I just purchased a 2003 E 150 van with the 5.4 liter engine. Can you use non synthetic 5W-20 oil in it? The manual says use Motorcraft, but I think that's because that's what the dealer sells. I understand that the Motorcraft oil is a semi synthetic blend.

 

It is and you can use whatever your preference is. Oil doesn't have to be synthetic oil. I use 10w 30 or 5w 20. I have over 85,000 trouble free miles.. I think ford used the thinner oil for gas mileage issues.

 

Thanks , any other comments out there?

 

they used 5w20 so you have oil delivered immediatly to the cam,its best to stay with fords recommendation especially if you have a warranty.

 

I would suggest that you do a search at the Oil and Lubrication section here at the FTE. Search for 153-H which is the spec that Ford says must be used in their Triton motors. To give you the short version, 153-H oil is only in 5w-20 or Mobil One makes a 0w-20 but the M1 barely makes grade. The 153-H oils will run cleaner longer, have less deposits, run cooler, and provide much lower wear metals than any other oil on the market. There are several brands to choose from: Chevron Supreme, Havoline, Castrol, Valvoline, Pennzoil, Quaker State, Shell, and of course Motorcraft. Motorcraft is rebottled Hydroclear which is most likely the best oil on the market for reduced wear components and providing extreme thermal protection. Any oil meeting the 153-H spec will be a Blend or a synthetic. The Blends are turning in the best wear metal numbers regardless of basestock or price.

 

Thanks Flash appreciate the info.

 

Our Motorcraft oil at our dealership is not synthetic or even a blend. When a customer asks for synthetic oil we have to use bottled oil that we buy from another source. It's 5w30 Quakar State (unfortunately). We also stock Shell 5w20 synthetic blend.

 

The Ford 5W20 is a semi-synthetic blend. Walmart has it for under $1.80 a quart. I have always used it in my 2001 5.4L and have had no problems. ALWAYS use a MOTORCRAFT filter. They have the best anti-drainback valve in the business!

Jimmy

 

LxMan1 you said Wallyworld has the Ford 5w20 semi-synthetic for under $1.80. I can't seem to find it there and that price is GREAT for that blend. Is it Motorcraft oil?? or what??? I want to get some!!

 

yes i get motorcraft 5w 20 at wallyworld for i think its 1.79 a quart.however im in minnesota so you may not get it wherever your from.

 

I use a Motorcraft filter in my Chevy's now. I used to get AC delco but now I can get the Motorcraft for very cheap at work and I figure its just as good as AC Delco.

 

Yes, I always get my Motorcraft oil and filters at Wallyworld.

Jimmy

 

I can get the Motorcraft filter but where I live have not seen the Motorcraft oil at Wallyworld, I'll have to ask.

 

Good idea, all of them in my area have it, so it is available to all of them I would think.

 

I just got the Motorcraft 5W-20 semi-syn at Wal-Mart for $1.82/qt. What a deal! M1 0W-20 sells there for $4.77/qt and I here it is not as good.
My first lube change with my 04 F150 and was planning for full synthetic. After reading one of Flash's posts saying M1 barely meets 153-H, I researched and found it to be true. Thank you Flash for saving me $21 on my lube change.