5w20 vs 5w30

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Dec 21, 2025 | 12:12 PM

stvneil

Thread Starter

Mountain Pass

Joined: Dec 2003

Posts: 121

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From: greenwell springs, la.

5w20 vs 5w30

I have a 2016 F-150, 5.0 with 160,000 miles and running Amsoil 5w20 oil. It has never burned a drop of oil but I see mechanics recomending 5w30 oil, is there something I am missing?

Dec 21, 2025 | 12:50 PM

JKBrad

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Joined: May 2005

Posts: 8,232

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From: San Antonio, TX

A lot of consumer grade oils will shear down a grade after only a thousand miles or so. 5w20 is marginal at best, especially for those who tow, or do any other type of severe duty. Ford describes severe duty as anything more than picking up groceries, or dropping the kids off at school.

The 20 weight vs 30 weight arguments have come up lately due to later model engines having lower tension rings, and many manufactures having problems with main bearings and cam rollers. The main bearing issues may likely be related to them attempting to get less resistance from the rotating assembly. Auto stop/start isn't helping either, as 20 weight oil will drain off surfaces more quickly, especially with conventional, or synthetic blend oils.

If you have 160k with no issues, then why even think about switching?

Dec 21, 2025 | 01:26 PM

SpencerPJ

Fleet Mechanic

Joined: Jan 2020

Posts: 1,370

Likes: 417

I agree with jkbrad, if it aint't broke, don't fix it. If you are trouble free, I wouldn't change a thing. IMO, that goes the same with what brand you use.

Dec 22, 2025 | 09:26 AM

scott91370

Fleet Mechanic

Joined: Dec 2008

Posts: 1,914

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From: Burleson, Tx

Ford did change the weight 'required' at one point. My 2015 oil cap says 10-30. I'm sitting at 162k and that's all it's ever had.

Dec 22, 2025 | 09:50 AM

jake415

Tuned

Joined: Jan 2015

Posts: 472

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From: Southeast Wisconsin

I run 5w-30 in my '17 five-o. It sounds happier with it. I also read some tech stuff put out by petroleum engineers that recommend higher viscosity lube in engines with chain driven cams. Something about chains shearing oil molecules etc and thin oils breaking down quicker. Made sense to me.

Dec 22, 2025 | 01:03 PM

RacingJake

Cross-Country

Joined: Jul 2006

Posts: 65

Likes: 20

Picked up my 2002 F150 Super Crew with the 5.4 back in 2006, the prior owner had a travel trailer and put 90K on it when I got it. I've put another 120K on it towing boats, seadoo's, motorcycles and a few cross-county tows. Besides tires and battery's lol, the only things that failed was an Alternator, intake manifold due to water leak and fuel pump. I just use Motorcraft 5-20 and filter every 5K.

I did have an 89 F150 with 302 with over 250K and I changed the oil every few years, yes, I didn't care. Torn the engine apart and only had 5 to 7 thou bore wear and put it back to together and added a 100 hp nitrous kit and put in a 65 Ford Falcon.