Bottom line on 5W20

Status
Not open for further replies.
My mother's 2006 Chrysler 300C with the 5.7 Hemi calls for 5w 20 only.The Hemis with the MDS,use 5w20 only or the acuators for the MDS will gum up if the wrong grade oil is used.The MDS will not work right with the car running bad
 
Quote:
Out of the goodness of my heart, I'm willing to take all the 5w30 oil you have on your shelf so that you're not tempted to use it. I'm only thinking of you when making this offer, I hope you appreciate my sacrifice.


I'd offer to help too, but 5w-20 is too rich for my blood.
21.gif
 
Originally Posted By: breeves
Will it or will it not hurt an engine spec'd for 5w20 to have 5w30 run in it? So many opinions in here just haven't seen a definitive answer.

Thanks


No opinions here, I've run synthetic straight 30 in my 5w-20 TL for most of it's 73,000 miles. No issues whatsoever except for a quieter valvetrain.
 
Last edited:
Originally Posted By: Ben99GT
Originally Posted By: bradepb
I see the point of this or that engine used to use 5-30 and is now on 5-20 but at least in fords case they have found longer engine life and reduced valvetrain wear with 5-20 oils.


They have? Then why doesn't Ford spec 5W-20 for Modulars in Australia?


availability, Ford states 5-30 or 10-30 will not cause engine damage and may be used, but 5-20 is the best oil for the least engine wear and 5-20 is widely available now in north america
 
Originally Posted By: bradepb
Originally Posted By: Ben99GT
Originally Posted By: bradepb
I see the point of this or that engine used to use 5-30 and is now on 5-20 but at least in fords case they have found longer engine life and reduced valvetrain wear with 5-20 oils.


They have? Then why doesn't Ford spec 5W-20 for Modulars in Australia?


availability, Ford states 5-30 or 10-30 will not cause engine damage and may be used, but 5-20 is the best oil for the least engine wear and 5-20 is widely available now in north america


I would love to see where it says "for the least engine wear".
 
Originally Posted By: bradepb
Ford states 5-30 or 10-30 will not cause engine damage and may be used, but 5-20 is the best oil for the least engine wear and 5-20 is widely available now in north america


This is pure speculation.
 
Originally Posted By: wafrederick1
The Hemis with the MDS,use 5w20 only or the acuators for the MDS will gum up if the wrong grade oil is used.


Gum up? So in northern climates, People driving Hemi's are screwed? Time for -5W0
 
I was thinking that the 30 grades would work, but since the 20 grade oils aren't readily available the 30 will suffice. It might not be the best oil for the application but when a 20 grade is not available it will do.

I'd like to see where it says "for the least engine wear" too, that would definitely stir the pot!
 
Originally Posted By: Zaedock
Originally Posted By: wafrederick1
The Hemis with the MDS,use 5w20 only or the acuators for the MDS will gum up if the wrong grade oil is used.


Gum up? So in northern climates, People driving Hemi's are screwed? Time for -5W0


Yeah, I still don't get what and how it's getting "gummed up". I mean, whatever it is getting "gummed" doesnt get as hot as the piston rings, doesnt see raw exhaust, barely sees any friction, I'd like to know, exactly what people are thinking about when they rest a whole argument on an arbitrary funny adjective.
 
There are acuators in the cylinder head to activate the MDS.Chrysler came out with this info and I heard this from a Jasper rep I know
 
Originally Posted By: Ben99GT
Originally Posted By: bradepb
I see the point of this or that engine used to use 5-30 and is now on 5-20 but at least in fords case they have found longer engine life and reduced valvetrain wear with 5-20 oils.


They have? Then why doesn't Ford spec 5W-20 for Modulars in Australia?
In Austrailia every thing is upside down being it is located in the southern hemisphere so there is less startup wear.
 
I understand the comments made concerning using 5w-20 if it is spec'd for your application/engine. I just checked out PP 5w-20 v 5w30 on the spec. sheets. The 5w30 is ACEA A5-04 Rated, while the 5w-20 is rated A1-02. Doesn't the A1 rating indicate a mere fuel economy rating, and not necessarily a high performance, or extended drain interval? Making the 5w30 a higher performing oil?
 
re:speculation
Its from a copywrited document from ford in Q&A style in response to dealers questions when they made the switch to 5-20., I think I got it off the ford truck forums, I have it at work and will try to dig it up Monday and post it somehow .
It also says the change was made primarily for CAFE but as a side benefit it reduces valve train wear and extends engine life.
Of course there is no way of seeing the results of there actual testing but it put me at ease to use the oil,I was very sceptical
 
Last edited:
Originally Posted By: typ901
I understand the comments made concerning using 5w-20 if it is spec'd for your application/engine. I just checked out PP 5w-20 v 5w30 on the spec. sheets. The 5w30 is ACEA A5-04 Rated, while the 5w-20 is rated A1-02. Doesn't the A1 rating indicate a mere fuel economy rating, and not necessarily a high performance, or extended drain interval? Making the 5w30 a higher performing oil?


Good question, I found this and copied and pasted it. This is for Euro PP, so I can't give an accuate answer, perhaps one of the resident oil experts can weigh in.

What I found interesting was it saying that: " Remember, API SM and ILSAC GF-4 oils are aimed at the best possible fuel economy and emission standards, and not necessarily longevity and wear protection." I believe they're referring to all grades of oil with those ratings??



Here is the whole section: Pennzoil Platinum Full Synthetic Motor Oils are aimed at our customers desiring excellent synthetic motor oils with outstanding reputations. 0W-20 is focused on the HYBRID CAR market and those customers that desire to high quality lower-viscosity oils. The focus here is fuel economy coupled with excellent wear protection. Pennzoil Platinum 0W-20 for HYBRIDS is recommended for SAE 0W-20 and 5W-20 applications. Pennzoil Platinum full synthetic Euro motor oils are designed to survive the extreme heat, mechanical loads and shearing forces of today’s precision-made engine parts as well as the punishment of extended drain intervals. Pennzoil Platinum synthetic motor oils contain a unique additive formulation created to provide superior protection against engine wear and deposit formation. Moreover, Pennzoil Platinum synthetic oils are the most advanced products ever developed by Pennzoil. Pennzoil Platinum Full Synthetic Motor Oils are a full synthetic engine oil with the latest technology protective additives. These oils provide a level of engine protection that exceeds USA and European industry standards like ILSAC GF-4, API SM and ACEA A1-02, A5-02 & B1-02 performance standards. Pennzoil Platinum Full Synthetic Motor Oils is designed to provide protection under the most severe driving style or conditions. The Euro 5w30, Euro 5w30 (Diesel) and Euro 5W-40 synthetic motor oils are API SL/CF and are not ILSAC GF-4. Remember, API SM and ILSAC GF-4 oils are aimed at the best possible fuel economy and emission standards, and not necessarily longevity and wear protection. Examine the data sheets below identified as “regular and Euro” and you decide which is correct for your application. We, at Euro Synthetic Oils carry only the Euro 5w30 & Euro 5W-40 and the regular 0W-20. The Europeans do not, in general, use 20 weight oils.

EDIT TO ADD: The Euro 5w30, Euro 5w30 (Diesel) and Euro 5W-40 synthetic motor oils are API SL/CF and are not ILSAC GF-4.

Seems the SL oils are better at engine protection according to this?
 
Last edited:
I think it may depend on the motor and climate. I would love to know why so many Ford guys are worried. The cranks and cam shafts are interchangable through 2004. I dont have any idea about the 2005 up models. The tolarances are not any different. Look them up for your selfs. I dont know of any oil related problems with the early mod motors that ran 5w30. Most of the performance companys Roush and Saleen recomend 5w30 through 2004.
 
Originally Posted By: demarpaint
Originally Posted By: Ben99GT
In 2005, FoA changed the oil recommendation from 10w30 to 15w40 in some of the FPV 5.4 Modular 4Vs.

The Shelby GT500 (4V 5.4 with standard crank driven oil pump) uses a 5W-50. The 2000 Cobra R came filled with 15W-50 and used the exact same oil pump as the 99/00 2V Mustang GTs did.

What's different in these applications? No cam to journal clearance differences in the GT500 as it uses the exact same camshaft set as the 03/04 Cobra.

Is CAFE taking a backseat to durability in these cases?


Could it be this engine car combo was/is being used for high performance race applications and a heavier oil was needed?


Possibly used for high performance race applications, yes.

Quote:
Could it be that in 2008 and 2009 the oils have improved, pumps and engine design improved. What does Ford spec for them now?


In 2009, Ford still recommends 5W-50 for the 5.4 4V Shelby GT500. So nay on that.

Quote:
I think they're specing the best oil for a particular engine and its intended useage. The fact that they change the specs means to me they felt something else was better for that particular application, and they didn't drop the ball. In your example they spec'd a 30 or 40 grade oil to begin with, a 20 grade isn't in question here. If suddenly thousands of Fords, Hondas, Toyotas started blowing up because of 5W20, 5W30 or 5W50 oil I am sure they would change the specs to what ever was needed to make it right.


I don't think the engines blowing up is what is in question. But am I really supposed to believe that the same oil that is "the best" for a daily driven Crown Vic in Minnesota is the "the best" oil for my 350+ rwhp, 7,000 rpm Mustang in southern Mississippi? I don't think so.

Ford recommends the high volume engines run 5W-20 because they are the ones that drastically effect Corporate Average Fuel Economy. Low production vehicles like the Shelby GT500, Ford GT (dry sump, which is why I haven't brought this one up), and 2000 Cobra R get spec'd for heavier grade oils because they have very little impact on CAFE.

Am I saying high-performance Modulars will blow up on 20-weight oil? No. I've ran 5W-20 in mine, and will again in the future. But is 5W-20 "the best" viscosity for all climates and usages like the owner's manual implies? I don't think so. That's CAFE talking.
 
Originally Posted By: bradepb
re:speculation
Its from a copywrited document from ford in Q&A style in response to dealers questions when they made the switch to 5-20., I think I got it off the ford truck forums, I have it at work and will try to dig it up Monday and post it somehow .
It also says the change was made primarily for CAFE but as a side benefit it reduces valve train wear and extends engine life.
Of course there is no way of seeing the results of there actual testing but it put me at ease to use the oil,I was very sceptical


That was written in large part to sell people on 5W-20, it was written back in 2004.

http://www.dantheoilman.com/fordoilfaq.doc

"Q: Why did Motorcraft® release SAE 5W-20 motor oil?

A: It was the right thing to do for the consumer and for the environment. It was one of Ford's first steps in working to improve the fuel economy of our SUVs by 25% by the 2005 calendar year. SAE 5W-20 improves fuel consumption by approximately 0.6 percent. For the 2001 fleet, this amounts to reducing fuel usage by more than 21 million gallons per year. This reduction in gasoline consumption leads to a reduction in carbon dioxide emissions by 190,000 metric tons per year, which is equivalent to taking nearly 23,100 cars and trucks off the road each year.
B. Ford Motor Company has a responsibility to make its vehicles more environmentally friendly plus this is a better oil. Also, the industry is converting from GF2 level products to GF3 and Motorcraft 5W-20 is leading the way for our product line up.

Q: What if a fleet wants to use 10w30 instead of 5W-20, is that problem?

A: If these are gasoline engines, a 10w30 is okay. However, why wouldn't they want to take advantage of the fuel economy savings and superior engine protection of a 5W-20. Remind them that 10w30 is two oil generations old.
"

And here's the rationalization for 5W-20 offering "super protection":

"Q: Why did we change to 5W-20? What was wrong with 10W-40, 10w30 etc?

A: 10w30 and 10W-40 are old technology. We introduced 5W-20 to take advantage of new technology in the industry to provide improved fuel economy, low emissions, and better engine protection.
"

I'm just trying to figure out how a high quality, full synthetic 10w30 oil is old technology. Does anyone really believe that Motorcraft Syn Blend 5W-20 will provide better protection than Redline 10w30 at the temperatures most of the U.S. actually drive in?
 
Makes sense, the CAFE cars aren't high performance cars and have different requirements. They are not driven at 7,000 rpms. Just as diesel trucks hauling 80,000 lbs cross country have different requirements. I do agree the one size fits all mentality is not good, but I'm not an engine builder. I take these threads seriously because like yourself I want the best protection for my fleet. I hold onto cars a long time, and don't mind trying something that is proven to be better. You make some very valid points!


This interested me a lot:


From Pennziol Euro: Pennzoil Platinum Full Synthetic Motor Oils are aimed at our customers desiring excellent synthetic motor oils with outstanding reputations. 0W-20 is focused on the HYBRID CAR market and those customers that desire to high quality lower-viscosity oils. The focus here is fuel economy coupled with excellent wear protection. Pennzoil Platinum 0W-20 for HYBRIDS is recommended for SAE 0W-20 and 5W-20 applications. Pennzoil Platinum full synthetic Euro motor oils are designed to survive the extreme heat, mechanical loads and shearing forces of today’s precision-made engine parts as well as the punishment of extended drain intervals. Pennzoil Platinum synthetic motor oils contain a unique additive formulation created to provide superior protection against engine wear and deposit formation. Moreover, Pennzoil Platinum synthetic oils are the most advanced products ever developed by Pennzoil. Pennzoil Platinum Full Synthetic Motor Oils are a full synthetic engine oil with the latest technology protective additives. These oils provide a level of engine protection that exceeds USA and European industry standards like ILSAC GF-4, API SM and ACEA A1-02, A5-02 & B1-02 performance standards. Pennzoil Platinum Full Synthetic Motor Oils is designed to provide protection under the most severe driving style or conditions. The Euro 5w30, Euro 5w30 (Diesel) and Euro 5W-40 synthetic motor oils are API SL/CF and are not ILSAC GF-4. Remember, API SM and ILSAC GF-4 oils are aimed at the best possible fuel economy and emission standards, and not necessarily longevity and wear protection. Examine the data sheets below identified as “regular and Euro” and you decide which is correct for your application. We, at Euro Synthetic Oils carry only the Euro 5w30 & Euro 5W-40 and the regular 0W-20. The Europeans do not, in general, use 20 weight oils.


The Euro 5w30, Euro 5w30 (Diesel) and Euro 5W-40 synthetic motor oils are API SL/CF and are not ILSAC GF-4.

Seems the SL oils are better at engine protection according to this?
 
Originally Posted By: Jim Allen
The 5.4L runs extremely high oil pressure. Up to 75 PSI hot. The oil filter has a higher than normal burst spec too. I think that may indicate some of the possible problems using a lubricant with too much viscosity for the temperature.


If too much viscosity is a problem, then why does Ford recommend:

2007-2009 Ford Shelby GT500 - 5W-50
2005-2006 Ford GT - 5W-50 (dry sump)
2000 Mustang SVT Cobra R - 15W-50
Falcon Barra 230 (5.4 3V w/ VCT) - 10w30
Falcon Boss 290, 302, 315 (5.4 4V)- 15w40
 
Originally Posted By: Ben99GT
bradepb said:
I'm just trying to figure out how a high quality, full synthetic 10w30 oil is old technology. Does anyone really believe that Motorcraft Syn Blend 5W-20 will provide better protection than Redline 10w30 at the temperatures most of the U.S. actually drive in?


Check out the RL 5W20 oil specs. Good stuff!
 
Status
Not open for further replies.
Back
Top Bottom