Which oil?
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More Turbo
Joined: Jun 2004
Posts: 690
Likes: 0
From: Sweden
Which oil?
'87 E150 302, about 150k miles. In Texas.
I've been running 20W50, I had it recommended due to the higher temps and to improve the oil pressure. Actually the oil pressure problem was bogus, just the sensor. But it seemed to run quieter.
It's winter now though that seems to mean 70F this year. I'm about to change the oil, which oil would be best?
I've been running 20W50, I had it recommended due to the higher temps and to improve the oil pressure. Actually the oil pressure problem was bogus, just the sensor. But it seemed to run quieter.
It's winter now though that seems to mean 70F this year. I'm about to change the oil, which oil would be best?
Hotshot
Joined: May 2004
Posts: 12,170
Likes: 5
From: The hills of No. Calif.
If your temps are staying up in that range or even a little cooler, I'd stay with the 20W50. If it drops below 40º or 50º I'd go with 10W30.
Granted, I'm no expert on oils and you might get a better answer in the Oil & Lubrication forum, but I've read recently that the maximum viscosity spread you want in an oil is no more than 30, so the the old 20W50 is right at the limit. Perhaps it would be better to switch to an oil that brings those numbers closer together.
Anybody who knows more about this than I care to elaborate?
Granted, I'm no expert on oils and you might get a better answer in the Oil & Lubrication forum, but I've read recently that the maximum viscosity spread you want in an oil is no more than 30, so the the old 20W50 is right at the limit. Perhaps it would be better to switch to an oil that brings those numbers closer together.
Anybody who knows more about this than I care to elaborate?
Post Fiend
Joined: Mar 2002
Posts: 19,402
Likes: 38
From: Bonita Springs FL
This is a long read, but worth it: http://www.boss302.com/oil.htm
Short answer, stick with 10w30, unless you have a very tired engine. The closer the two numbers are, the better. 20w50 is pretty thick stuff, your bearings have to be pretty close to shot to actually need oil that thick.
80w90 is the right oil for the diffs.
Short answer, stick with 10w30, unless you have a very tired engine. The closer the two numbers are, the better. 20w50 is pretty thick stuff, your bearings have to be pretty close to shot to actually need oil that thick.
80w90 is the right oil for the diffs.
