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I suspect that for many of you, this will be a stupid question, but what the heck, they are the easiest ones to answer. Our new (to us) 2003 Supercrew is due for its first oil change but I noticed that it is recommended that 5W20 oil only be used in the 5.4. I'm just wondering why this is and what crisis might be created if one were to use a different grade. I've always used 10W30 in all my vehicles over the past 25 years or so and never had any problems. Thanks for expanding my knowledge.
Consult your owner's manual for oil recommendations.
If you choose to not use the 5W20, at least go the the 5W30 instead of 10W30. Better cold-flow characteristics. The 10W- is a bit thick for colder climates when the oil is cold.
like projectSHO89 said the OM should give an alter. for warmer climates to run a heavier grade. if not i would go with what it says because that is what the motor was designed for. might not hurt to run other grades but why take a chance.
No need to go with a Xw30, the 5w20's are not a sham at all and will do very well even in the extremest of climates or towing situations or both. Better MPG is just icing on the cake.
I have a 4.6 but I have used 10w30, and 5w30 and I have seen not one single change in mileage, power, wear or anything at all! Only change I did notice is a little easier starting when I changed from 5w30 to 5w30 synthetic.
5w30 is fine but the 5w20 is better, for me it is just a matter of sleeping better at night knowing i have the oil my engine needs and especially with the ford 930 spec which is a very hard spec to achieve.