QUESTION: Ford Duratec 2.5L V6

[BennyL]

Hi,

Quick question regarding my Mercury Cougar... I've got a 2000 and the owner's manual says to use a 5w30 oil. In 2001 they changed it to specify the new Ford 5W-20 oil. As far as I understand, the 2.5L engine stayed the same, but they just started recommending 5W-20. So does this mean that I can use it my car too, or should I stick to 5w30?

Thanks!

 

[carguy996]

You are correct that the 2.5 engine never changed - I do not forsee any problems using a 5w20 in the car such as Motorcraft blend, if you are looking to use synthetic your best bet is to stick w/ a 5w30 5qt bottle of Mobil 1 at Wal-Mart to save some money.

 

[BennyL]

well, money is not the issue. i'm in canada, so our oil prices are all messed up compared to yours.

i have 5.5 liters of Mobil 1 that i got on sale for $30

but motomaster formula1 synthetic is on sale now at canadian tire for $3.99/liter, which comes to $24 for 6 liters. thats a ________ good price, i think. so, i'd like to go buy 6 or 12 of those for the cougar, and save the Mobil 1 for the lexus or something.

just wanna know if i should stick with 5w30 or if it's ok for me to go ahead and put 5W-20 in.

 

[Frank D]

I used Exxon Superflo 5W-20 in my son's 2000 Cougar last winter and plan on using 5W-20 again this winter.

 

[Big Jim]

You can use either one with confidence. Ford back speced that engine and now recommends 5W20 for it. Especially in Canada in the winter, 5W20 will be just fine.

 

[BennyL]

oh well... thanks for the suggestions guy, but i was at canadian tire and they didn't have any 5W-20 left, and i wanted to get this oil change over with, so i just played it safe and bought 6 bottles of the 5w30.

thanks for the help, though! i may try 5W-20 next time, if i can catch it on sale.