5w-20 oil? Keep or change to 5w-30
09-03-2006, 08:19 PM
#11
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RE: 5w-20 oil? Keep or change to 5w-30
I am running the Ford-spec'ed 5W-20. (Mobil 1 if anyone cares).
All this talk about the Federal MPG initiative (or whatever the heck it is)--I don't buy it. Perhaps Ford did select this oil for that reason. But, I seriously doubt they'd risk warranty claims over engine damage becasue of it. I think it's a safe bet to stick with what Ford suggests.
By the way, I did use 5W-30 for my first oil change, becasue I couldn't get the 5W20 at that time. There was no noticeable change in power or MPG as a result of it. I'm back on 5W20 since then.
All this talk about the Federal MPG initiative (or whatever the heck it is)--I don't buy it. Perhaps Ford did select this oil for that reason. But, I seriously doubt they'd risk warranty claims over engine damage becasue of it. I think it's a safe bet to stick with what Ford suggests.
By the way, I did use 5W-30 for my first oil change, becasue I couldn't get the 5W20 at that time. There was no noticeable change in power or MPG as a result of it. I'm back on 5W20 since then.
09-03-2006, 09:15 PM
#12
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RE: 5w-20 oil? Keep or change to 5w-30
The Ford modular engines use tighter clearances and wider bearings. They are specifically designed to use the lighter 5w20. Since the clearances are tighter you have less space for the oil and that's why Ford compensated by making the bearing surfaces wider. Less friction = better mileage and more power. Use a thicker oil and it ;s going to take more hp for the oil pump to push it though those tighter clearances. So unless you are running continuous high rpm for extended periods, live in an extremely hot climate, or have oil burning problems I would stay away from any oil which is heaver than what Ford recommends. 5W30 would not really cause any problems but you are throwing away a few hp for no reason.
09-03-2006, 09:16 PM
#13
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Join Date: Jan 2006
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RE: 5w-20 oil? Keep or change to 5w-30
Do you honestly think Ford would risk their reputation on just an
oil viscosity ??
5/20 is what's supossed to be used !
Everything else is just internet bull**** .
ok bullcrap
oil viscosity ??
5/20 is what's supossed to be used !
Everything else is just internet bull**** .
ok bullcrap
09-03-2006, 09:36 PM
#15
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Join Date: Aug 2006
Location: North East Texas on the Red River
Posts: 886
RE: 5w-20 oil? Keep or change to 5w-30
5W20 will give adequate protection for average engine life in average temperature climates. They do indeed use 5W20 for its fuel mileage advantages. They have to meet the Corporate Average Fuel Economy(CAFE) numbers or face severe penalties. There are lots of little things that add up to the fuel mileage they need. Things like 5W20 oil and aluminum hoods by themselves don't do much, but all added up makes a difference in fuel mileage.
Even in warm climates like here in Texas, 5W20 will give you enough protection for what most people consider decent engine life and will CERTAINLY get you past Fords 60,000 mile warranty period. If, however, you do live in a warm climate and want maximum engine life, you need to use a slightly heavier oil and change it OFTEN. I deal with 100+ degree heat here and do not settle for average engine life. I run my cars for extended mileage. The car I am replacing with my new GT has 298,000 miles and the one before that went to 533,000 miles. You can bet I will be doing all I can to see my GT go 300,000 miles or more. that means 5W30 Mobil One changed on a 5,000 mile interval.
My $0.02,
Even in warm climates like here in Texas, 5W20 will give you enough protection for what most people consider decent engine life and will CERTAINLY get you past Fords 60,000 mile warranty period. If, however, you do live in a warm climate and want maximum engine life, you need to use a slightly heavier oil and change it OFTEN. I deal with 100+ degree heat here and do not settle for average engine life. I run my cars for extended mileage. The car I am replacing with my new GT has 298,000 miles and the one before that went to 533,000 miles. You can bet I will be doing all I can to see my GT go 300,000 miles or more. that means 5W30 Mobil One changed on a 5,000 mile interval.
My $0.02,
09-03-2006, 09:40 PM
#16
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Location: Nor Cal
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RE: 5w-20 oil? Keep or change to 5w-30
ORIGINAL: androdz
I was told by my motul dealer that the reason why most automanufacturers use 5w-20 is because it is less viscousity and gives higher mpg but at the cost of long term protection. I was recommended to switch to 5w-30. Anyone else has any imput on this?
Att. Andrew
I was told by my motul dealer that the reason why most automanufacturers use 5w-20 is because it is less viscousity and gives higher mpg but at the cost of long term protection. I was recommended to switch to 5w-30. Anyone else has any imput on this?
Att. Andrew
This is correct they do it to meet CAFE standards and if they can get 1mpg more out of every car they prodcue it allows them to not have to worry as much on the MPG ratings of the Trucks. As long as they are meeting the overall number that is required. Switching to 5w30 is no issue what so ever. You will see slight decrease in mileage although if you switch to Mobil 1 I doubt you will even notice any drop at all.
I run nothing but Mobil 1 in all my vehicles 5w30 in most 5w20 in the Mustang. Royal Purple or Redline are also goood but they cost to much more than Mobil 1 and Mobil 1 is as good.
Richard
09-03-2006, 10:53 PM
#18
I ♥ Acer
Thread Starter
Join Date: Aug 2006
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Posts: 2,090
RE: 5w-20 oil? Keep or change to 5w-30
ORIGINAL: 06GT4RAD
This is correct they do it to meet CAFE standards and if they can get 1mpg more out of every car they prodcue it allows them to not have to worry as much on the MPG ratings of the Trucks. As long as they are meeting the overall number that is required. Switching to 5w30 is no issue what so ever. You will see slight decrease in mileage although if you switch to Mobil 1 I doubt you will even notice any drop at all.
I run nothing but Mobil 1 in all my vehicles 5w30 in most 5w20 in the Mustang. Royal Purple or Redline are also goood but they cost to much more than Mobil 1 and Mobil 1 is as good.
Richard
ORIGINAL: androdz
I was told by my motul dealer that the reason why most automanufacturers use 5w-20 is because it is less viscousity and gives higher mpg but at the cost of long term protection. I was recommended to switch to 5w-30. Anyone else has any imput on this?
Att. Andrew
I was told by my motul dealer that the reason why most automanufacturers use 5w-20 is because it is less viscousity and gives higher mpg but at the cost of long term protection. I was recommended to switch to 5w-30. Anyone else has any imput on this?
Att. Andrew
This is correct they do it to meet CAFE standards and if they can get 1mpg more out of every car they prodcue it allows them to not have to worry as much on the MPG ratings of the Trucks. As long as they are meeting the overall number that is required. Switching to 5w30 is no issue what so ever. You will see slight decrease in mileage although if you switch to Mobil 1 I doubt you will even notice any drop at all.
I run nothing but Mobil 1 in all my vehicles 5w30 in most 5w20 in the Mustang. Royal Purple or Redline are also goood but they cost to much more than Mobil 1 and Mobil 1 is as good.
Richard
09-03-2006, 11:09 PM
#19
3rd Gear Member
Join Date: May 2006
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Posts: 803
RE: 5w-20 oil? Keep or change to 5w-30
This is correct they do it to meet CAFE standards and if they can get 1mpg more out of every car they prodcue it allows them to not have to worry as much on the MPG ratings of the Trucks.
Did the CAFE standards change recently? I didn't think trucks were included in the MPG requirements and that was the loophole reason for the SUV market onslaught.
