5w20 question???
Elder User
Joined: Apr 2002
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From: Kentucky
5w20 question???
I have an '02 edge with the 3.0 v6. After buying it, I found that Ford recommends 5w20 engine oil. I spoke with my local dealer's service advisor and he feels that going with a heavier weight (5w30) will void the warranty it an engine problem occurs. Has anyone had personal experience here? This seems like really thin oil, or should I just use it and stop worrying?
Junior User
Joined: Nov 2001
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5w20 question???
I have a 2001 F-250 Super Duty that requires 5w20 and I don't even bother using it. It has 28k miles now and it is doing fine. The only place I can find 5w20 is through a Ford dealer. I've never had a problem with 5w30 and I think you should just use that. I think it's blaitently obivous what Ford is trying to do here. They want you to spend top dollar for a quart for Motorcraft oil, instead of using Mobil or Vavoline. If for some reason you have engine problems and need to cash in the warranty, there is no way for them to tell the weight of your oil. That's my $0.02. I'd like to hear what everyone else thinks of this.
-Kevin
-Kevin
Elder User
Joined: Apr 2002
Posts: 858
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From: Kentucky
5w20 question???
Thanks for the reply Kevin. I am going to use 5w20 until I am certain the engine is not defective. So far it seems fine. I AM going to use Castrol GTX in 5w20 so that I feel Ford hasn't forced me into buying their oil (also I have over 350,000 miles of good experience with Castrol). I do believe if there was a catastrophic engine failure, there is a chance the oil would be tested before a new engine was installed.
Senior User
Joined: Feb 2002
Posts: 148
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From: Charlotte
5w20 question???
Hmmm,
Oil can be tricky. If Ford engineered the motor for a lighter weight multi-viscosity oil it means they may have narrowed some oil passages through the block and/or heads. The 10W30, 10W40, 20W50 all has to do with viscosity and temperature. A 5W20 is extremely thin both cold AND hot, so they may want it that way to flow under extreme temperature and load conditions.
When we used to run high cube V-8's on the street we'd use a high viscosity oil to keep compression up and blow-by down, but eventually paid for it in crank and cam bearings. Straight 90W went into the demo derby cars. But if your planning on keeping the truck for a few years, I'd follow manufacturer's specs.
Just my opinion.
CB
Oil can be tricky. If Ford engineered the motor for a lighter weight multi-viscosity oil it means they may have narrowed some oil passages through the block and/or heads. The 10W30, 10W40, 20W50 all has to do with viscosity and temperature. A 5W20 is extremely thin both cold AND hot, so they may want it that way to flow under extreme temperature and load conditions.
When we used to run high cube V-8's on the street we'd use a high viscosity oil to keep compression up and blow-by down, but eventually paid for it in crank and cam bearings. Straight 90W went into the demo derby cars. But if your planning on keeping the truck for a few years, I'd follow manufacturer's specs.
Just my opinion.
CB
Junior User
Joined: May 2002
Posts: 71
Likes: 0
From: Columbus,Ohio U.S.A.
5w20 question???
Have been using 5W20 Pennzoil for the last 30,000 mi. in a 02 Ranger SC 3.0 V6. Not a problem, change oil every 5,000 mi.
I understand they (Ford) closed up the tolerances in the engine.
5W20 is not hard to find.
I understand they (Ford) closed up the tolerances in the engine.
5W20 is not hard to find.
Junior User
Joined: Nov 2001
Posts: 89
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5w20 question???
Where have you found 5w20? I usually go to K-Mart and buy a few cases when it's 90 cents a quart. They don't carry it. Does it cost more than 5w30? Thanks
-Kevin
-Kevin
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Post Fiend
Joined: Dec 2001
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From: South Jersey
5w20 question???
The reason they switched is for fuel economy, they even recommend the 5w20 for prior years that originally called for 5w30 so it's not a tolerance thing. This from Fords TSB # 01-04-07.
New User
Joined: May 2002
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5w20 question???
This is in a gray area, but it's possible it could fall into the 1890 Sherman Antitrust Act. Congress passed this act in 1890, and this is the source of all American anti monopoly laws. The law forbids every contract, scheme, deal, conspiracy to restrain trade. It also forbids conspirations to secure monopoly of a given industry.
The automobile industry has had to content with this and the Clayton Act for their entire lives. By "requiring" that you use a product that only the dealership has, I think it's a case they'd lose if the government (or you) decide to persue.
If you want to F with the dealership, next time they tell you it'll void your warranty, ask them if they are familiar with the Sherman and Clayton Acts...
You will probably enjoy the fireworks.
Disclaimer: This information is of "general business" nature. I'm not an attorney. This is not legal advice. Consult a practicing attorney if you seek legal advice. Do not rely on this information for financial committments. Your milage may vary. Batteries not included.
The automobile industry has had to content with this and the Clayton Act for their entire lives. By "requiring" that you use a product that only the dealership has, I think it's a case they'd lose if the government (or you) decide to persue.
If you want to F with the dealership, next time they tell you it'll void your warranty, ask them if they are familiar with the Sherman and Clayton Acts...
You will probably enjoy the fireworks.
Disclaimer: This information is of "general business" nature. I'm not an attorney. This is not legal advice. Consult a practicing attorney if you seek legal advice. Do not rely on this information for financial committments. Your milage may vary. Batteries not included.
