5W-20 and high mileage...yay or nay?

[Falcon_LS]

I've got 6 quarts of Motorcraft Full Synthetic 5W-20 sitting on my shelf at the moment, which I am indecisive (or rather worried) about using in my Grand Marquis.

Mileage is currently just over 235,000 km (146,875 miles) and current fill is Liqui-Moly Synthoil Energy 0W-40 with MoS2. Up until the 218,000 km (136,250 miles) mark, the engine ran on Motorcraft Synthetic Blend 10w30 every 5,000 km (3,000 miles), after which I ran Kendall GT-1 Liquid Titanium 10w30 High Mileage for a short while (2,000 km/1,250 miles) with MMO. Over the past 15,000 km with the 0W-40, I did not add any make up oil, although it is about 300 ml short.

The dilemma is the oil cap says 5W-20 and the English version of the owner's manual says 5W-20. Looking at the Arabic version, it says 10w30. If the mileage on this engine was not so high, I would not really hesitate to use this. But with the higher mileage, I am a bit lost. Should I just go ahead and use the 5W-20 (I will be using MoS2)?

 

[Ben99GT]

I say give the 5W-20 a shot, if you don't like it (increased consumption, more noise, etc.) switch back next oil change. The 5W-20 will pose no danger to your engine for one oil change interval.

 

[addyguy]

Try it - it's not going to blow up the engine - seriously.

IF consumption is super high with it, you might want to re-think, but it won't cause damage, and the engine 'might' actually run better, or feel likee it does.

 

[brentalan]

I use 0W-20 in my 165,000 mile Mark VIII, I have no issues. Don't worry about it.

 

[4ever4d]

I recently changed to 5-20 Motorcraft synblend in my GMQ due to it being more avaliable than the same oil in 5-30 my GMQ has 35k less miles than yours,the only reason i don't continue with the 5-20 is oil usage,it has used a qt. half way through the oci,otherwise it has functioned well,you may not have any problems with the 5-20 i would suggest trying it you can always go back if your results are unsatisfactory.

 

[yaris0128]

If your manual says 5w20 use 5w20. your good. all ford models use 5w20 these days. im still wondering what brought that on.

 

[crw]

That's what I've been running in my Mark VIII as well.

 

[HTSS_TR]

I would try xW20 for 1 OCI, if oil consumption went up much more than 1 quart per OCI I would try xW30.

 

[Chris Meutsch]

I did 227k on my Civic on 5w20. Sold it with no issues.

 

[55Test]

I ran 5w20 in my old 93 Crown Vic one time. Engine didn't seem to mind it, oil pressure gauge sat a bit lower than it did before. It did burn a fair bit more oil running the 5w20 though. I also ran 5w20 in my moderately high mile 94 Civic which had about 245000 miles. Engine loved it, didnt burn or leak a drop.

 

[mechtech2]

I see no problems.
Being a full synthetic is another + for it.
Like the others said, if you don't like it for whatever reason, at least it was put to good use - better than siting on the shelf.

Another good option is that you can mix it with something else. Maybe you will be more comfortable with that.