Ford's Q&A to dealers in 2004
DAMAGE CAUSED BY IMPROPER MAINTENANCE
(2001 Warranty and Policy Manual Section 3-4, Pg 77)
The New Vehicle Limited Warranty does not cover damage caused by failure to maintain the vehicle, improperly maintaining the vehicle, or using the wrong part, fuel, oil, lubricants, or fluids.
Maintenance/Wear Items
Parts and Labor needed to maintain the vehicle and the replacement of parts due to normal wear and tear are the responsibility of the vehicle owner and are not covered under the New Vehicle Limited Warranty. Examples from the Scheduled Maintenance Guide are:
Spark plugs, oil changes, oil filters, air filters, fuel filters, tire rotation, cleaning/polishing, and engine tune-up.
Adding oils, lubricants and other fluids (except refrigerant).
Wear items such as wiper blades, brake linings/pads, and clutch linings.
NOTE: 2001 and newer model year Lincoln vehicles receive complimentary maintenance for 3 years/36,000 miles.
FLUIDS & FLUID USAGE GUIDELINES (oils, lubricants, coolant, refrigerant)
(2001 Warranty and Policy Manual Section 3-28, Pg 101)
Use only Motorcraft or Ford brand oils, lubricants, fluids, and refrigerant unless specified otherwise in Company publications. The cost of non-Ford/Motorcraft oils, lubricants, fluids, and refrigerant used for a warranty or ESP/ESC repair without supporting documentation justifying their use,(e.g., emergency repair),is not reimbursable and subject to chargeback.
Fluid only (not labor)is reimbursable at pre-delivery, when not supplied in the specified amount at the assembly plant, up to the specified level.
Fluid lost or not usable due to a component defect is reimbursable for the same period as the component.
LINCOLN COMPLIMENTARY MAINTENANCE
(2001 Warranty and Policy Manual Section 3-35, Pg. 108)
Beginning with the 2001 model year, all Lincoln vehicles (except those with the 418 Limousine package) will be provided with complimentary maintenance.
Features of this policy:
Duration is 3-years/36,000 miles (whichever occurs first) Scheduled maintenance administered through the use of ESP Quality Care Maintenance Protection Plan -5,000 mile service interval.
Customers must have the maintenance work performed by a Lincoln dealership. Ford and Motorcraft branded parts and motor oil will be required for all services provided.
Q. What does Hydrocracked mean?
A. Hydrocracking is a refinery process where the crude oil is subjected to high temperatures and high pressures in the presence of hydrogen. This not only rearranges the molecule to make them more stable, but also removes impurities. Most motor oils in future will use Hydrocracked base oils. If the hydracracking process is severe enough, it creates a synthetic molecule.
Q. The word synthetic and Hydrocracked have been used to describe different Motorcraft products. Can you explain what the oil really is, and where I can get the information on paper to show my customers the advantage?
A. Some Hydrocracked oils can be considered synthetic. 5W-30 is hydrocracked. 5W-20 is Hydrocracked and synthetic. In July of 2001, a new red bottle with a new retail looking label was released that states this product is a premium synthetic blend. In addition, we have released both a 5W-20 dealer brochure and consumer brochure that speak to the product being both Hydrocracked and synthetic blend. You may order large quantities, for free, of the consumer brochure to hand out to your customers to show them the important benefits of this new product.
Q. Why are Motorcraft oils and lubricants more expensive?
A: Pricing is very regional depending on competitors, levels of service and equipment offered to the dealer. In many cases Motorcraft it is not the most expensive oil and lubricants. Competitors use 10W-30 to talk about price because it is cheaper to make, but it is also two oil generations older than what our Powertrain engineers recommend (5W-20 in most cases) for our Ford Motor Company gasoline engines. Always make sure to compare like products, service and equipment when talking price.
Q. Why did Motorcraft® release SAE 5W-20 motor oil?
A. It was the right thing to do for the consumer and for the environment. It was one of Ford's first steps in working to improve the fuel economy of our SUVs by 25% by the 2005 calendar year. SAE 5W-20 improves fuel consumption by approximately 0.6 percent. For the 2001 fleet, this amounts to reducing fuel usage by more than 21 million gallons per year. This reduction in gasoline consumption leads to a reduction in carbon dioxide emissions by 190,000 metric tons per year, which is equivalent to taking nearly 23,100 cars and trucks off the road each year.
B. Ford Motor Company has a responsibility to make its vehicles more environmentally friendly plus this is a better oil. Also, the industry is converting from GF2 level products to GF3 and Motorcraft 5W-20 is leading the way for our product line up.
Q. Is Motorcraft® the only brand for SAE 5W-20 motor oil?
A: No. Although SAE 5W-20 is not yet a popular viscosity grade, major marketers, including Pennzoil, Quaker State, Valvoline, Exxon and others, have either already begun marketing an SAE 5W-20 or have plans to do so. Customers should find this viscosity grade increasingly available, including at some retail outlets. Only Motorcraft 5W-20 is designed, engineered, and recommended by Ford Motor Company for Ford, Lincoln and Mercury vehicles.
Q. Why did we change to 5W-20? What was wrong with 10W-40, 10W-30 etc?
A: 10W-30 and 10W-40 are old technology. We introduced 5W-20 to take advantage of new technology in the industry to provide improved fuel economy, low emissions, and better engine protection.
Q. Is Ford testing any thinner oil or is 5W-20 the lowest they will go?
A: We continue to explore the latest in oil technology. We know there are several technological advancements on the horizon. It may not necessarily mean thinner oils, but we do feel they will offer extended drain intervals, improved emissions, improved fuel economy, and backward compatibility.
Q. What information does Ford have to help communicate the oil story to our FADs, BODs, Dealers and Consumers?
A: Ford Motor Company/Motorcraft now has the following Oil & Lubricants communication tools:
Motorcraft® SAE 5W-20 Premium Synthetic Blend Motor Oil
Dealer Brochure with application guide (OIL5W20D01)
Consumer Brochure (OIL5W20C01)
2001 Lubricants Catalog (OIL 3051 H)
2002 Lubricants Catalog (OIL 3051 I--coming soon)
Oil & Lubricants Meeting-In-A-Box
Oil & Filter Service Advisor Certification Web-Training (coming soon)
FMCDealer.com web site--Oil & Lubricants Center
MCDistributor.Ford.com web site
Motorcraft.com web site
Q. Will you ever advertise that 5W-20 is in fact a synthetic blend motor oil because most of our customers do not know?
A: Yes. We have launched a new red bottle with a four-color label that states Motorcraft 5W-20 is as premium synthetic blend motor oil. Always was from the beginning, we just did not put this on the label. This new bottle will be prominently displayed in our QualityCare and Motorcraft Advertising.
Q. What Ford and Lincoln/Mercury vehicles use SAE 5W-20 oil?
A. Please check TSB 02-1-9. Also, check FMCDealer.com for the new QUICK REFERENCE OIL APPLICATION CHART that includes oil crankcase capacities and oil filter. This chart can be found under Parts Center, under Oil & Lubricant center or in the 5W-20 Dealer Brochure.
B. Approximately 80% of 2001 models forward should be serviced with SAE 5W-20 oils. By 2003 model year all Ford, Lincoln and Mercury vehicles will be filled with SAE 5W-20 at the factory. But there are a significant number (85%+) of older vehicles, some as old as 1991 models, where Ford now recommends servicing with SAE 5W-20. Refer to the chart listed in Technical Service Bulletin Article No. 02-1-9 for details of which older models should use SAE 5W-20 and for the 2001 "exception" models which should continue to use SAE 5W-30. Or, this data can be found in the Motorcraft 5W-20 "Dealer" brochure in the application chart. This Brochure can be ordered from the Dealer e-Store on FMCDealer.com if you are a dealer or by calling Helm, Inc at (800) 252-6180, if you are a Motorcraft Bulk Oil Distributor. The part number is OIL5W20D01.
Q. What happens if someone uses SAE 5W-20 in older vehicles?
A. Ford has tested many older gasoline vehicle applications and now recommends Motorcraft® SAE 5W-20 Premium Synthetic Blend Motor Oil for many applications back to 1991 models. 85% or more of the past eleven model year gasoline engines can now use 5W-20. However, there are some vehicles not approved for use with SAE 5W-20. Refer to the chart listed in Technical Service Bulletin Article No. 02-1-9 for details of which older models should use SAE 5W-20 and for the 2001 "exception" models which should continue to use SAE 5W-30. Or, this data can be found in the Motorcraft 5W-20 "Dealer" brochure in the application chart. This Brochure can be ordered from the Dealer e-Store on FMCDealer.com if you are a dealer or by calling Helm, Inc at (800) 252-6180, if you are a Motorcraft Bulk Oil Distributor. The part number is OIL5W20D01.
Q. Why not put 5W-20 in all the motors to make it more standardized for the technician?
A. 5W-20 is the oil of the future, 100% of factory fills will be 5W-20 by 2004.
Q. Does the 7.3L also use 5W-20?
A: Diesel engine designs are much different from passenger car engines. Both the type of formulation and the viscosity grade needs are different. Motorcraft 5W-20 was specifically engineered for gasoline engines only and should not be used for 7.3 liter diesels. 7.3L diesel engines should use 15W-40. Please check owners manual for temperature recommendations.
Q. Will every new car have 5W-20 in the future?
A: Yes, beginning with MY 2004, gasoline engines only.
Q. What if a fleet wants to use 10W-30 instead of 5W-20, is that problem?
A: If these are gasoline engines, a 10W-30 is okay. However, why wouldn't they want to take advantage of the fuel economy savings and superior engine protection of a 5W-20. Remind them that 10W-30 is two oil generations old.
Q. Why is 5W-20 not ready for all the 2001 Ford products, just some? Why can't we use the 5W-20 in the ranger 4.0L?
A: Some of our carryover Engine Designs are not yet completed with 5W-20. For instance, the 4.0L engine's oil pump must be redesigned for more oil flow before 5W-20 can be used. As we change engine designs, we will recommend 5W-20. Some engine designs will never be able to accommodate 5W-20.
Q. Do I have to use SAE 5W-20 or can I just use another viscosity of oil?
A: It is highly recommended SAE 5W-20 be used to service those 2001 and older vehicles listed in TSB 02-1-9.
Q. I have a customer that doesn't want 5W-20 oil and wants 5W-30 in his new vehicle. He claims if we don't use 5W-30 he will no longer bring it to our shop. What is the warranty responsibility in such a case? Customer claims only reason Ford went to oil is fuel consumption and he knows," that we will have lower end concerns at 50,000 miles.
A. 5W-20 oil is recommended but 5W-30 can be used. However, if a failure occurs in the vehicle that may be related to oil usage, they will be looked at on a case-by-case basis to determine warranty implications, if any.
Q. What will happen if I don't use SAE 5W-20 in these 2001 model vehicles recommending this oil?
A: Ford engineering designed 5W-20 to be a better oil than 5W-30. Although use of 5W-30 or other viscosity grades will not cause catastrophic failures our recommendation is to use 5W-20. 5W-20 will give the customer better fuel economy, better durability, and wear on the engine because the 5W-20 is a synthetic blend with special additives to give better performance.
Q. Here in the desert southwest, air temperature reach 120 in the shade, what oil weight do you suggest?
A: Customers should use the viscosity grade that was recommended for his vehicle in TSB 02-1-9. In some cases that means 5W-30 for 2001 vehicles, but for most, that means 5W-20. Many people believe 5W-20 will be too thin to protect vehicles in high ambience such as experienced in Arizona at 120 degrees. Keep in mind that both 5W-30 and 5W-20 were both fully tested, including Arizona proving grounds and experienced these very high ambient temperatures. The 5W-20 past all requirements and in some instances proved to be a better oil than the 5W-30. So customer should not be hesitant in using 5W-20 for those vehicles where it is recommended.
Q. In the Houston Area, are we supposed to use 5W-20 oil in 100+ temps?
A: Yes. As we said before, 5W-20 was tested in 100-degree temperatures in Arizona and proved to provide good durability and in some aspects was better than 5W-30.
Q. What about oil consumption, we have seen more of this lately?
A: We have not heard of any major differences in oil consumption lately. Newer oils such as those at GF-3 (API SL) level of performance have lower volatility and we would expect no oil related oil consumption increases.
Q. Is there really a difference in quality between 5W-20 and 5W-30?
A: Yes. 5W-30 is a Hydrocracked product and 5W-20 is a Hydrocracked/synthetic blend product.
Q. What durability tests have been done on this new grade of oil in excess of the warranty period?
A: Motorcraft 5W-20 was tested in the Arizona and Nevada desert heat, in Expeditions and Navigators loaded down to the max trailer towing capacity for up to 250,000 miles with extended drain intervals (15,000 miles). It was also tested in a fleet of taxis for stop-and-go testing and in the extreme colds of MinnesotA. In all cases, Motorcraft 5W-20 performed exceptionally with no oil-related failures.
Q. Can we expect oil pressure variations with this new oil compound that can potentially allow the pressure drop enough to trigger a concern or warning light?
A: No. Not in the engines listed in TSB 02-1-9.
Q. Engine oil is a carrier for heat with the higher rpm's on some of the smaller engines can we expect shorter engine life?
A: No. The oil is specifically designed to withstand engine heat.
Q. Is this grade of oil up to the quality of synthetics or would you recommend the later?
A. Motorcraft 5W-20 is a premium synthetic blend giving performance very similar to full synthetics, but at a much more competitive price.
Q. Were engine designs modified to run this new grade of oil?
A. Some bearing designs were optimized to take advantage of the new oil. New engines will be designed to take advantage of 5W-20.
Q. As the temperature changes the oil either gets thicker or thinner, at what temperature does oil change from 5w to 10w
A. The viscosity of engine oils is measured at two temperatures. The first number is measured at low temperature, which is why "w" is put after it to indicate "winter." The lower the number, the less viscous the oil, so a "0w" oil is thinner than a "10w" oil. The second number is the viscosity measured at high temperature comparable to typical engine operating temperature. Again, a higher number means a thicker oil. "30" weight oil is thicker than a "20" weight oil.
B. As the temperature increases oil does get thinner. For the "5w" or "10w" indications, these are done at only a specific temperature to compare one oil thickness vs. another oil thickness. The oil does not really change from a 5w to a 10w.
Q. Will SAE 5W-20 provide longer oil change intervals?
A. No. Continue to change your oil as recommended in the Owner's Guide.
B. At the present time Ford recommends no change to the existing drain interval for SAE 5W-20. However, Ford is investigating allowing longer drain intervals since the performance level of Motorcraft® SAE 5W-20, which is a GF-3 oil, is significantly better than past GF-2 oils
Q. Will the 5W-20 change intervals be increased compared to the recommended changes now?
A: Customers should stay with the drain intervals recommended in their owner guides. Ford Engineering has done some testing using extended drains but are not ready to extend drain intervals at this time. It is expected some time in the future that this may happen.
Q. With 5W-20 being a thinner oil, why wait 5000 miles for an oil change?
A: Just because 5W-20 is thinner, this is no reason to change oil more often. It is actually a better oil than our present 5W-30 due to its better base oils and better additive system. It can be changed at the recommended 5000-mile drain interval.
Q. I thought Motorcraft® was going to obtain additional bulk oil equipment funds to help dual equip dealers for SAE 5W-20?
A. This was discussed early in the program launch. But some dealers did not want multiple grades of oil or did not have room to add the equipment. Therefore it was decided the best course of action was to switch the recommendation for use of SAE 5W-20 from SAE 5W-30 for as many vehicles as possible and let the normal fleet turnover take care of increasing the volume of SAE 5W-20 relative to SAE 5W-30 such that it would make good business sense to use SAE 5W-20 in bulk, not SAE 5W-30. To this end Ford completed testing to verify whether older vehicles can use SAE 5W-20. 5W-20 can now be used in about 85% of the fleet and we recommend switching your bulk tanks to 5W-20 and using 55-gallon drums, 5-quart jugs or bottles of 5W-30 to handle those vehicles still requiring its use.
Refer to the chart listed in Technical Service Bulletin Article No. 02-1-9 for details of which older models should use SAE 5W-20 and for the 2001 "exception" models which should continue to use SAE 5W-30. Or, this data can be found in the Motorcraft 5W-20 "Dealer" brochure in the application chart. This Brochure can be ordered from the Dealer e-Store on FMCDealer.com if you are a dealer or by calling Helm, Inc at (800) 252-6180, if you are a Motorcraft Bulk Oil Distributor. The part number is OIL5W20D01.
Q. When will 5W-20 be available in bulk?
A: Motorcraft® SAE 5W-20 Premium Synthetic Blend Motor Oil has been available in bulk since October of 2000.
Q. When are you going to have 5W-20 and MERCON V in bulk ?
A. As of October 2000, Mercon V and 5W-20 were both available in bulk. Check with your bulk oil distributor for local availability.
Q. I think 5W-20 is avail in 55gal. Drums, but I am looking for it in a bulk tanker truck that I can pump into a 500 gal. tank like I do with 5W-30 and MERCON
A: Motorcraft 5W-20 and MERCON V have been available in bulk quantities for your 500 plus gallon tanks from FCSD since before October 2000. Your BOD may not have begun to stock yet. Please call your local Motorcraft BOD for local availability.
Q. I have some 5W-20 in black bottles and some in red bottles… can I mix them together?
A: Yes, they are the exact same product. Motorcraft is undergoing an image upgrade and oil is one of the first products to take on this new image. The only thing that changed is the bottle and label. The new label calls out 5W-20 is a Premium Synthetic Blend motor oil which is an important feature that was not noted on the old bottle label. The same holds true for the old 5-quart jug and the new 5-quart jug labels.
Q. Does the difference in price between Motorcraft® SAE 5W-20 and SAE 5W-30 really reflect a better oil?
A: Yes, Motorcraft® SAE 5W-20 is a better oil than Motorcraft® SAE 5W-30. However, in response to Dealer Council Ford Motor Company has priced Motorcraft® SAE 5W-20 Premium Synthetic Blend Motor Oil exactly the same as Motorcraft® SAE 5W-30 Super Premium Motor Oil if you purchase it in BULK, 55-GALLON DRUMS, or the 5-QUART JUG. Only individual quart bottles of Motorcraft® SAE 5W-20 cost more than Motorcraft® SAE 5W-30. Again, the better base oils, and increased additives such as friction modifiers and anti-oxidants used to formulate for the performance levels in the SAE 5W-20 do cost more, and reflect the significant increase in performance.
Q. Why aren't the 5-quart jugs priced lower than 5 individual quarts of the same product?
A: With the exception of the 5-quart jug of Motorcraft® SAE 5W-20 which is priced the same as five individual quarts of Motorcraft® SAE 5W-30, all 5-quart jugs are priced the same as five individual quarts of the same viscosity. Actual cost to FCSD is higher than buying five individual quarts. This is due to greater amount of resin needed to mold the five-quart jug, and lost efficiencies as the bottle is filled on a slower line. FCSD reduced the normal margin to price the 5-quart jug equal to five individual quarts. The 5-quart jug was released in response to dealer council requests to help with technician efficiencies until bulk becomes the prominent product used in our dealers.
Q. I think the 5W-20 oil is a very good idea. I was talking with my distributor and he was saying that the 5W-20 will be the same price as the 5W-30. Isn't the 5W-20 a synthetic blend and why isn't it more if it is a better product?
A. Motorcraft® SAE 5W-20 Premium Synthetic Blend Motor Oil is a better motor oil than 5W-30 and does cost more to make. However, due to Ford Motor Company's commitment to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to make this product widely accepted in the market place and dealer confusion over the benefits of this product, Ford Motor Company has decided to price those Motorcraft® SAE 5W-20 Premium Synthetic Blend Motor Oil products (Bulk, Drums and the 5-quart jug) available to only Ford, Lincoln and Mercury franchises equal to Motorcraft® SAE 5W-30 Super Premium Motor Oil.
Q. Will the price of 5W-20 ever be competitive with the other oil?
A. Please check our current 5W-20 prices with your local distributor. We think you'll find they are more than competitive with other national brands plus it's a premium synthetic blend.
Individual quarts of Motorcraft® SAE 5W-20 Premium Synthetic Blend Motor Oil are priced higher than individual quarts of Motorcraft® SAE 5W-30 Super Premium Motor Oil reflecting this product benefit in its cost.
Q. When will Motorcraft 5W-20 be competitively priced?
A: As best as our market intelligence can tell us, Motorcraft oils are competitively priced against the other National Advertised brands. Currently, Motorcraft 5W-20 is very competitive when compared to other 5W-20 products. Remember, 5W-20 is two oil generations better and can not be compared in price to other 5W-30 and 10W-30 products. Plus our BOD's provide high levels of service that go far beyond just the price of the product. Please contact your local Motorcraft Bulk Oil Distributor to see what products, prices and service they are ready to deliver to you. Prices vary from distributor to distributor and are dependent upon the levels of service and equipment preferred by the dealer.
Q. What Diesel Oil does Ford Motor Company recommend?
A: Motorcraft SAE 15W-40 Super Duty Diesel Motor Oil, but check your owners manual for other viscosity variations due to temperature.
Q. I've been told that the Navistar 7.3L diesel engine is shipped from the plant with 10W-30 diesel motor oil in it, why don't we recommend this viscosity? I've also heard someone recommend 10W-30 to reduce noise and foaming, will this help?
A. The reason 10W-30 is put in at the factory is because we don't know when or where the vehicle is going to be sold. For instance a motor built in July might be installed and sold in August; or it may not get sold until December or January. So to have an oil good for year-around use, you need to use an optimized 10W-30 that can be used for either winter or summer driving. You can formulate to the high end of 10W-30 and be OK in the summer months as long as it's a strong CF-4 formulation.
B. Navistar does not have a recommendation based upon either noise or foaming. You would not expect any differences in noise level due to viscosity - if there would be, the thicker oil would have the edge. As for foaming, it is more difficult to formulate a thinner oil to give the same low foaming capability as the thicker oil. Both of our formulations give good foaming control. The only reason for recommending 10W-30 is for low ambient temperature operation; better cold start etc. Our recommendation continues to be SAE 15W-40 unless the ambient temperature is below 30 degrees F, where 10W-30 or 0W-30 is recommended.
Q. When will Motorcraft® MERCON® V be certified as back-compatible for MERCON® applications? All of the competitive MERCON® V brands state their formulations are back serviceable.
A: Ford Automatic Transmission Operations has stated continuously in Owner Guides, Workshop Manuals and TSBs (e.g. Article 98-8- that MERCON® V and MERCON® are not interchangeable. Therefore our competitors are not correct by saying their formulations can be used for either application. Engineering is presently determining what needs to be done to allow backwards compatibility in the future (i.e. using a MERCON® V approved fluid in an application originally recommending MERCON®). This will take a significant amount of Engineering time and testing.
Q. Has there been any final conclusions on MERCON and MERCON V compatibility?
A: Mercon and Mercon V are not interchangeable. Use the fluid recommended in the Owner Guide or TSB 01-15-7 which contains a graphical application chart.
Q. Will we see all trans with MERCON V soon?
A: No. Some automatic transmissions and all power steering systems still require MERCON.
Q. When will MERCON V be abailable in bulk bigger than a 55-gallon drum?
A: Motorcraft 5W-20 and MERCON V have been available in bulk quantities for your 500 plus gallon tanks from FCSD since before October 2000. Your BOD may not have begun to stock yet. Please call your local Motorcraft BOD for local availability.
Q. Ford offers a full synthetic 5W-30, will they offer a full synthetic 5w-20?
A: Yes, very soon.
Q. A lot of independents offer different types of oil changes to include full synthetics - to be completely competitive I suggest we offer the same but at a competitive price ?
A. With Motorcraft 5W-20, you can now offer a synthetic blend oil change at a very competitive price. Also, if you have customers who demand full synthetic motor oils, we have a Full Synthetic 5W-30 and will have a Full Synthetic 5W-20 soon.
Q. I have been using a Full Synthetic oil can I switch to Motorcraft 5W-20 Premium Synthetic Blend without damaging the seals?
A. The technical answer is, it depends on the particular formulation. The way a rubber/elastomer reacts to base oils depends on the type of elastomer (i.e. fluorcarbon, silicon, etc) and the make-up of the base oil (how much unsaturated molecule, aromatic vs olefinic etc). Back in the early days of synthetic formulations, mostly PolyAlphaOlefin (PAO) base oils were used. These typically do not cause seals to swell up (which helps with sealing capabilities as long as it does not cause too much swelling). Once early formulators realized this, another chemical called a seal swell was added to solve the problem. There still is a little bit of an issue with it if the seal has not swelled enough, will a lower viscosity fluid leak - and how will very low temperatures effect the seal/oil interface. The seal may be too brittle or contract too much at temperatures approaching -25F resulting in leaks. It's an inexact science, but for the most part all these issues have been taken into account during formulating today's oils.
The bottom line for Motorcraft is the semi-synthetic 5W-20 and the 'normal' 5W-30/10W-30 are made from very similar type base oils and have identical additive systems (the percentages change a bit), so we would not expect any sealing issues by going from one to the other.
Our full synthetics are a little different, but again we would not expect any problems.
Q. With the additives in 5W-20 motor oils, is there a need to use aftermarket oil by-products that claim to increase engine performance and durability, eg. BG and MOC?
A. The short answer--Never add other aftermarket additives to Motorcraft oil. Much care is put into formulating engine oils. Many of the aftermarket additives upset the balance of our fully formulated oils and can actually degrade our oils' performance.
A. The long answer--The biggest danger involved with the addition of supplemental additives to our motor oils is that the actual impact on the performance of our oil becomes somewhat of an unknown. The additives we put in our product are a carefully balanced combination of chemicals that allow the motor oil to provide complete protection for the consumer's engine under the entire spectrum of possible operating environment and engine load conditions.
The additive components contained in our motor oils include such things as viscosity modifiers; pour depressants, friction modifiers, anti-wear compounds, anti-oxidants, dispersants, detergents, rust & corrosion inhibitors & a few others. Together with the base stocks, they are designed to impart a host of desired performance characteristics to the finished oil. Some of the chemical compounds used provide for multiple desirable functions. Some provide a desirable level of one function while at the same time degrading some other function. Interactions between compounds can also complicate the balance of the mix.
Another way to ask the question is what specific damage will the use of supplemental additives cause in the engine? This too is somewhat complicated because the answer depends on just what is added to the oil. We will address this from an examples standpoint.
1. The addition of materials that contain supplemental polymers that modify the viscosity characteristics could cause the oil to go out of it's designated viscosity grade resulting in loss of designed fuel economy performance or low temperature flow properties. In extremely cold temperatures, this could lead to catastrophic engine failure if the oil won't pump.
2. The use of additives that use middle distillate type solvent or kerosene as carriers or diluents for their additives may alter the volatility characteristics of the oil resulting in excessive evaporation or loss of viscosity/film strength of the oil. In extreme cases, this could lead to increased wear of engine parts.
3. Additives that contain phosphorus-based compounds (and perhaps others as well) will cause the oil to exceed accepted limits on chemicals that are harmful to the catalyst system when small quantities of oil are burned. These materials could result in premature catalyst failure adversely affecting emissions from the vehicle.
4. For simplicity's sake, "all the rest" example. An additive could contain chemicals that deteriorate oxidation performance or interfere with anti-wear or friction modifiers already in an oil. Loss of oxidation control or the introduction of some foreign materials could cause excessive deposits or sludge to form in the engine accelerating wear or potentially even limiting the flow of oil thru the engine.
Q. What is certification?
A: This refers to the American Petroleum Institute's Engine Oil Licensing and Certification System (EOLCS) by which marketers are licensed to put either the familiar "donut" or the "Starburst" on the container, indicating what level of performance can be expected from the oil. Additional information on motor oil certification can be found at API website
www.api.org and searching for EOLCS.
Q. How do brands achieve certification?
A: The oil marketers must test their formulations using a number of grueling laboratory and engine dynamometer tests to verify that the oil meets requirements. Once this has been accomplished, API will license those formulations as meeting the latest specifications. API has been doing this for many years and the process, while being improved at times, has withstood the test of time and has created a means of identifying oil quality in the marketplace.
Q. What will happen to oil pricing of other brands as they achieve certification? This will be important to stop dealer defection to cheaper bulk oils.
A: Each new specification (e.g. GF-3 replacing GF-2) brings with it increases in performance of the motor oil. In a very broad sense, this obviously means the oil formulations also get costlier, as better base oils and improved performance additive systems are used. Therefore it is important to make sure you are using oils of the same level of performance when comparing them. For example it would be unfair to compare pricing of an SAE 5W-30 GF-2 oil with an SAE 5W-30 GF-3 oil. In addition, viscosity grade also makes a difference: in general an SAE 5W-20 is costlier to make than an SAE 5W-30, which is costlier than an SAE 10W-30. For the Motorcraft® SAE 5W-20 specification, Ford has chosen to increase the performance level beyond that required for meeting GF-3; so again care must be exercised in any comparison.
Q. Are we going to go back to the good (smelly) friction modifier?
A: We are investigating bringing back the old smelly friction modifier due to customer feedback. We have dyno and field-tested present friction modifier and it shows equivalent performance.
Q. Wouldn't it be more cost effective to just recommend some national brands for bulk oil, and drop the Motorcraft name? Ford isn't in the oil business. We could offer the consumer a more cost effective oil change without Ford's mark up.
A: Motorcraft is in the oil business and we're here to stay. Motorcraft is competitively priced with other national brands of oil. We believe offering Motorcraft branded Oils and Lubricants that are designed, engineered and recommended by Ford Motor Company for Ford, Lincoln and Mercury vehicles is highly desirable to many customers and dealers alike. This has been validated by our year-over-year growth.
Q. Will there be more uniformity in the future with more vehicles taking the same gear oils and fluids? At the moment it is hard trying to keep account of what oil or lubricants go to what vehicles.
A. We're currently attempting to get rid of complexity in our fluids. Due to variance and vehicle systems, not all current vehicles and current fluids are compatible. Over the next couple of model years, we'll be attempting to get down to one fluid or two if possible as opposed to the multiples you now see.
Q. Have you ever thought of having an interval scheduled for power steering fluid. After all it does wear and gets material in it?
A: Power steering systems and the fluids used in them are designed to be filled for life. No fluid changes necessary unless the system is dismantled.
Q. Can we use re-cycled or re-refined motor oils in Ford Motor Company engines? Will this void the engine warranty?
A: Proper definition is Re-refined oils. As long as they pass the required API testing to meet the latest categories (GF-3/SL and CH-4/SJ) they should be OK. Re-refined oils (not recycled) have come a long way in the last 15 years. The only issue with re-refined oils from the formulator's perspective is you're not starting out with the highest quality base oils so it is harder to make them as good as our Motorcraft formulations. One of the driving forces to use re-refined oils is a federal agency and State of California requirement for large fleets to use re-refined oils.
The term recycled implies other applications for the used oil such as burning in cement kilns for the energy value.
Q. Who makes Motorcraft oils & Lubricants and is it important?
A: Conoco manufactures our main high volume bulk and packaged products and many of our lower volume packaged products come from Excelda Manufacturing who has several 2nd tier suppliers. The supplier is not as important as the specification and the performance of the final product. What is important is that Motorcraft oil is blended to FCSD's specification, which exceeds the minimum industry specifications for ILSAC GF-3 (API SL) for gasoline engines; ILSAC CH-4 (API SJ) for our Diesel Oils and even exceeds the Ford specification. It is the only oil that can truly claim it is Designed, Engineered and Recommended by Ford Motor Company, for your Ford, Lincoln, or Mercury vehicle. No other motor oil or lubricant can make this claim.
Q. Where can I find a list of competitive oil and lubricant manufactures and products that do not meet our specifications?
A: Ford does not keep a list of competitors products that do not meet our specifications. It is the competitive products responsibility to prove they meet manufactures and industry requirements and so document them on their labels and product information.
I can't think of a major brand that doesn't meet our specification.
Next, it is the customer's or servicing agent's responsibility to ensure the oil they use to service a Ford vehicle under warranty meets our specification. They would find this out on the label of the bottle or in the product information provided by the other oil company.
If engine damage happens in a vehicle using a non-Motorcraft product, warranty would only be denied if it could be proven the oil failed causing the damage. Mere use of competitive products does not void a customers new car warranty.
Q. What ingredients does Motorcraft use to make its products?
A. Performance is what is important, not what goes in. Using the same ingredients a good cook bakes a terrific cake and the bad one bakes a disaster. Also, we do not want to divulge formulation 'trade secrets' no matter how well intentioned the request maybe.
Q. Why does Wal-Mart have Motorcraft® SAE 5W-20, other oils and filters so much cheaper than dealers can buy them?
A. Oil and Filter change is the number one Do-It-Yourself repair. Many Ford Motor Company customers are avid Do-It-Yourselfers. Some may purchase required products from our franchised dealerships, however, most prefer to purchase products available at mass merchandisers. If our product is not available they will buy other brands available at these retailers. Ford Motor Company has an obligation to the EPA to ensure all of our customers have access to this new oil and Wal-Mart is one of several retailers carrying Motorcraft® products.
Ford wants to make sure these customer have the ability to buy the OE part for their car in this case oil and Filters. If our filters and oils are not available the customer will grab what ever else is at this store... Fram, Group-7, Purolator, Pennzoil, etc. They will most likely not go to the dealer to get it.
Most dealers would agree if they can not sell the part, they would still rather the customer buy Motorcraft parts as to buy some other brand. These other brands do not have any residual benefit to the Mother company benefiting the dealer in other ways.
Next, we need to understand Wal-mart picks up their oil and filters in their own trucks, in truckload quantities, so Ford does not pay freight. Also, Wal-Mart and mass merchant retailers Motorcraft sells do not get the benefit of Ford-to-dealer programs such as Advertising, AWA, TAP, Field personnel calling on them, and the ability to order in small amounts. These financial benefits have been un-bundled from the cost to these mass merchant retailers, who can only buy in truckload quantities.
Also, some mass-merchant type retailers use these types of products as loss leaders to entice customers into their stores. Ford cannot mandate prices.
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