Trouble finding oil...
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Senior User
Joined: Mar 2004
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From: Switzerland
Trouble finding oil...
I live in Switzerland with my Lariat Screw 2004. I have problems finding the 5W-20 oil (it is not imported to europe). Ford dealer here said I should use 5W-30 -- but I don't think he really knew it...
I'm considering using Mobil 0W-40 or 0W-30.
How important is it that the oil i use fulfills the Ford spec M2C153-H?
It can get pretty cold in Switzerland. IF I'm driving 120km/h (75mph) on the highway the engine runs just about 2000rpm (European cars have usually about 4000rpm)!!! It is really not like the European cars -- so I assume F-150 engine doesn't run so hot as some European cars/trucks so maybe I should only have max 30.
On the otherhand my wife drives a lot of short trips -- so I guess the lower one should be around 0 or 5.
Sorry that I ask this for me very specific question, but I would appreciate to have some comments...I
I'm considering using Mobil 0W-40 or 0W-30.
How important is it that the oil i use fulfills the Ford spec M2C153-H?
It can get pretty cold in Switzerland. IF I'm driving 120km/h (75mph) on the highway the engine runs just about 2000rpm (European cars have usually about 4000rpm)!!! It is really not like the European cars -- so I assume F-150 engine doesn't run so hot as some European cars/trucks so maybe I should only have max 30.
On the otherhand my wife drives a lot of short trips -- so I guess the lower one should be around 0 or 5.
Sorry that I ask this for me very specific question, but I would appreciate to have some comments...I
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From: Austin, Texas
Can you find Mobil 1 0w20? I understand it meets the Ford specification. Based upon information I have read in other posts on this forum and others, the engine was designed to operate with the 5w20 and may (as in may) malfunction if the correct viscosity is not used. You should have someone stateside send you a case or two of Motorcraft 5w20. Of course, the postage would probably be as much or more than the cost of a case of oil (about $17 US).
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From: Switzerland
Thanks for the reply.
That is the problem; 5W-20 is too light for European engines (that is what I hear from oil companies) -- so that grade is not imported at all. You are probably right I have to ask my friends in the states to buy couple of cases and send it over.
That is the problem; 5W-20 is too light for European engines (that is what I hear from oil companies) -- so that grade is not imported at all. You are probably right I have to ask my friends in the states to buy couple of cases and send it over.
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From: Austin, Texas
Originally Posted by Wolfdog
Thanks for the reply.
That is the problem; 5W-20 is too light for European engines (that is what I hear from oil companies) -- so that grade is not imported at all. You are probably right I have to ask my friends in the states to buy couple of cases and send it over.
That is the problem; 5W-20 is too light for European engines (that is what I hear from oil companies) -- so that grade is not imported at all. You are probably right I have to ask my friends in the states to buy couple of cases and send it over.
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Joined: Apr 2004
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Wolfdog,
I would switch to a synthetic oil if I were you. I have an FX4 Scab, and it has 4K on it. Now that I have charted the mileage, I am switching over to Amsoil synthetic. I am going to run 0-30 wt. It will give you better mileage, less wear, and be a lot more convienient since you don't have to change it nearly as often. You can look them up on the web,
www.amsoil.com . They have plenty of info for you to learn from. I also am installing a double filter system, since I will be running my oil for 20 to 25K between oil changes, and expect to keep this truck for many years. Amsoil was first invented in the 40's because the American Tanks were freezing up in Germany, and wouldn't turn over.
I have been using synthetics in my motors for a long time now and swear by them. The only reason they weren't marketed before by major auto makers, is because the auto makers didn't have their own brand. You'll notice now, that most of the new high end sports cars all run synthetics right from the factory.
Run a synthetic, then you would have to fret over where to get oil all the time
.
Aloha,
I would switch to a synthetic oil if I were you. I have an FX4 Scab, and it has 4K on it. Now that I have charted the mileage, I am switching over to Amsoil synthetic. I am going to run 0-30 wt. It will give you better mileage, less wear, and be a lot more convienient since you don't have to change it nearly as often. You can look them up on the web,
www.amsoil.com . They have plenty of info for you to learn from. I also am installing a double filter system, since I will be running my oil for 20 to 25K between oil changes, and expect to keep this truck for many years. Amsoil was first invented in the 40's because the American Tanks were freezing up in Germany, and wouldn't turn over.
I have been using synthetics in my motors for a long time now and swear by them. The only reason they weren't marketed before by major auto makers, is because the auto makers didn't have their own brand. You'll notice now, that most of the new high end sports cars all run synthetics right from the factory.
Run a synthetic, then you would have to fret over where to get oil all the time
.Aloha,
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From: Switzerland
Originally Posted by txfx4x4
Just out of curiousity, is your European engine the same as that sold in the US? Do you have different required oil specs? If I understand you correctly, you can't locate anything that meets Ford's specs (in the US it's WSS-M2C-153H) locally. As I have read elsewhere, Ford, Honda, and several other automobile manufacturers are moving to 5w20. Do they sell these vehicles in your area? If so, maybe you can ascertain what other owners are using.
Yes, I can't get any oil that fulfills the WSS-M2C-153H spec.
Thanks for reply.
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Amsoil Shmasoil, what a bunch of marketing hype. 2 to 3 mpg increase yeah right! The reason Ford went to 5W-20 synth blend was to meet the CARB requirements which puts requirements on pollution and mileage. Mileage difference will be unmeasureable between AMSOIL, and Motorcraft synth blend!
Mobil 1 synthetic 0W 30 meets the Ford mil spec if you really are concerned with using an oil that meets spec.
Mobil 1 synthetic 0W 30 meets the Ford mil spec if you really are concerned with using an oil that meets spec.
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From: Austin, Texas
Originally Posted by KevinM
Amsoil Shmasoil, what a bunch of marketing hype. 2 to 3 mpg increase yeah right! The reason Ford went to 5W-20 synth blend was to meet the CARB requirements which puts requirements on pollution and mileage. Mileage difference will be unmeasureable between AMSOIL, and Motorcraft synth blend!
Mobil 1 synthetic 0W 30 meets the Ford mil spec if you really are concerned with using an oil that meets spec.
Mobil 1 synthetic 0W 30 meets the Ford mil spec if you really are concerned with using an oil that meets spec.
For me, this is purely an academic discussion since I use (and will continue to use) the Motorcraft 0w20 synthetic blend anyway. I'm just curious if the Mobile 1 0w30 does indeed meet the Ford spec.
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Use 5W30. Ford calls for 5W20 in almost all of it's vehicles to meet US emission standards. My Ford dealership uses both for oil changes. They charge a few bucks extra for 5W20. I put 5W30 in my 02 Focus and the wife's 02 Windstar with no problems.
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Wolfdog, you have many resources in Europe for oils that will work quite good in your Triton engine. Look for an oil that is ACEA (European API, if you will) rated for A5 service. You should not have a problem finding it in 5w-30 which will work just fine. Per ACEA, "A5 oils are stable, stay ingrade oils intended for high performance gasoline engines designed to be capable of using low friction, low viscosity oils with a HT/HS of 2.9 to 3.5". That's just what you need.
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From: Austin, Texas
Those writers to whom this refers, please do not interpret my comment/question as argumentative. It is purely conversational.
I have read numerous posts here and in other forums stating the Ford's primary goal in using 5w20 is for reasons of stated fuel economy (CAFE) and emissions, both of which are completed during the government certification process. After the vehicle is sold, the CAFE scores and emissions results are immaterial. Given this statement, why would Ford recommend the continued use of 5w20 (as stated in the Owner's Guide), particularly if the use of some other viscosity (i.e. 5w30, 10w30, etc.) would result in better overall protection and/or performance? In years past, the recommended oil viscosity was presented in the Owner's Guide as a function of the prevalent weather conditions and several options were presented. Bear in mind that oil-related engine failures would cost Ford money in the long run due to excessive warranty repair costs. In short, if the Ford engineers didn't actually think that 5w20 was the best choice (read cheapest due to fewer warranty repairs), why would they present it as the single oil recommendation?
I have read numerous posts here and in other forums stating the Ford's primary goal in using 5w20 is for reasons of stated fuel economy (CAFE) and emissions, both of which are completed during the government certification process. After the vehicle is sold, the CAFE scores and emissions results are immaterial. Given this statement, why would Ford recommend the continued use of 5w20 (as stated in the Owner's Guide), particularly if the use of some other viscosity (i.e. 5w30, 10w30, etc.) would result in better overall protection and/or performance? In years past, the recommended oil viscosity was presented in the Owner's Guide as a function of the prevalent weather conditions and several options were presented. Bear in mind that oil-related engine failures would cost Ford money in the long run due to excessive warranty repair costs. In short, if the Ford engineers didn't actually think that 5w20 was the best choice (read cheapest due to fewer warranty repairs), why would they present it as the single oil recommendation?
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txfx4x4, my fellow Texan (yeah, it is that time again isn't it), if you will do a search in the Oil Forum, I have posted the criteria for the 153-H speced oils. You will also find in that forum, numerous oil analysis with Triton engines that are remarkable that the users are reporting with the 5w-20 oils. To put it simply, the 5w-20 oils are a blend, they will run cooler, run longer without thermal breakdown, have greater film strength, have lower wear metals, and have far fewer deposits than any other oil you will put in your engine regardless of the price. CAFE? That was the primer for these oils for sure, but the technology was ripe for a new and much stronger oil and there are no disappointments using it. It has not only survived the worse environmental testing and real world testing, it had exceeded expectations. There is a new spec coming out with the GF-4s and that is the 929's. They are going to be an even greater improvement. If you do a search on the Oil Forum, I have listed the application link from Ford to oil companies and the corresponding specs for the 929's. You might find it interesting.
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