Considering Going from 5W-30 to 5W-20...

[Techniker]

I have a 1993 Ford Explorer 4WD which I normally put 5w30 in. I know Ford issued a TSB updating vehicles from 5w30 to 5W-20, but this first generation Explorer is not listed in it- it only applies to second generation and up.

However, I still want to give it a shot. So this is what I'm thinking...

Run my regular Valvoline Maxlife 5w30 for 3000 miles as usual and taking a used oil analysis. Afterwards, I am planning on putting Valvoline Maxlife 5W-20 in for 3000 miles and then doing a used oil analysis on that as well.

Thoughts?

-Techniker

 

[exranger06]

As someone who owns a 1994 Explorer with the same engine, I wouldn't do it.

 

[Techniker]

Originally Posted By: exranger06
As someone who owns a 1994 Explorer with the same engine, I wouldn't do it.


But for what reason? Do you have oil pressures or used oil analysis to go with that statement?

 

[chubbs1]

Go ahead...you just may be surprised. I don't know why you want to switch though. You won't get better fuel mileage (measurable anyway). If you went from Maxlife 5w30 to Synpower etc. 5w30 you may see a small increase in MPG's while using the correct grade.

 

[exranger06]

No, Ford back-specing basically every engine in it's lineup, except for that one and specifically saying not to use 5w-20 in it is good enough for me. That, and there's no good reason I can think of to switch anyway, so why bother? Might as well stick with 5w30.

 

[Burt]

5w-20 is noticeably thinner to the naked eye. For what reason would you use something other than what you engine is designed for? I thought you would rather go to 10w-40 as the car gets older in recognition that clearances get larger.

 

[cb_13]

The 4.0 has never had 5w20 as a recommended oil. After the update to the sohc and even in 2011 in the ranger it calls for 5w30. I agree that i would not do it either and that's my reasoning.

 

[JeremyInMT]

Maybe instead you should think about 0w30?

 

[bradepb]

This has come up many times and according to Ford they could not modify the oil pumps to run a 20 weight in the 4.0 engine, that is why they dont recomend it.

 

[lexus114]

Originally Posted By: JeremyInMT
Maybe instead you should think about 0w30?

 

[mechtech2]

I like 5-20s in many apps, but stick with 5-30 in yours.

 

[CATERHAM]

Originally Posted By: lexus114
Originally Posted By: JeremyInMT
Maybe instead you should think about 0w30?

Mobil 1 Advanced Fuel Economy 0w30 would be a good choice.

 

[brentalan]

I agree 0W-30!!!!!!!

 

[Best F100]

If I were you, I would look for one of the thin 5W30 or 10W30 oils to use.

Some of the Havoline conventional 10w30 that I have on my shelf lists a cst@ 100C of 9.7. Havoline Synthetic 10W30 cst@100C is 10.0.

Close enough to get some of the benefits of a 20 wt without the drawbacks, ya think?

 

[CATERHAM]

Forget any 10w30. Due to their low VI's they are much heavier on start-up than necessary at all temp's.

 

[Eddie]

In Virgina, I would op for a 5w or 0w30 but, never a 5w20 in that year engine

 

[Techniker]

Originally Posted By: bradepb
This has come up many times and according to Ford they could not modify the oil pumps to run a 20 weight in the 4.0 engine, that is why they dont recomend it.


Interesting, that is exactly the response I was looking for! Any idea why? Could the pump just not get the pressure up with a thinner oil?

-Techniker

 

[71Chevyguy]

If you really want some 5W20 in there to make you feel better why not just substitute one quart 5W20 and use 5W30 for the rest of you next oil change? I doubt THAT would hurt anything.

 

[TFB1]

I guess there really is a group that feels the compulsion to follow the the crowd, just keep using the 5w30 that's served you well... I'm still using 5w30 in my '98 Grand Marquis that's back specked and use it in my '07 as well(CAFE be dammed)...

If you are worried about mileage, just keep your tires properly inflated and that will do more than any oil... Mostly improving gas mileage with thinner oil is a joke, yeah you MAY have a detectable improvement if you switched from something like 20W-50 to 5W-20 or 30 but that's about it...

 

[GumbyJarvis]

my 05 Ranger says use 5w-20, yet since I have owned it Ford, Me and my Mums Mechanic have all used 10w30....

Ive done it myself for awhile now, after I bought it Ford gave me 1 year free OC and Rotations/Alignments, and Mums mechanic did it when I was out of town (Darn her! It coulda waited till I got back, a little over 3500 never hurt anyone LOL)

My truck gets the same MPG City and HWY as Ford says it should if not better, I should get 19C/24H, Most of the time though its 22C/27H yet my city is one of those "Only thing to do Is go to Walmart, Maybe Publix/Winn Dixie, oh and theres the park with the one swing" kinda place that has >25 stop lights and most of them are 8 miles apart, lol.

Ive always heard its fine putting in thicker oil in a vehicle but to use caution when using thinner oil, in your case, the least I would go would be 0w30