (viscous) as a SAE30. However, this does not apply to multigrade oils. A SAE5W-30 flows the same as a SAE5W-50 when cold. The only difference is that the SAE5W-50 provides additional high temperature/extreme duty protection beyond the range where the SAE5W-30 could be used.

 

OK guts, I have been around the block with oils. On my new 2003, I have come to the conclusion to use a full synthetic. Any comments on Mobile 1, Castrol Syntec, Valvoline Syn., or Ams Oil. I have heard that The AMS iol 0w30 is pretty good stuff, and has an extended drain interval. I am also looking into one of their BY-Pass filter systems. Any factual comments appreciated. And as a side note, I have learned alot from this site. Thanks guys.

 

I use 10w-30 but maybe 10w50 might work if I evr go with a power adder then? hm...tahtnkyou for the lesson, much info learned.

 

I use 10W30 regular castrol oil but for the first 36000 or so I used mobil one and so nothing but a large bill. I'm now at 82000 miles and I don't drop a lick of oil and still get the 4.2L 15 mpg.

 

In my opinion, synthetic oils have several advantages over conventional oils.

Synthetics' load-carrying capacity is roughly twice the capacity of conventional oil. Since the load carrying capacity is what prevents metal-to-metal contact between moving parts I think it is reasonable to assume that an engine running synthetic oil will last longer.

Synthetics typically adhere to the metal surfaces better. This should provide better piston-ring and top of cylinder life. (we have all seen the AMSOL guy at the car shows running the engine without oil)

Synthetics typically have a better friction coefficient. This might (possibly) improve gas mileage and/or performance by some small amount.

If you believe the manufactures, synthetics provide far better corrosion protection of engine internals. This should also improve the life of the engine.

Can I measure any of the advantages – NOPE!

Are the potential benefits worth the extra cost of the oil – ABSOLUTELY!

 

I have a 97 f-150 4.2 v6 170,000 miles on it and i use Pennzoil 10-30 with a Fram filter. Never had a problem.