help please !!!!!!

[aztec12]

does anybody know which 5w20 is the best not counting motorcraft(not aval. at wal-mart)?Right now im running max life synthetic 10w30 in my 4.6 f150 and half of the people tell me that the oil is to thick, so it makes me wonder if is ok,

im 600 miles in to the max synthetic,should i dump it or keep it till 3 or 4k? others tell me that 10w30 its fine because before 5w20 was recommended everybody would run 5 and 10w30 oils in this engines so why know running a 10w is a sin?. I would like to try the mobil 7500 since is a synthetic blend but i dont know if they are making 5w20 in this oil i have seen 5w30 but well, thats why i need opinions from the experts.....tks.

 

[RF Overlord]

quote:

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Originally posted by aztec12:
half of the people tell me that the oil is to thick, so it makes me wonder if is ok,

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And about half the people HERE will tell you the same thing...

What year is your 4.6? Prior to 2001 (I think) Ford spec'd 5w30, so a 10w30 should not be too thick at operating temps, but at startup may be a little thick if you're in the Yukon Territories in winter. After that year, Ford began spec'ing 5W-20, but people still argue about whether any clearances have changed to mandate using that oil, or whether it's just a CAFE thing. I would think you'd be safe with a 5w30 in any case...

BTW, last time I looked, 5W-20 Motorcraft was still available at AutoZone...

 

[TomH]

Seeing as you live in NC, I'd stick with the 10W30. I think it's funny that you mention that half the people you ask say that the 10W30 is too thick. I can remember before the 5W oils became so popular, 10W30 was one of, if not THE lightest motor oil readily available. Some people take car makers recommendations on motor oil weights like it was gospel, when it simply isn't.

In short, you'll be fine with the 10W30.

 

[KJA426]

I'd have no problem running 10w30 in that engine. I bet half the people I've talked cars to run a different viscosity than what is recommended by the manufacturer.

 

[427Z06]

Let's look at some numbers:

code:

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cSt@ cSt@

Non-Syn Oils 100°C 40°C

PennzoilLL 15w40 15.8 118

Pennzoil 10w40 13.5 88

Pennzoil 10w30 10.4 70.1

Pennzoil 5w20 8.2 46.7

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Running a 10w30 in N.C. is probably like running a 5w20 in Bangor, Maine. On the other hand, Ford's 4.6 seems to run well on 5w20 no matter the climate.

 

[Tommy]

If you were to let oil analysis guide you, you just might find that 5W20 would be your preferred choice - have a look at some of the 5W20 reports in the used oil analysis section.

Check out Amsoil's 5W20 - nice spec's. (Group III)

 

[Whimsey]

Aztec, you'll be fine with the MaxLife synthetic 10w30 in that engine in NC, especially since the worst of winter is over for you guys. You may sacrifice some gas mileage and engine wear from cold start ups. But is it really that measurable? In over 200,000 miles I don't think it will amount to a hill of beans

. Though the next oil change I'd use a 5w30 or even the "dreaded" 5W-20. These motors seem to like the less viscous oils and perform well according to the used oil analysis posted. The advantage of using a quality 5W-20 or 5w30 is you don't have to worry about getting "caught" in the winter temps with the thicker oil and you don't have that many miles on it. It would be a waste to change it out to get through the winter.

Whimsey

 

[KW]

Looking through one of my old Motor's Auto Repair books everything but Pontiac I think recommended 10 or 20 weight oil from 1935 to 1951. Pontiac recommended 10, 20, or 30 weight. I might have Pontiac mixed up with Packard but you get the idea.

Looks like oil viscosity has come full circle from the days of straight eights, V12's and V16's. And a lot of lovely flatheads.