swithing back to pp

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mrjlube

mrjlube

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Hello everyone!! I have been using pennzoil platinum 5w20 in my 2002 ford focus overt the last few years. I am working at a ford dealer now and just used the motorcraft 5w20 for my last oil change. I will be pulling a 500lb trailer with my focus this summer and would like to ask you all if you think it would be a good idea to go back to the pp? My car seemed smoother runnung on the pp? The car has 80,000 on the clock and burns or uses no oil. Will the stock tranney cooler also be ok?

Thank you all so much for all the help you have given me!!
Have a great day
 
I would continue to use the Pennzoil Platinum between those two choices. It is a GIII oil compared to a blend. You can usually get Pennzoil Platinum cheaper and it shows great UOA's to about 10k in some applications.
 
The only way to know if your stock transmission cooler is adequate is to install a transmission fluid temp gauge. Or, if in doubt, just install an extra cooler which is what I do. The Motorcraft will be fine while towing assuming you aren't over working the car and running hot.
 
I had a 99' Mercury Mystique I bought at 68K. This vehicle had the 2.0 liter 4-cylinder and everything was stock and no transmission cooler. I didn't want to buy a pickup at that time, so I had a trailer hitch installed and towed a 400lb trailer and a 607lb ATV all over the place for quite a long time. We sold the car with 140,xxx miles for 1800 bucks. That guy is still driving the car to this day with 0 problems.

The tow rating on most of these small cars is 1000 lbs, and I think you would be find pulling a 500lb trailer. Think of this: If you hauled two calorically challenged people that alone might equal 500 extra pounds.

I urge you to not do jackrabbit starts and TAKE IT OUT OF OVERDRIVE except if you are on absolute level highway. Pulling in overdrive is a sure ticket to transmission maladies.

Hope this helps!
 
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I pull a small 700 lb. bass boat with my Honda with no problems. I try not to drive over 60. I make sure my oil and coolant is topped up and change my coolant every 3 years. I would use the PP because the synthetic should run a tiny bit cooler than the blend. .02
 
I think towing with cars is an excellent efficient use of resources as long as you're not pulling something heavy. I often tow motorcycles around and have not felt the need - and definitely don't have the desire - to get a truck.

The extra load is something to think about, but it's not as though the car can't handle it. Using a good oil and making sure the transmission and cooling system are well maintained definitely make sense, but I don't think a synthetic oil necessarily offers any advantages other than the usual longer drains. Instead I would just avoid lugging the engine, keep the speeds reasonable and in general maintain a high degree of mechanical empathy with regard to driving style and conditions.
 
Agree,if you look at the power to weight ratio, cars compare with the lower HP trucks and as long as it's a light load cars work fine. My previous 4 cylinder had 98 k and ran fine when traded and my honda v6 Accord runs perfectly with 88 k. Probably 50% of the miles were towing.
 
The answer depends on not only how much weight you tow but under what conditions: are you towing in mountainous areas or in extreme heat like Nevada, NM, Ariz,etc. I concur with 'IWISHIHADA_' that you should install a temp gauge to monitor your ATF fluid temp in various conditions. THen you would know if you need an additional larger trans cooler. I would say it would be best to go ahead with a temp gauge and a larger cooler to make sure you don't fry the engine or trans and not spend time on the side of the road waiting for a tow truck.
 
Originally Posted By: tmorris1
500 lbs is like having 2 people in the back seat, don't worry about it.


It might be the same weight but it certainly is not the same. It might be similar if the trailer is very small dimensionally and fits behind the profile of the car. If the trailer is taller than the trunk of the car then the aerodynamic affect at highway speeds can be significant.

What size is the trailer you're towing? How wide and tall?
 
Yes, the load configuration can make a 25% difference in towing capacity. Boats are more streamlined than a square camper.
 
why not try a 0w20?? You'll be towing, right? Wanna offset that increased fuel consumption from pulling a 500lb load, and 20's are JUST AS GOOD, if not better in every way than any other grade. In fact, you might want to just fill the crankcase with varsol and toss in a bottle of SLOB; wait, no... it's a good idea but I don't think that mix has API approval.
 
The trailer I'll be pulling is 4x6. Pretty small, but with the gate up it is about 6feet tall i the back. I'll be tpwing the trailer with two pushmowers and a weed wacker in it!!

Thanks for all the help guys.....very much appreciated
 
i'd consider getting rid of the ramp gate. do you really need it for 2 push mowers and a weed whacker? that gate greatly increases the drag. aside from that, i think you'll be just fine.
 
Forget the PP, Put Pure Lucas in it, It will pull that trailer like a cat diesel
LOL.gif
 
Penz. Plat. is worth it just because it's worth it - the stuff may be the best 20w you can buy over the counter. Why not put the best in there for a few extra bucks. If you're asking about it then you may have doubts - settle the doubts w/ PP.

Also, I agree with Max. If you're going 20w, then why not go 0w20. It's more feature rich than 5w20 in the same brand.

Best case scenario for me would be Amsoil 0w20 - then push the OCI out there a bit. But if I had to pay shipping, I'd go PP 0w20.

Hope it goes well!
 
Originally Posted By: HM12460
i'd consider getting rid of the ramp gate. do you really need it for 2 push mowers and a weed whacker? that gate greatly increases the drag. aside from that, i think you'll be just fine.


I agree, get rid of the gate unless it is absolutely necessary. You'll notice a huge difference. You'll hardly notice the trailer without the gate.
 
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