In a couple of months, I'm changing my Mom's oil on her 1998 (or is 99'?) Ford Taurus, with the beefier 24V engine. I was wondering if Ford had backspec'd 5W-20 for these engines before I go out and get the Motorcraft oil. I think I'd prefer to use it over the winter.
5W-20 in a 1998 Ford Taurus?
- Thread starter Nickdfresh
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Yes, Ford had backspec'd the 5w20 for many vehicles. See the links below. Didn't check but suspect yours is one of them. Motorcraft 5w20 synthetic blend is not a bad oil. Mobil 1 and Pennzoil Platinum synthetics are better, at potentially not much higher cost.
Ford Oil Recommendations Letter
Ford Oil Quick Reference Guide
Ford Oil Recommendations Letter
Ford Oil Quick Reference Guide
Thanks for the link! Actually, I can get Motorcraft 5W-20 in a 5QT jug at Walmart for less than $10 US. I think it will do the job, she's not a speed daemon.
I change it twice a year (4000mi OCI) and will probably go back to 5w30 Havoline come summer.
No need to switch back to the conventional 5w30 in summer as the Motorcraft 5w20 will do just fine then as well. These are water cooled engines and not that sensitive to outside air temperatures.
If that engine's at about 70k or so, consider putting a water pump in it. Been there done that with my '98 SVT
(Same shortblock, smaller bore). It's not an espcially painful job if you roll it into coolant service.
HTH
Jorge
(Same shortblock, smaller bore). It's not an espcially painful job if you roll it into coolant service.
HTH
Jorge
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