Oil Specifications

[vwalburn]

When did Ford's current oil specification, WSS-M2C961-A1, come out and how does it compare to GM's DEXOS specification?

 

[someonesomewhere]

When did Ford's current oil specification, WSS-M2C961-A1, come out and how does it compare to GM's DEXOS specification?

Looks like it was released Summer of 2020 (per Google). Not sure on the Dexos question.

 

[Rand]

blends can meet WSS-M2C961-A1 so it must not be very stringent... would be my 2 cents.

 

[Cujet]

Going by memory here so please don't hold my feet to the fire on this one.

The 961-A1 is a modern 5W-30 oil that meets the requirement for reducing Low Speed Pre-Ignition (LSPI). Which typically means it has lower calcium.

 

[twX]

The Ford oil specs I've seen details for don't actually have any real requirements. See this thread. They just reiterate some of the requirements of whatever API standard they're based on. I'm not sure why these standards even exist. Maybe Ford profits from the licensing.

The Dexos standards have more stringent requirements for some of the API tests, and they have a lot of additional engine tests as well. Dexos 1 seems to be the most comprehensive OEM standard out there aside from the Mercedes standards.

 

[TheOilWizard]

I’ve wondered this myself.

Seems it really can’t be that special if it’s optional for warranty purposes. The Ford manuals say that an oil meeting the proper API is all that’s required.

My guess is the WSS requirements are met or exceeded by the appropriate API rating for your vehicle.

 

[OilStainedNapkin]

Pretty much every blend I’ve seen meets this spec. I think it’s aligned with the latest released API spec. Ford knows how to build engines so they don’t have to rely on special oil or specs for their cars