20W50 in a Ford 4.6 3V Question

[SportTrac46]

Hello, I recently acquired an 08' Sport Trac with the 4.6 with all servicing done by the Ford Dealer here in Costa Rica. I noticed on the oil change sticker they are using 20W50. I understand they use this for the constant high temps (Avg temps 75-82F during the day and 68-75F during the night). Finding any lower viscosity rating here is somewhat hard to come by and typically 15W40 or 20W50 is only seen on shelves.

My question/concern is the quality of lubrication for this engine. With these average temperatures would I see any issues in the long run? The book calls for 5W30. The engine currently has about 76000 miles on it and only assume it has run 20W50 its entire life. "Cold" starts appear to be fine with no lifter tick which would indicate oil reaching the top rather quickly. Engine runs smooth and quiet.

All other forum posts around the internet debating viscosities for which is better or worse have mixed outcomes. A lot say that for these temperatures there are little to no negatives. However, there is also debate for "tighter" clearances. Whichever it may be I hope to get closer to the answer here.

Thanks
-Brandon

 

[Merkava_4]

Originally Posted By: SportTrac46
Engine runs smooth and quiet.


That's all that matters right there. Normally I'd say you don't need to go thicker than 10W-40, but if it's running quiet and smooth with 20W-50, leave well enough alone.

 

[CT8]

70* isn't a cold start.

 

[crazyoildude]

20w50 in a 4.6 unless there is a difference in bearing clearance and oil pump pressure where you are is to heavy 5w30 tops or maybe a 10w30 not a 20w50.
A few Years back we rebuilt a couple of engines from a Trooper barracks that used 20w50 in the winter and had oil filters blowing up. Maybe they build them differently there i don't know but i don't think so. I know some of the cab companies run 5w30 year round in their 2004-2010 crown vics and Grand Marquis and have zero issues with 300,000+ miles.

 

[Merkava_4]

Originally Posted By: crazyoildude
A few Years back we rebuilt a couple of engines from a Trooper barracks that used 20w50 in the winter and had oil filters blowing up.


The OP's car is in Costa Rica. Maybe you skipped that part ?

 

[Ga129]

Originally Posted By: Merkava_4
Originally Posted By: SportTrac46
Engine runs smooth and quiet.


That's all that matters right there. Normally I'd say you don't need to go thicker than 10W-40, but if it's running quiet and smooth with 20W-50, leave well enough alone.


+1.

If it really bothers you and 15w40 is just as available, you could try it, but if it runs fine and is not causing any issues, you're probably good to go.

 

[stchman]

Is the 08 Sport Trac a US made model?

If yes, US made 4.6L engines in that truck are recommended to use 5W-20.

I know it is warm in Costa Rica all year around, but still use what the manufacturer recommends.

 

[gfh77665]

He said:

Finding any lower viscosity rating here is somewhat hard to come by and typically 15W40 or 20W50 is only seen on shelves.

 

[TFB1]

Originally Posted By: gfh77665
He said:

Finding any lower viscosity rating here is somewhat hard to come by and typically 15W40 or 20W50 is only seen on shelves.

Seems most are too busy to getting their post up vs actually reading the full story...

If you could source a 10W-40 that's what I'd use, otherwise use 15W-40...

 

[gallydif]

Both 20w-50 and 15w-40 are fine to use. I know a taxi cab company here in Miami that puts 20w-50 into their 4.6L Ford Crown Vics.

 

[ShotGun429]

Costa Rica dont have CAFE, Enough said. 20w-50 is fine there.

 

[Merkava_4]

Originally Posted By: stchman
Is the 08 Sport Trac a US made model?

If yes, US made 4.6L engines in that truck are recommended to use 5W-20.

I know it is warm in Costa Rica all year around, but still use what the manufacturer recommends.


The phobia of 20W-50 runs rampant on this forum as evident by the above post. People think that 20W-50 and the sweet substance that bees make is the same thickness; even in Costa Rica.

 

[CT8]

Originally Posted By: ShotGun429
Costa Rica dont have CAFE, Enough said. 20w-50 is fine there.

 

[HerrStig]

Does the owner's manual say anything about "weight" in your climate. You might want to email Ford rather than buying into pronouncements made here.

 

[aquariuscsm]

Keep doing what you're doing. Pick your fave brand 20W50 and enjoy your car

 

[RedOakRanch]

I'm sure the 20w50 would be just fine but my Ford with the same engine has gone over 160k on 5w20 in 115 degree summers with no problems. Tropical heat is much lower than desert heat. When will the third world import 20 and 30 grade oil?

 

[buck91]

Those modulars are pretty forgiving but I personally would go with a lower viscosity oil. So, if 15w40 is readily available thats what I would run. I'm sure (well not 100% but my bet is) that your motor is not being hurt running the heavier oil in your climate. Especially if its used hard.

 

[SR5]

Half the cars in Australia are probably still using 20W-50 or 15W-40 mineral oil, and doing fine.

The garage up the road has four bays and does a lot of business, all makes all models all ages. Mostly the newer Euro and Japanese cars, but lots of Fords and GM cars too. Their default oil is Valvoline DuraBlend 10W-40 semi-synthetic in everything.

Yes modern cars can run on 20 weight oil, but they can still run on 40 weight oils too.

OP, your car is running well on 20W-50 and you have no cold starts to worry about, so all is fine.

I do prefer 15W-40 over 20W-50 in general because a lot of the 20W-50 oils here have older specs e.g. API SG to SL. Most of the 15W-40 oils I see are API SN rated, which is a better oil.

 

[Clevy]

That engine calls for a 20 grade here and they last forever even with "thin" oil.

20w-50 will make that engine sluggish but no harm will come.

How does it run. Kinda kicks sand in the face of those who believe the cam phasers won't operate properly unless a 5w-20 is used.

 

[FastLane]

Seems stupid to use such thick oil in this day in age. 5W30 is thick enough imo.