What type of increase, if any, in mpg can I expect if I switch a '97 Expedition 4.6L with 113k miles from 5w30 to 5w20?
Increased MPG by using 5w20 vs. 5w30?
- Thread starter wavinwayne
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Not something that you will likely notice but over many miles it will cost your less. How much? No one can predict that as people all drive differently. Often people modify to get better mpg ad then drive differently negating any imporvement they might have realized.
Well, if I'll never notice any improvement, I won't bother switching. Wow, that was simple.
Try some and after 5,000 miles let us know.
JTK
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Absolutely. You wont know unless you try it for your application.
G/luck
Joel
WW, this may or may not apply to you, but when I was recently corresponding with RedLine, they said they would expect a ~3% economy increase with their 5W20 versus their 5W30. That was for our Plymouth Neon (2-liter 4-cyl.)In my application, that would be very difficult to measure with receipts until a couple hundred gallons had been burned. However, it would be worth the money saved...
On my sons Ford Focus Zetec 2.0L dohc, with GC he lost over 2 mpg, with Mobil 1 5w30 it was right at 2 mpg as compared to 5w-20 or 0w-20....these are all extended driving time.
At least with smaller engines, there is a difference you can see and feel. Don't let anyone who hasn't used both tell you differently.
At least with smaller engines, there is a difference you can see and feel. Don't let anyone who hasn't used both tell you differently.
I thought the tests Ford did showed about 1% change.
Given that many of the 30 weight dino oils seem to shear into 20 weights in no time I can't imagine there being lots of difference in mileage with them.
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js makes the point that Ford figured out. There's no issue with using a 20 weight. If you've been using a 5w30 for anywhere near the factory OCI ..it's been a 20 weight probably for the last half (maybe sooner). They just needed a stable 20 weight to begin with.
Those that will reap the most out of a 5w-20 over any other weight will see it mostly where the cold viscosity taxes hp the most. Short trip users can realized fuel economy benefits ..to the point of measurable results. The bigger the engine ..the more you'll probably realize.
Those that will reap the most out of a 5w-20 over any other weight will see it mostly where the cold viscosity taxes hp the most. Short trip users can realized fuel economy benefits ..to the point of measurable results. The bigger the engine ..the more you'll probably realize.
After reading these posts, I don't think I'm even going to try 5w20. If a 1% increase in mileage is all I can expect in the Ford, then I'm sticking to the cheapest name-brand 5w30 dino I can find.......that is, if I ever run out of oil.
Who said using a sheared 5w30 was a good thing?
wayne, in a small engine operating with a high load it might help some. In our large engines I doubt it will do much.
wayne, in a small engine operating with a high load it might help some. In our large engines I doubt it will do much.
In the 1999 Lincoln Navigator, we see no difference at all going by the on-board indicator. I can't tell any real world difference in mpg between the Motorcraft 5W-20 or 5w30. Tire pressure make a noticeable difference. Oil visc. doesn't seem to.
Fuel records over one year using 5w20 and 5w30 shows no difference in real world use for me. 5w40, that's another story.
What was said above about most 5w30's shearing to a 20 weight quickely also makes a lot of sense in not noticing much of a difference.
What was said above about most 5w30's shearing to a 20 weight quickely also makes a lot of sense in not noticing much of a difference.
besides 1%~3% mpg increase, there's something that you can't measured in tangible units....and that's driving FUN!
I have tried both 5w30 and 5w20 in my 2002 Honda Civic Si engine (K20A3), which Honda calls for 5w20, and I noticed the engine revs faster and the car labors less when gettin off the line, all that when I switched from 5w30 to 5w20.....
I have tried both 5w30 and 5w20 in my 2002 Honda Civic Si engine (K20A3), which Honda calls for 5w20, and I noticed the engine revs faster and the car labors less when gettin off the line, all that when I switched from 5w30 to 5w20.....
Revs faster and labors less?
Have the specific recorded times?
I'm waiting to hear someone say "throttle response" and then I'll jump all over that one.
Have the specific recorded times?
I'm waiting to hear someone say "throttle response" and then I'll jump all over that one.
With a 20 weight compare to a 30 weight(especially GC) in my sons dohc 2.0L Focus you can feel the difference in how the engine revs. That is just the way it is. You "techno-weenies" can laugh and scoff all you want. I know/see/feel it, the mpg shows it, racing teams also know it..so what's the big deal? I believe with a similar sized engine like a Honda it will also be true.
And yes, throttle response as it relates to an engine revving quicker..IS better with a 20 weight!
And yes, throttle response as it relates to an engine revving quicker..IS better with a 20 weight!
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