A 5w-20 will have an HTHS of about 2.7. A 0/5w-40 will have an HTHS >3.5. That's the difference between the two. Not so much the viscosity at 100c. Google HTHS for more information.Use a Motorcraft filter.
A 5w-20 will have an HTHS of about 2.7. A 0/5w-40 will have an HTHS >3.5. That's the difference between the two. Not so much the viscosity at 100c. Google HTHS for more information.Use a Motorcraft filter.
I have a 2010 model F-150 made in 2009 with exactly the same engine. I use the recommended MC oil and filter and I've never had any problems with mine. No cam phaser noise, no noise on startup or any significant oil leaks. Most people don't realize that the engine was redesigned and by early 2008 (Feb IIRC) Ford was installing the new design in the F-150s. I haven't really heard of any of the newer engines having the same kinds of cam phaser/timing chain problems as the older 5.4s. Also the much beloved 4.6 engine is exactly the same design as the LATE 5.4s and I don't hear any complaints about them either. A lot of the problems in the earlier 5.4 engines was due to the fact that Ford used a poor seal design that leaked and the engine didn't maintain adaquate oil pressure to keep enough tension and/or oil circulation on the timing chain and the cam phasers. Once Ford improved the seal, those problems seem to have disappeared.So I just purchased a well used 2009 Ford F-150 XL regular cab with the 5.4L V8 engine and 143,000 miles on the clock. It runs well as far as I can tell, and the oil, coolant and other fluids all look good and are at the correct levels. I noticed that this truck calls for 5W-20 oil and is so labeled on the oil filler cap. Scotty Kilmer has a You Tube video on F-150 trucks of this vintage and engine type and claims that 5W-30 should be used instead. I've heard that 5.4L engines can develop timing chain problems when they get older and have higher mileage on them, and I'm wondering if a higher viscosity oil might help prevent that for a longer time.
What say y'all? What have been your experiences with these trucks? When it comes time for the next oil change on this beast with this mileage, should I put 5W-30 in it or 5W-20? I am not sure whether or not dino or synthetic oil is in it now, but I plan to put in full synthetic oil at the next change (probably Mobil-1 high mileage synthetic).
My, my. Remembering that air cooled engines are affected by ambient temperatures, run 40 wt in hot climates and 20 wt in cold climates. We are talking about air cooled engines and not water cooled, right~?Just tell us if you live in Alaska or the Sahara Desert. This increases the accuracy of the outcome of any "thick vs thin" argument.
Were it my truck, I'd use 5W-30 of the brand/type you mentioned based on what I've read here over the years.
The closest experience I have with your truck is my pal's '97 with a 4.6l so don't go by what I'd do.