5W30 VS 5W20

[oilchangeguy]

I am using 5w30 in my 2008 4.2, v-6 F150 although Ford recommends 5w20. Motor seems quieter on 5w30. They also recommend a syn blend. Anybody have any comments on me using a good 5w30 conventional like Pennzoil rather than the 5w20 blend Ford recommends. I only use this truck to putt around in on the weekends and maybe a trip to the beach and back occasionally.

thanks!

 

[Iain]

Whilst in warranty, use OEM recommendation.

 

[dwendt44]

Check the manual.
While 5W-20 is recommended, some will permit 5w30.

 

[jldcol]

I would also stick to manu rec during warranty. Are there HM 5w20's? May help to get that desired smooth quality.

 

[oilchangeguy]

The service manager at the Ford dealership he runs 5w30 in his and that the 5w20 recommendation is only for EPA fuel mileage ratings. Does that sound legit?

 

[jldcol]

There is some strong feeling that CAFE is a large part of the 5w20 story. The SM at the dealership may be able to alter maintanence records should the need arise.

 

[demarpaint]

I recently switched from 5W30 to 5W20 since my Ford was back spec'd. I made some inquiries and contacted Pennzoil to ask them as well. The 5W20 base oil they use is actually more close to a synthetic than the 5W30 is, and is a better quality. My Ford is running just fine on the 5W20. 5W20 has been around for several years and a lot of pressure was put on the oil companies to come up with a good product. I would use it w/o fear especially during warranty period. I take anything a service writer says with a grain of salt, but that's just me.

If you search you'll find there are a lot of BITOG'ers that are fans of the thicker oils, and other favor the thinner oils. I doubt either one is going to hurt your engine.

 

[oilchangeguy]

thanks!

 

[c3po]

Originally Posted By: breeves
I am using 5w30 in my 2008 4.2, v-6 F150 although Ford recommends 5w20. Motor seems quieter on 5w30. They also recommend a syn blend. Anybody have any comments on me using a good 5w30 conventional like Pennzoil rather than the 5w20 blend Ford recommends. I only use this truck to putt around in on the weekends and maybe a trip to the beach and back occasionally.

thanks!


My gut feeling is 5W-20, but since you live in North Carolina, you may be able to get away with the 5w30. Do you drive this much in the winter and how cold does it get where you live.

 

[oilchangeguy]

we commute and drive each vehicle about 25k a year. Winter temps range from in the 20's to 40's.

 

[kneesahn]

Motorcraft Synthetic Blend is cheaper than Pennzoil Conventional. Why not use Motorcraft?

 

[oilyriser]

Bruce might be able to send you some 0w-10 to try, since it hardly has a chance to warm up, just putting around.

 

[chevrofreak]

I love 5W-20, but there's not enough of a difference between most 5W-20 and 5w30 viscosities to give your engine a coronary.

Motorcraft 5W-20 synthetic blend is a great oil.

But, if you can spare a few extra dollars every oil change, Pennzoil Platinum 5W-20 is loved by these engines.

 

[Fordiesel69]

Use what makes YOU feel better. Crown Victoria's have been tested to over 300k on both weights and the engines lasted just fine. Its like splitting hairs, either is fine.

 

[oilyriser]

5w-20 will pour out of the bottle faster, and drain faster, saving time.

 

[scoobie]

I use 2 parts conventional 5w20 or semi syn 5w20 with one part 5w30 synthetic. my subaru calls for 5w30 but i run 5w25, same as mitsubishi 1.5l , my dodge dakota calls for 5w20, so i use 5w23.
everything runs nice and quiet and SMOOTH!!!