I just recently bought a 97 F-150 4x2 w/ the 4.6 Triton. The previous owner has run ST 10w-30 through it. I had considered dropping to a 5w30 or possibly a 5w-20 but the truck has 179,xxx miles on it. Given the structure of this engine and its tight clearances, would it be a good idea to go down to a 5w30 or 5w-20 with that amount of miles it has? Another reason I had considered doing this is because the cold winter months are approaching although it doesn't get too cold here in Arkansas.
I need a suggestion on oil
- Thread starter FiveOBroncO
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So do you think 5w-20 isn't a good idea for that high of miles?
Use Valvoline Maxlife 5w30 year round.
I would just run a brand name 5w30 conventional. GTX, valvoline, pennzoil, etc...
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Try the 5w-20. If you don't like it ...go to a 30 weight on the next OCI. I've run 5w-20 in engines with like mileage and in older engines with less mileage ..where they weren't even spec'd for the oil then or NOW.
The worst thing you'll see is.. maybe (and it's a minor maybe) ... some consumption.
The worst thing you'll see is.. maybe (and it's a minor maybe) ... some consumption.
Triple_Se7en
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Introducing 5W-20 would be an experiment on your part. It may help with gas mileage-only - but nothing else.
Every engine is different - so there's no set rule that your engine will like the thinner viscosity. You may get a quieter engine -- louder engine -- less consumption -- more consumption.
Nobody here knows. It something you have the option of experimenting with. Personally-speaking, your climate accepts 10w-30 nicely. I would look for issues with 10W-30 first - before changing to something else. The prior owner may have already done his own experiments with oils & oil weights in this vehicle - so if you haven't asked, now may be a good time to chat with him/her... if that's possible?.
Every engine is different - so there's no set rule that your engine will like the thinner viscosity. You may get a quieter engine -- louder engine -- less consumption -- more consumption.
Nobody here knows. It something you have the option of experimenting with. Personally-speaking, your climate accepts 10w-30 nicely. I would look for issues with 10W-30 first - before changing to something else. The prior owner may have already done his own experiments with oils & oil weights in this vehicle - so if you haven't asked, now may be a good time to chat with him/her... if that's possible?.
There must be some kind of a limit to how thin an oil can go before it ceases to be an effective lubricant for an engine; maybe that limit is WD-40.
depends on the temps ? Faster?
In Arkansas?? I personally would stick to what-ever viscosity it's always ran on - you have 170k+ miles, sounds like the truck's doing great.
I know of the itch to try something different, perhaps akin to the pioneering days...that's probably a stretch.
If things are running excellent now concerning the engine, that's great! I don't see much of any need to go for the 5w-20 myself other than to satisfy curiosity and see just what mileage gain potential can be realized, even though the engine will still labor to push an arrangement of nearly square shapes through a sea of air. Beyond consumption, what might be the state of the bearings - much in the way of increased clearances that might not favor a 20wt's use? What kind of duty has the engine seen and will it be given in the coming years? Only a UOA's could tell unless you are the type to drop the pan and plasti-gauge the big-end bearings at least.
I guess the answer undoubtedly comes down to, what do you, the owner, feel is worth doing?
Take care, and good luck.
If things are running excellent now concerning the engine, that's great! I don't see much of any need to go for the 5w-20 myself other than to satisfy curiosity and see just what mileage gain potential can be realized, even though the engine will still labor to push an arrangement of nearly square shapes through a sea of air. Beyond consumption, what might be the state of the bearings - much in the way of increased clearances that might not favor a 20wt's use? What kind of duty has the engine seen and will it be given in the coming years? Only a UOA's could tell unless you are the type to drop the pan and plasti-gauge the big-end bearings at least.
I guess the answer undoubtedly comes down to, what do you, the owner, feel is worth doing?
Take care, and good luck.
I'll probably stick with 10-30. If I try anything it'll be 5-30.
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