Motorcraft 5w20 really that good?

[kkreit01]

I'm new to this site, but have been reading for the past few weeks. I've been mainly using Motorcraft 5w20 synthetic blend in my 04 Ford Freestar. I've been changing at 4k miles. I've also been using Motorcraft filter. Is Motorcraft 5w20 really that great at $2/qt? Would I benefit from going to Castrol Syntec at $4/qt? I've used Conklin Convoy for years in previous vehicles, because my father is a dealer/salesman. However, his cost is $6/qt when you figure in freight, and it's not readily available. Thus, I have not used it for about 3 years. I just bought a Neon -- which also recommends 5w20. I'm thinking of trying Royal Purple in it. I wish to stick with something available in local stores. Please share your opinions: Is it worth going to a Full Synthetic at twice the cost vs. Motorocraft 5w20?

 

[AndyH]

IMHO, if you only plan on using 4,000 mile OCI's, stick with the Motorcraft semi-synthetic and you'll be well served.

 

[fred0803]

I have used the Motorcraft 5/20 for 60K on the wifes Escape 01 with the 3.0L engine.
No complaints

 

[m2200b]

MC 5-20 has some nice tests on newer Fords this month. At 4000 mi OCI I'd use it or Concoco's
other MC clone semi syns like Trop Artic or Kendall that run even cheaper around here.

 

[kkreit01]

Thanks guys. If I would to full Synthetic, I would increase the change intervals to 5-6K miles. This still wouldn't cover the added cost. Of course the extra cost isn't the reason why I wouldn't go with a better oil.

 

[Buzzsaw]

I work for a county Sheriff's Office. All of our Crown Vics from 2001 on have used Motorcraft 5w20. I so happen to be assigned to a 2001 vehicle. It has received 3 to 3.5K oil changes since it was new using the Motorcraft 5w20. It turned over 172k and it still runs strong and it doesn't use any oil over the duration of the oci. If I were you I would keep on using the Mororcraft oil and filters.

 

[mikemc]

Motorcraft 5w20 is the real deal. Excellent performance at a fair price. You have to stay within manufacurers' drain interval within warranty anyway, so I see no benefit in paying twice as much for another oil for a 4-5,000 mile interval. Keep using the Motocraft filters too.

 

[Hirev]

From what I have seen Motorcraft 5w20 synthetic blend does very well. If I was to use a 5w 20 this would get the nod from me.

 

[porcupine73]

My brother runs the Motorcraft 5W20 syn blend with Motorcraft oil filters in his 2005 Ford Focus. He just got a pretty nice UOA here using a 5000 mile OCI. It seems to have a pretty nice additive package.

 

[Mr Nice]

Do a 'search' of all the 5w20 Motorcraft UOA's and you will see that its an awesome oil for $1.50

There are tons of Motorcraft UOA's on this website

 

[UncleS2]

"That good"? I dunno, but there are so many great UOA's with this oil that I'm seriously considering trying it in my aging Neon next winter. Not that it gets that cold here- but it's as good an excuse as any!

And if I was in your position, I'd keep right on using the MC 5w20 oil & MC filters.

BTW: LT4Vette, where can you get the MC 5w20 for $1.50? Or is that for TropArtic?

 

[Black Thunder]

been using MC 5w20 in my mom's Mercury Mystique since she bought it with 32,000 miles. it now had almost 75,000 miles and haven't had any problems.

its an over-head cam engine and seems to like the 5w20, doesn't use any oil and the oil is still good in color on the way out, also use the MC filter.

 

[GoldenRod]

If it makes you feel better to buy the Royal Purple at over $6.00 a quart, then have at it !

 

[kkreit01]

Thanks everyone for your replies. I'll keep using MC oil and filters in the Freestar. I think Carquest or O-Reillys even had 5 QT jugs of it.

I'm still undecided on what to put in the Neon. I'll use Pure One filters in it.