Grand Caravan owner's, what oil?

[Buick92]

I have a 2005 Grand Caravan (3.3) dodge says to run 5w-20 but I haven't made up my mind on what oil brand/filter combination. Thanks for the help.

 

[Idrinkmotoroil]

I never heard of Dodge recommmending a 5w-20, I'd prefer running something a bit thicker. I have the 2001 version of the 3.3 in my caravan, I run Mobil 1 10w30 in summer months and 5w30 in winter months.

 

[Buick92]

I was suprised too, I thought it would be 5w30, but it says 5w-20 right on the oil cap.

 

[ImaginThat]

I have a 04 3.8 with 26500 miles, right now has a fill of Trop Arctic 5w30 and a Napa Gold. Tried most of the dinos from the 49 cent Chevron to Mobil 5000, and so far the T/A sounds the best and a slight increase in MPG. If I could find out they back spec'd for a 5w20, would have no problem running it. Since I run 5w20 in my 99 F150 and thats the Motorcraft syn-blend, big brother to T/A and the Conoco line up.

 

[m2200b]

Ford Oil cap??

 

[m2200b]

But I only see 5-30 spec-ed for this year 3.3 on Amsoil and Castrol. What does manual and or decal on hood say?

 

[Mr Magoo]

Havoline 5w20 seems to be the cheapest oil you can get without rebate. Or I would go to Walmart and get a 5 qt jug of SuperTech, both are great oils.

 

[Pluto5]

I use 5w30 Havoline year around, change it once a year due to low mileage.

 

[LouDawg]

quote:

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Originally posted by Buick92:
I have a 2005 Grand Caravan (3.3) dodge says to run 5w-20 but I haven't made up my mind on what oil brand/filter combination. Thanks for the help.

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I have the same vehicle, year, and engine, and I'm positive the manual specifies 5w30. Not sure why your oil cap would say otherwise, unless, as m2200b asked, you have a Ford oil cap!

 

[Mr. Boston]

My 05 Caravan also specifies only 5W20. I now have 24K using mostly MC and Pennzoil 5w20 without any issues.

 

[XB70]

How about if each of you with 2005 Caravans determine your van's production date, then maybe we can see if there might have been a mid-year change in the viscosity recommendation?

 

[wwillson]

My 05 Caravan with the 3.8L specs 5w20. Run 5w-20, if you aren't a 5w-20 believer just look at the 20wt used oil analysis, then you'll be a believer.

Wayne

 

[LouDawg]

quote:

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Originally posted by XB70:
How about if each of you with 2005 Caravans determine your van's production date, then maybe we can see if there might have been a mid-year change in the viscosity recommendation?

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I'll do that when I get back in town from my little business trip...and note that the original question was a 3.3 not a 3.8 as another poster opined, so that might make a difference, not sure though. How can I determine the production date?

 

[alreadygone]

Prod. date= sticker on drivers door near latch.

Bob

 

[Idrinkmotoroil]

but really the owner's manual is the way to go, run what they recommend. I doubt they have made any real changes to the 3.3L engine in recent years, so the 5w-20 recommendation is likely another CAFE measure that will allow them to keep making huge 6.1 L engines.

 

[Buick92]

It says on the oil cap and in the owner's manual 5w-20 for 3.3 and 3.8 engines...5w30 for the 2.4. The dealership uses strictly 5w-20, not sure what brand.

 

[m2200b]

Maybe the dealer switched caps.

 

[LargeCarMan]

Amsoil XLM 5-20 and OCI with 7,500K will be just right. It will keep your warranty intact. Nothing but good notes from all sorts of folks on this board. Talk to Pablo or Don to get you going.

 

[Triple_Se7en]

My two Chrysler products totally 380K seem/seemed to prefer Castrol.

No... I am not affiliated with Castrol Inc. It uses much less & runs good/quiet with it.

 

[Mustang_Cougar]

Buick92,

Why no ST/ST combo? Or ST/Havoline?

BTW: If Premium Plus filters go on sale in the next two weeks, I'll pick you up six. It's been a little while since AA or PP had a Purolator sale, so we're due.