Highest Ambient temp for 0w-20 grade
- Thread starter toyota62
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no used oil analysis on my part, but for my last 2 cars, 5w20 is the only approved grade, for all temps.(per the owners manual)
Last summer we took mom's Taurus(identical to my Sable) running Motorcraft 5w20 out to Carlsbad Caverns in New Mexico. temps were around 116F(46.6C), with speed limits up to 85mph(136.8kph) with no apparent ill effects.
Last summer we took mom's Taurus(identical to my Sable) running Motorcraft 5w20 out to Carlsbad Caverns in New Mexico. temps were around 116F(46.6C), with speed limits up to 85mph(136.8kph) with no apparent ill effects.
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I used conventional 5W-20 in my F-150 towing a boat through the Mohave Desert in the summer (110F). Truck never had a problem with the engine. The transmission? That's different.
Is there a car in Australia right now with 0W-20 on the oil cap? Say it ain't so...
Originally Posted By: Shannow
Some places the markings on the oil cap read...."oil"...or have an can with a drip off the end...or have a dipstick.
Not sure where those oil caps were tested.
Some places the markings on the oil cap read...."oil"...or have an can with a drip off the end...or have a dipstick.
Not sure where those oil caps were tested.
My biggest concern would be the possible noise generated by such a thin oil.
OP, Ford introduced 5w20 in 2001 and backspec'd it as far back as 1993 after testing. Over a decade has passed without incident.
The following really helps explain what it takes to do this successfully and shows that manufacturers do think things through.
Do read the Q&A.
==================================================
TSB 01-4-7
ISSUE:
Engine oil recommended for use in 2001 vehicles is SAE 5W-20 motor oil. This
oil has an improved formulation to improve fuel economy. This oil can also
be used to service some previous model year vehicles.
ACTION:
Use SAE 5W-20 engine oil at recommended oil change intervals for 2001
vehicles, with the exception of the following vehicles listed in the
"Exception 2001 Vehicles" chart. All 2001 vehicles other than those listed
in the "Exception 2001 Vehicles" chart are being filled with SAE 5W-20 motor
oil at the factory and should also be serviced with SAE 5W-20 oil.
Vehicle Application Listing Approved For SAE 5W-20 Motor Oil:
1995-2000 2.5L Contour/Mystique
1999-2001 2.5L Cougar 1996-2001 3.0L 4V Taurus/Sable
1999-2001 3.0L (Vulcan) Ranger (Flexible Fuel and Gas), Windstar,
Taurus/Sable (Flexible Fuel and Gas)
1996-1997 3.8L Thunderbird/Cougar
1996-2001 3.8L Mustang and 3.8L SPI Windstar
1997-2001 4.2L (SPI) F-150 (under 8500 GVW only), Econoline
1996-2001 4.6L 2V Mustang
1992-2001 4.6L Crown Victoria/Grand Marquis
1991-2001 4.6L Town Car
1994-1997 4.6L 2V Thunderbird/Cougar
1996-2001 4.6L 4V Mustang Cobra
1995-2001 4.6L Continental
1993-1998 4.6L 4V Mark VIII
1998-2001 5.4L 2V/4V Navigator
1997-2001 4.6L 2V Triton F-150/250 (under 8500 GVW only), Econoline,
Expedition
1997-2001 5.4L 2V F-150/250 (under 8500 GVW only), Expedition,
E-150/250/350, E-350 Chassis/RV/Cutaway
1997-2001 6.8L E-250/350, E-350 Chassis/RV/Cutaway
1999-2001 6.8L Super Duty F-Series 250 HD/350/450/550 Motorhome
2001 2.0L Zetec/2.0L SPI Focus
2001 2.0L Zetec/3.0L Escape
2001 2.0L SPI Escort
2000-2001 5.4L/6.8L Excursion
2000-2001 3.0L Lincoln LS
2001 2.0L Zetec Escort ZX2
NOTE: THE "EXCEPTION 2001 VEHICLES" SHOULD BE SERVICED WITH SAE 5w30 MOTOR
OIL.
Exception 2001 Vehicles:
Engine Vehicle
2.5L Ranger
3.3L Villager
3.9L Lincoln LS
4.0L Ranger, Explorer/Mountaineer, Explorer Sport, and Explorer Sport Trac
5.0L Explorer/Mountaineer
NOTE: IF VEHICLE IS NOT LISTED IN THIS APPLICATION, SAE 5w30 OIL IS
RECOMMENDED. REFER TO TSB 99-8-16.
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 improving 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.
Q. Is there really a difference in quality between 5W-20 and 5w30?
A. It is important to separate the differences in viscosity grade, and also
the differences in the performance standards set by the International
Lubricant Standardization and Approval Committee (ILSAC) and the
accompanying American Petroleum Institute (API) performance categories to
answer this question. First, SAE 5W-20 oils are slightly less viscous at
operating temperature
than SAE 5w30 oils. This reduction in viscous drag contributes to reduced
friction in the engine and thus improved fuel economy for an SAE 5W-20.
Second, there are differences between the present ILSAC GF-2 standard (GF
stands for gasoline fueled) and the soon to be commercialized GF-3 standard.
The performance of a GF-3 oil will be significantly improved over a GF-2
oil. When Motorcraft released it's SAE 5W-20 formulation we wanted it to
perform at the GF-3 level; but the GF-3 spec had not been finalized, so we
'guesstimated' what GF-3 would look like. In so doing we doubled the length
of the standard dynamometer Sequence IIIE test (which duplicates high
temperature trailer towing) which increases wear protection and reduces oil
thickening. While GF-3 also improves on the standard GF-2 Sequence IIIE
test, it went nowhere near as far as Ford did. This provides Motorcraft SAE
5W-20 with a significant increase over 'standard' GF-3 oils, which most SAE
5w30 oils will meet. Taking all this into account, the Motorcraft SAE 5W-20
will be a significant improvement over most SAE 5w30 oils.
Q. Does the difference in price between Motorcraft SAE 5W-20 and SAE 5w30
really reflect a better oil?
A. Yes. The better base oils, and increased additives such as friction
modifiers and anti-oxidants used to formulate for the performance levels in
the SAE 5W-20 do cost more, but reflect the significant increase in
performance.
Q. What Ford and Lincoln/Mercury vehicles use SAE 5W-20 oil?
A. Approximately 80% of 2001 models should be serviced with SAE 5W-20 oils.
By 2003 model year all Ford and Lincoln Mercury vehicles will be filled with
SAE 5W-20 at the factory. But there are a significant number of older
vehicles, some as old as 1991 models where Ford now recommends servicing
with SAE 5W-20. Refer to the chart listed in Technical Service Bulletin
Article No. 01-4-7 for details of which older models should use SAE 5W-20
and for the 2001 'exception' models which should continue to use SAE 5w30.
Q. What happens if someone uses SAE 5W-20 in older vehicles?
A. As stated before some older vehicles have been approved for SAE 5W-20.
However, there are many older vehicles not covered by TSB 01-4-7, and Ford
is presently testing these to determine whether durability and performance
would be compromised if SAE 5W-20 was used. Until this testing is
successfully completed (and a TSB is published to this effect), it is not
recommended using SAE 5W-20 in an older model unless specifically mentioned
in TSB 01-4-7.
Q. Is Motorcraft the only brand for SAE 5W-20 motor oil?
A. No. Although SAE 5W-20 is not yet a popular viscosity grade, major
marketers including Pennzoil, Quaker State, Valvoline, Exxon and others have
either already begun marketing an SAE 5W-20 or have plans to do so.
Customers should find this viscosity grade increasingly available in coming
months, including at some retail outlets.
Q. Will SAE 5W-20 provide longer oil change intervals?
A. At the present time Ford recommends no change to the existing drain
interval for SAE 5W-20. However, Ford is investigating allowing longer drain
intervals since the performance level of Motorcraft SAE 5W-20 is
significantly better than today's GF-2 oils.
The following really helps explain what it takes to do this successfully and shows that manufacturers do think things through.
Do read the Q&A.
==================================================
TSB 01-4-7
ISSUE:
Engine oil recommended for use in 2001 vehicles is SAE 5W-20 motor oil. This
oil has an improved formulation to improve fuel economy. This oil can also
be used to service some previous model year vehicles.
ACTION:
Use SAE 5W-20 engine oil at recommended oil change intervals for 2001
vehicles, with the exception of the following vehicles listed in the
"Exception 2001 Vehicles" chart. All 2001 vehicles other than those listed
in the "Exception 2001 Vehicles" chart are being filled with SAE 5W-20 motor
oil at the factory and should also be serviced with SAE 5W-20 oil.
Vehicle Application Listing Approved For SAE 5W-20 Motor Oil:
1995-2000 2.5L Contour/Mystique
1999-2001 2.5L Cougar 1996-2001 3.0L 4V Taurus/Sable
1999-2001 3.0L (Vulcan) Ranger (Flexible Fuel and Gas), Windstar,
Taurus/Sable (Flexible Fuel and Gas)
1996-1997 3.8L Thunderbird/Cougar
1996-2001 3.8L Mustang and 3.8L SPI Windstar
1997-2001 4.2L (SPI) F-150 (under 8500 GVW only), Econoline
1996-2001 4.6L 2V Mustang
1992-2001 4.6L Crown Victoria/Grand Marquis
1991-2001 4.6L Town Car
1994-1997 4.6L 2V Thunderbird/Cougar
1996-2001 4.6L 4V Mustang Cobra
1995-2001 4.6L Continental
1993-1998 4.6L 4V Mark VIII
1998-2001 5.4L 2V/4V Navigator
1997-2001 4.6L 2V Triton F-150/250 (under 8500 GVW only), Econoline,
Expedition
1997-2001 5.4L 2V F-150/250 (under 8500 GVW only), Expedition,
E-150/250/350, E-350 Chassis/RV/Cutaway
1997-2001 6.8L E-250/350, E-350 Chassis/RV/Cutaway
1999-2001 6.8L Super Duty F-Series 250 HD/350/450/550 Motorhome
2001 2.0L Zetec/2.0L SPI Focus
2001 2.0L Zetec/3.0L Escape
2001 2.0L SPI Escort
2000-2001 5.4L/6.8L Excursion
2000-2001 3.0L Lincoln LS
2001 2.0L Zetec Escort ZX2
NOTE: THE "EXCEPTION 2001 VEHICLES" SHOULD BE SERVICED WITH SAE 5w30 MOTOR
OIL.
Exception 2001 Vehicles:
Engine Vehicle
2.5L Ranger
3.3L Villager
3.9L Lincoln LS
4.0L Ranger, Explorer/Mountaineer, Explorer Sport, and Explorer Sport Trac
5.0L Explorer/Mountaineer
NOTE: IF VEHICLE IS NOT LISTED IN THIS APPLICATION, SAE 5w30 OIL IS
RECOMMENDED. REFER TO TSB 99-8-16.
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 improving 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.
Q. Is there really a difference in quality between 5W-20 and 5w30?
A. It is important to separate the differences in viscosity grade, and also
the differences in the performance standards set by the International
Lubricant Standardization and Approval Committee (ILSAC) and the
accompanying American Petroleum Institute (API) performance categories to
answer this question. First, SAE 5W-20 oils are slightly less viscous at
operating temperature
than SAE 5w30 oils. This reduction in viscous drag contributes to reduced
friction in the engine and thus improved fuel economy for an SAE 5W-20.
Second, there are differences between the present ILSAC GF-2 standard (GF
stands for gasoline fueled) and the soon to be commercialized GF-3 standard.
The performance of a GF-3 oil will be significantly improved over a GF-2
oil. When Motorcraft released it's SAE 5W-20 formulation we wanted it to
perform at the GF-3 level; but the GF-3 spec had not been finalized, so we
'guesstimated' what GF-3 would look like. In so doing we doubled the length
of the standard dynamometer Sequence IIIE test (which duplicates high
temperature trailer towing) which increases wear protection and reduces oil
thickening. While GF-3 also improves on the standard GF-2 Sequence IIIE
test, it went nowhere near as far as Ford did. This provides Motorcraft SAE
5W-20 with a significant increase over 'standard' GF-3 oils, which most SAE
5w30 oils will meet. Taking all this into account, the Motorcraft SAE 5W-20
will be a significant improvement over most SAE 5w30 oils.
Q. Does the difference in price between Motorcraft SAE 5W-20 and SAE 5w30
really reflect a better oil?
A. Yes. The better base oils, and increased additives such as friction
modifiers and anti-oxidants used to formulate for the performance levels in
the SAE 5W-20 do cost more, but reflect the significant increase in
performance.
Q. What Ford and Lincoln/Mercury vehicles use SAE 5W-20 oil?
A. Approximately 80% of 2001 models should be serviced with SAE 5W-20 oils.
By 2003 model year all Ford and Lincoln Mercury vehicles will be filled with
SAE 5W-20 at the factory. But there are a significant number of older
vehicles, some as old as 1991 models where Ford now recommends servicing
with SAE 5W-20. Refer to the chart listed in Technical Service Bulletin
Article No. 01-4-7 for details of which older models should use SAE 5W-20
and for the 2001 'exception' models which should continue to use SAE 5w30.
Q. What happens if someone uses SAE 5W-20 in older vehicles?
A. As stated before some older vehicles have been approved for SAE 5W-20.
However, there are many older vehicles not covered by TSB 01-4-7, and Ford
is presently testing these to determine whether durability and performance
would be compromised if SAE 5W-20 was used. Until this testing is
successfully completed (and a TSB is published to this effect), it is not
recommended using SAE 5W-20 in an older model unless specifically mentioned
in TSB 01-4-7.
Q. Is Motorcraft the only brand for SAE 5W-20 motor oil?
A. No. Although SAE 5W-20 is not yet a popular viscosity grade, major
marketers including Pennzoil, Quaker State, Valvoline, Exxon and others have
either already begun marketing an SAE 5W-20 or have plans to do so.
Customers should find this viscosity grade increasingly available in coming
months, including at some retail outlets.
Q. Will SAE 5W-20 provide longer oil change intervals?
A. At the present time Ford recommends no change to the existing drain
interval for SAE 5W-20. However, Ford is investigating allowing longer drain
intervals since the performance level of Motorcraft SAE 5W-20 is
significantly better than today's GF-2 oils.
I run it in my Pilot. It sees 0F to 100F depending on where it's going and when we go. It's been under high load hill-climbing in TN, at 80mph. Still runs just fine. No issues.
Why wouldnt 0w20 hold up in high heat situations? I dont see why it wouldnt.
Last edited:
Originally Posted By: gfh77665
Why is Ford obsessed with specing that thick-as-molasses 5-20?
Why don't they wake up and understand 0-16 or 0-10 is the ONLY way to go? The too thick 0-20 and waaaaay too thick 5-20 should be banned for use by the consumer.
Anyone caught using 5-30 or above should face prison time.
Let me guess - you run 20w-50 in the summer and "light" 15w40 in the winter?
Why is Ford obsessed with specing that thick-as-molasses 5-20?
Why don't they wake up and understand 0-16 or 0-10 is the ONLY way to go? The too thick 0-20 and waaaaay too thick 5-20 should be banned for use by the consumer.
Anyone caught using 5-30 or above should face prison time.
Let me guess - you run 20w-50 in the summer and "light" 15w40 in the winter?
Poster, the cooling system in my wife's Accord runs at a balmy 210 degrees F. I don't think it cares what the ambient temp surrounding it is. No used oil analysis sorry. It gets Pennzoil Ultra 5w-20 and is changed according to the OLM.
I have 110 degree weather every year where I live and have 132k miles on my 4.6l Explorer. I have run it across the desert at 121 for a few hours before and have done an all day drive with temps between 111 and 117 for the whole trip. All on 5w-20 Mobil 1 and Amsoil at one year OCI for the life of the car. Still runs perfect.
I wouldn't worry about it. Ford (and everyone else) has done their homework...
Think about it:
Ford alone sells, what 2 million vehicles in the US and since 2003 they have ALL had 5w20 specs. 2 million * 10 = 20 million vehicles running around there from just 1 manufacturer all running 5w20. No epidemic engine failures.
Heck, they spec'ed 5w20 in my Ecoboost and at 7500 mile changes and now at 71k and 0 issues. It's been to Texas in the summer, Florida in the summer, and around here in PA.
Think about it:
Ford alone sells, what 2 million vehicles in the US and since 2003 they have ALL had 5w20 specs. 2 million * 10 = 20 million vehicles running around there from just 1 manufacturer all running 5w20. No epidemic engine failures.
Heck, they spec'ed 5w20 in my Ecoboost and at 7500 mile changes and now at 71k and 0 issues. It's been to Texas in the summer, Florida in the summer, and around here in PA.
Last edited:
You have to distinguish between ambient temp and oil operating temp.
The two are not the same.
In 100 degree Virginia summers, my Volvo turbo oil temp was cool (85 C day in and day out) ..oil cooler saw to that.
In cool weather, using high boost to tow a trailer, oil temp was higher, around 105C, as the oil cooler was working harder to reject the heat from the turbocharger.
But even 105C oil temp isn't too high for an engine designed to run on 0W20.
Stop thinking that hot outside = hot oil. It's more complicated than that.
The two are not the same.
In 100 degree Virginia summers, my Volvo turbo oil temp was cool (85 C day in and day out) ..oil cooler saw to that.
In cool weather, using high boost to tow a trailer, oil temp was higher, around 105C, as the oil cooler was working harder to reject the heat from the turbocharger.
But even 105C oil temp isn't too high for an engine designed to run on 0W20.
Stop thinking that hot outside = hot oil. It's more complicated than that.
We see temps here in Illinois from -10F to +110F. I run the same 10K OCIs from summer through winter with the same oil. Mobil 1 0w20 holds up very well as my engines are still very clean, show no sign of engine wear, and my engines run quite for the full 10K OCI.
Originally Posted By: Miller88
Originally Posted By: gfh77665
Why is Ford obsessed with specing that thick-as-molasses 5-20?
Why don't they wake up and understand 0-16 or 0-10 is the ONLY way to go? The too thick 0-20 and waaaaay too thick 5-20 should be banned for use by the consumer.
Anyone caught using 5-30 or above should face prison time.
Let me guess - you run 20w-50 in the summer and "light" 15w40 in the winter?
No. I have run 10-30 for years.
Forgive me Ford, for I have sinned.
Originally Posted By: gfh77665
Why is Ford obsessed with specing that thick-as-molasses 5-20?
Why don't they wake up and understand 0-16 or 0-10 is the ONLY way to go? The too thick 0-20 and waaaaay too thick 5-20 should be banned for use by the consumer.
Anyone caught using 5-30 or above should face prison time.
Let me guess - you run 20w-50 in the summer and "light" 15w40 in the winter?
No. I have run 10-30 for years.
Forgive me Ford, for I have sinned.
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