I've got a 97 mustang with the 4.6 16 valve (non cobra) the car only has 39,000 miles on it, I've always used 5W-30 (in owner's manual) would using a 10w-30 be a problem or is it a gas mileage CAFE thing? Does the 5w-30 lubricate this engine better than a 10w-30 would? Thanks
4.6 Ford oil question
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I don't know how cold it gets in Pullman, but if it gets much below 32 stick with the 5W.
Looks like you've noticed the oil viscosity dilemma, such as Ford Cobra R with Mobil 1 15W-50 factory fill.
Does it "burn" oil (More than 1 qt in 3,000 miles) or make a noise? If so, a 10W-30 will help some.
On the other hand, extreme cold temps in winter take a toll on that OHC motor. If the temps are consistently colder than 0 F, use Mobil 1 0W-20 or Mobil 1 0W-30.
I know some local Mustang owners and they run 10W-40 and even Mobil 1 15W-50 in summer with fine results. They also noticed how Ford recommends a 15W-50 under the Cobra hard use.
Hope this helps.
Jerry
Does it "burn" oil (More than 1 qt in 3,000 miles) or make a noise? If so, a 10W-30 will help some.
On the other hand, extreme cold temps in winter take a toll on that OHC motor. If the temps are consistently colder than 0 F, use Mobil 1 0W-20 or Mobil 1 0W-30.
I know some local Mustang owners and they run 10W-40 and even Mobil 1 15W-50 in summer with fine results. They also noticed how Ford recommends a 15W-50 under the Cobra hard use.
Hope this helps.
Jerry
I have two 4.6L 16 valve engines. One in my vic and one in my F150. The F150 is a 97 and has had the same thing for years. 10w30 in the summer and 5w30 in the winter. Nothing has ever gone wrong with it.
The Vic even runs 10w30 in the winter without a problem.
The Vic even runs 10w30 in the winter without a problem.
My T-bird with the 4.6L(1997) has 92,000 miles.
with syn.oil(10/30 or thinner), the car sometimes uses about 1/2 qt. per 3k miles.
with dino oil, 10/30HM and 10/40, doesn't use a drop in 3k miles; I haven't tried going futher with dino oil.
I've run pretty thick 10/30 HM oils in winter and summer with no problems, so far.
with syn.oil(10/30 or thinner), the car sometimes uses about 1/2 qt. per 3k miles.
with dino oil, 10/30HM and 10/40, doesn't use a drop in 3k miles; I haven't tried going futher with dino oil.
I've run pretty thick 10/30 HM oils in winter and summer with no problems, so far.
Yes, a 10w30 would be fine under warm weather conditions.
Of course, Ford back recommends through TSB the use of 5w20 in that motor.
Would a 10w30 provide better wear than a 5w30? Likely it makes no difference unless you do a lot of cold weather starts. Ther, I would be using a 5w30.
FWIW, my '97 F150 with a Romeo built 4.6 was at 163,000 miles on it when sold, with little oil use. Ran like a top, and ran on 5w30 its entire life.
My '99 F150, also with a Romeo built 4.6, is over 97,000 miles. It used 5w30 until last year, when I switched to 5w20. Wear and consumption are identical or better than before the switch. Uses a qt every 3,000 miles, which is acceptable to me.
Of course, Ford back recommends through TSB the use of 5w20 in that motor.
Would a 10w30 provide better wear than a 5w30? Likely it makes no difference unless you do a lot of cold weather starts. Ther, I would be using a 5w30.
FWIW, my '97 F150 with a Romeo built 4.6 was at 163,000 miles on it when sold, with little oil use. Ran like a top, and ran on 5w30 its entire life.
My '99 F150, also with a Romeo built 4.6, is over 97,000 miles. It used 5w30 until last year, when I switched to 5w20. Wear and consumption are identical or better than before the switch. Uses a qt every 3,000 miles, which is acceptable to me.
MustangGT
I have used SL ISLAC GF-3 10w-30 before in a 4.6 in weather above 30f with out any apparent problems .
I also have heard of owners sticking the cam to the journals they run in when using 40wt oils and personnaly seen the aftermath of the damage . Thats an expensive repair .
From your post I cannot tell if your a synthetic user but if so , you might try the Saab 0w-30 . It's not expensive at 17 bux for a 4 liter jug and seems to be a match made in heaven for the 4.6 Ford engine .
Saab 0w-30
This Saab 5w-30 Synthetic Blend is another overlooked option for the 4.6 motor . At 10 bux per 4 liter jug and a healthy dose of magnesium and way more zinc than over the counter dino's " and some synthetics
" just might be a great way to go .
Saab 5w-30 Synthetic Blend
[ February 16, 2004, 09:20 AM: Message edited by: Motorbike ]
I have used SL ISLAC GF-3 10w-30 before in a 4.6 in weather above 30f with out any apparent problems .
I also have heard of owners sticking the cam to the journals they run in when using 40wt oils and personnaly seen the aftermath of the damage . Thats an expensive repair .
From your post I cannot tell if your a synthetic user but if so , you might try the Saab 0w-30 . It's not expensive at 17 bux for a 4 liter jug and seems to be a match made in heaven for the 4.6 Ford engine .
Saab 0w-30
This Saab 5w-30 Synthetic Blend is another overlooked option for the 4.6 motor . At 10 bux per 4 liter jug and a healthy dose of magnesium and way more zinc than over the counter dino's " and some synthetics
Saab 5w-30 Synthetic Blend
[ February 16, 2004, 09:20 AM: Message edited by: Motorbike ]
I didn't think Ford put out a TSB to back recommend for all the modular engines.
Don't have it handy but I'm pretty sure they did. In fact they went back to 1991 or 1992 with the Lincoln 4.6's. The Ford 4.6's followed after that. In fact they went back many years on various engines that were originally spec'd for 5W-30 and changed the oil recommendation to 5W-20 oil.
Whimsey
Nice car. I too had a 97 Mustang...the DOHC Cobra though. Used M-1 5-30 from new. I would have some consumption after about 4k dependant on degree of abuse...I mean driving style
Oh to answer your question...you can use a 10-30 if it doesn't get below -25C (-10F) in your area. Otherwise, no it doesn't lubricate better. Although it may/may not be more robust due to a lesser viscosity spread. CAFE? Yes, but the 20's are an even better CAFE accomplishment.
OT: By the way, would you be interested in some Cobra/Saleen parts? Email me...
Oh to answer your question...you can use a 10-30 if it doesn't get below -25C (-10F) in your area. Otherwise, no it doesn't lubricate better. Although it may/may not be more robust due to a lesser viscosity spread. CAFE? Yes, but the 20's are an even better CAFE accomplishment.
OT: By the way, would you be interested in some Cobra/Saleen parts? Email me...
Actually, I believe they did.
In another thread (search for Ford TSB under my member numer), I posted the TSB:
Just for reference, I thought I would place the latest copy of the TSB Ford put out that identifies which engines and years have been approved for 5w-20 oil. I didn't see the probe on the list so Anyways, here it is:
TSB 02-1-9
FORD: 1992-2002
1993-1994
1993-1997
1993-2002
1995-2000
1998-2002
2000-2002
1993-1996
1993-1997
1993-2002
1995-2002
1997-1999
1997-2001
1997-2002
1999-2002
2000-2002
2001-2002
CROWN VICTORIA TEMPO THUNDERBIRD ESCORT, MUSTANG,TAURUS CONTOUR ESCORT ZX2 FOCUS BRONCO AEROSTAR E SERIES, F-150, RANGER WINDSTAR F-250 LD EXPLORER EXPEDITION SUPER DUTY F SERIES, SUPER DUTY F-53 STRIPPED CHAS EXCURSION ESCAPE
LINCOLN: 1991-2002 TOWN CAR
1993-1998 MARK VIII
1993-2002 CONTINENTAL
2000-2002 LS
1998-2002 NAVIGATOR MERCURY: 1992-2002 GRAND MARQUIS
1993-1994 TOPAZ
1993-1997 COUGAR
1993-1999 TRACER
1993-2002 SABLE
1995-2000 MYSTIQUE
1999-2002 COUGAR
1997-2001 MOUNTAINEER
This article is being republished in its entirety to update the vehicle models, engines and years affected. NOTE PLEASE REFER TO THE VEHICLE APPLICATION LIST LATER IN THIS TSB FOR A COMPLETE LIST OF VEHICLES AFFECTED BY THIS TSB
ISSUE
Ford Motor Company now recommends SAE 5W-20 viscosity grade for servicing most gasoline and flexible fueled vehicles.
ACTION
All 2001 and 2002 vehicles where SAE 5W-20 is specified should be serviced at the recommended oil change intervals using SAE 5W-20. This oil is an improved formulation to improve fuel economy.
Testing has validated this viscosity grade can be
used in many previous model year vehicles. It is
recommended ALL vehicles on the following Vehicle
Application Listing be service with SAE 5W-20.
All 2001-2002 vehicles other than those listed in the
"Exception 2001 Vehicles" or "Exception 2002
Vehicles" chart are being filled with SAE 5W-20
motor oil at the factory and should also be serviced
with SAE 5W-20 oil.
Article No. 02-1-9 Cont'd.
Vehicle Application Listing Approved For SAE
5W-20 Motor Oil
• 1993-1996 1.9L Escort/Tracer
• 1995-2000 2.0L Zetec Contour/Mystique
• 1999-2002 2.0L Cougar
• 1997-2002 2.0L Escort/Tracer
• 1998-2002 2.0L Escort ZX2
• 2000-2002 2.0L Focus
• 2001-2002 2.0L Escape
• 1993-1997 2.3L Ranger
• 1993-1994 2.3L Mustang
• 1993-1994 2.3L Tempo/Topaz
• 1998-2001 2.5L Ranger
• 1995-2000 2.5L Contour/Mystique
• 1999-2002 2.5L Cougar
• 2001-2002 3.0L 4V Escape
• 1996-2001 3.0L 4V Taurus/Sable
• 1993-2002 3.0L (Vulcan) Aerostar/Ranger,
Taurus/Sable (Flexible Fuel and Gas)
• 1995-2000 3.0L (Vulcan) Windstar
• 1993-1994 3.0L (Vulcan) Tempo/Topaz
• 2000-2002 3.0L 4V Lincoln LS
• 1995-2002 3.8L Windstar
• 1993-1997 3.8L Taurus/Sable,
Thunderbird/Cougar, Continental
• 1994-2002 3.8L Mustang
• 2002-2002 3.9L 4V Lincoln LS
• 1997-2002 4.2L (SPI) F-150 (under 8500 GVW
only), E-Series
• 1996-2002 4.6L 2V Mustang
• 1992-2002 4.6L Crown Victoria/Grand Marquis
• 1991-2002 4.6L Town Car
• 1994-1997 4.6L 2V Thunderbird/Cougar
• 1996-2002 4.6L 4V Mustang Cobra
• 1995-2002 4.6L 4V Continental
• 1993-1998 4.6L 4V Mark VIII
• 1997-2002 4.6L 2V Triton F-150/250 (under 8500
GVW only), E-Series, Expedition
• 1993-1999 4.9L E-Series, F-Series
• 1993-1995 5.0L Mustang/Mustang Cobra
• 1993-1993 5.0L Thunderbird/Cougar
• 1997-2001 5.0L Explorer/Mountaineer
• 1993-1996 5.0L E-Series, F-Series, Bronco
• 2000-2002 5.4L Excursion
• 1998-2002 5.4L 2V/4V Navigator
• 1997-2002 5.4L 2V F-150/250 (under 8500 GVW
only), Expedition, E-Series, E-350
Chassis/RV/Cutaway
• 1993-1997 5.8L F-Series, Bronco
• 1993-1996 5.8L E-Series
• 2000-2002 6.8L Excursion
• 1997-2002 6.8L E-Series, E-350
Chassis/RV/Cutaway
• 1999-2002 6.8L Super Duty F-Series 250
HD/350/450/550 Motorhome
• 1993-1998 7.5L All Vehicles
NOTE
FOR 1993 THROUGH 1998 MODEL YEAR FFV
USE XO-10W30-FFV.
NOTE
THE "EXCEPTION 2001-2002 VEHICLES"
SHOULD BE SERVICED WITH SAE 5W-30
MOTOR OIL.
Exception 2001 Vehicles
NOTE
IF VEHICLE IS NOT LISTED IN THIS
APPLICATION, SAE 5W-30 OIL IS
RECOMMENDED. REFER TO TSB 99-8-16.
PAGE 3
Engine Vehicle
3.3L 3.9L 4.0L Villager Lincoln LS Ranger, Explorer/Mountaineer, Explorer Sport, and Explorer Sport Trac
Exception 2002 Vehicles
Engine Vehicle
2.0L HP Zetec 3.3L 4.0L SVT Focus Villager Ranger, Explorer/Mountaineer, Explorer Sport, and Explorer Sport Trac
my mom's 92 crown vic burns about 1 quart of 10w40 every 600 miles. This oil seems to be fine in there, but hearing about thicker oils causing a problem in this engine has me a little worried.. I use 10w40 in it year round, the coldest it gets here in the winter is around 20 degrees.
Wow, I read crown vic boards and F150 boards daily and never ran across that one. Thanks. =)
If it is using that much oil, go to a 15W-40 and an xW-50 in summer. Who said thicker oils would cause problems? Poppycock
Dave
True, but many GM and Ford engines are designed to have practically zero consumption with 30 wts.quote:
Originally posted by DavoNF:
If it is using that much oil, go to a 15W-40 and an xW-50 in summer. Who said thicker oils would cause problems? Poppycock
Dave
I'd bet he has an emission control issue, etc. causing a problem and if not repaired could cause major problems.
"Practically zero?"quote:
Originally posted by haley10:
True, but many GM and Ford engines are designed to have practically zero consumption with 30 wts.quote:
Originally posted by DavoNF:
If it is using that much oil, go to a 15W-40 and an xW-50 in summer. Who said thicker oils would cause problems? Poppycock
Dave
I'd bet he has an emission control issue, etc. causing a problem and if not repaired could cause major problems.
I know plenty of Ford and GM owners who are lucky to get through their 5,000 km / 3,000 mile oil change without adding a quart.
Viscosity does appear to make a big difference in oil consumption, as every vehicle I have ever owned has used more oil running a "light" viscosity.
As an example, my current vehicle that I bought new has the following oil consumption (Converted to quarts and miles):
2000 GMC Sierra with Vortec 5.3 V8 (Based on LS1):
Mobil 1 0W-30 1 quart every 4,200 miles
Mobil 1 10W-30 1 quart every 6,800 miles
I will be running either Delvac 1 5W-40 or the "new" Mobil 1 Truck & SUV 5W-40 this summer. I'm curious what the oil consumption will be.
For a Crown Vic that vintage, wonder if the valve seals were fixed? Didn't Ford have a HUGE problem with valve seals in that motor??
Jerry
You caught that too??
CAFE: Corporate AVERAGE Fuel Economy.
Say it improves fuel economy 0.05 MPG fleet wide: multiply that by hundreds of thousands of units and those CAFE "credits" really add up.
Jerry
yup I think they redesigned them in 95 or 96.. I wonder if replacing the valve stem seals would be very expensive, stupid fords
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