I took my 2000 2.5 4cyl ranger to a shop in the small town I live in. I realised after I left that the guy put in 10w30 instead of the recommended 5w30. I dont blame the guy for not knowing, especially since I didnt mention what weight to use. I need to know if I should be concerned? Should I go ahead and drain it and put in 5w30? Could the heavier weight wear out the oil pump? Could there be higher pressure that would hurt the seals? Any input is greatly appreciated.

 

You'll be just fine. It won't harm your oil pump or anything else. Once the oil is hot, it will be the same thickness as 5w30, it's just that it will be a little thicker when cold.

I don't know where you live, but if it were North Dakota and it were January, I'd say get it out. But during summer 10w30 will be much thinner on cold startup than 5w30 would be in winter.

Also, look at your owner's manual. They may not have been dumbed down by 2000 and so maybe will show more than one oil grade choice.

 

You should be fine. I believe most owner's guides that list 10w30 recommend it for temps as low as -10°F.

Welcome to FTE and thanks for joining us in the Towing forum! Don't be shy! Fill in the "Location" field in your profile. Then we won't have to guess which part of the country you're in!

 

You'll be just fine

 

Don't lose any sleep over it,most of the time at those cheap oil change places you really don't know what they are putting in.I use to take my truck to the dealership for the change until the oil change person said what they put in was an unknown brand of oil, by unknown I mean like american or something like that, after that I change my own oil.

 

I didnt even think of putting my location. Im in Texas so summer is around the corner. I really appreciate the replys and putting my mind at ease. Everyone at FTE has been very helpful and hopefully Ill be able to return the favor.

 

The 5 and 10 oil designation that is in front of the "W" is a deceptive oil thickness designation. The reason is that at a given low temp, the 5w and 10w can have the exact same viscosity, however at an even lower temp, the 5w will be thinner than the 10w. A great explanation is here: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Engine_...rade_motor_oil

 

00 Ranger, your post is almost humorous, in a way. Absolutely nothing against you. It's just that I find it amazing, here is you concerned about using a 10w30 oil, instead of the recommended 5w30. You had concerns, and rightfully so.

In the past on this forum, some here suggest and recommend using much heavier oil, such as 15w40, 20w50 in a modern, emission controlled engine!! Very dated thinking, 00...

I think much along the same lines as you. Not that I have anything against thicker viscosity oils, except their use in FI, emission controlled, gasoline engines is misplaced, at best. Flat out wrong, at worst.

Regardless, you will be fine using the 10w30 oil, no harm to oil pump ect. will occur. Post here, anytime.

Ed