Hey everyone. First, I want to tell everyone thanks for the great information in this forum. I have learned so much. I know there is still a ton of information out there. Here is the question. I have a 1992 Ford Ranger with a 2.3l four cylinder. It has 132,000 miles on in right now. For years I have been running Castrol GTX 10W40 on the reccomendation of my dad. The other day I was reading the owner's manual only to discover that they recommend 5W30. Should I run the 5W30 or do you think that 10W30 would be a better choice given the miles on the truck? Additionally, the truck does not leak or burn any oil and I was considering the switch to synthetic. Would this be ill advised for a truck with this many miles, and if so, would there be any advantage to runnning a blend? I need for this truck to last at least until I get out of college (about 1.5 more years). Unfortunately UOA is not an option at this time due to the lack of funds. One final note, I do live in Texas where it rarely gets colder than about 30*F. Thanks for all the information posted here and thanks in advance for all your replies.
Which oil for my truck?
- Thread starter stdwdh16
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5W-30 or 10W-30 at operating temps will be approx. the same. Try a one of the 30's and see if you get consumption. If not then be happy. If do go back.
Hi,
I'd run 10w30 GTX and you may see a little improvement in gas mileage.
Since your winter is not a issue, I'd run the 10w-30 year round.
If you change out the oil and filter every 4-5k miles, you'll have no problems with the GTX.
I'd save the $$ and not run a blend or Syn. Those oils do not protect any more or less in your engine.
Take care, Bill
PS: BTW:
I'd run 10w30 GTX and you may see a little improvement in gas mileage.
Since your winter is not a issue, I'd run the 10w-30 year round.
If you change out the oil and filter every 4-5k miles, you'll have no problems with the GTX.
I'd save the $$ and not run a blend or Syn. Those oils do not protect any more or less in your engine.
Take care, Bill
PS: BTW:
You will be fine with 5w30 or 10w30 here in Texas. Like Bill in Utah said... Just change between 4k and 5k with a good filter and you will be fine.
Yup what the guy above said. I prefer 5w30 but if 10w30 is more available that's fine too.
Thanks to everyone for the replies and recommendations.
Hey there, I have a 96 Ranger with the 2.3. Ford has actually back spec'd my engine for 5W20. I don't know if that goes back to the 92's or not. However I think that should mean that 5W30 would be fine without a doubt. When I got mine (which was to get me through college as well) it had 123K miles on it and I switched to synthetic with no issues. It has 164K on it now and still not burning oil. Just had issues with the cooling system though. Make sure you keep that flushed out. Unfortunately for me the previous owner did nothing for the cooling system. Its a good reliable truck though and that 2.3 engine is all Iron and very durable. Good luck
I would keep running 10w40 in it unless you install a good oil pressure gauge and it gets spec oil pressure on 10w30. Go with a robust 10w30. In your area you could run straight 30 which is available in Maxlife.
I'd switch to 5W-30 conventional oil Havoline.
We'll a trip to the parts store myde my decision for me. I was intent on buying Castrol GTX 10W30, but while browsing I found Motorcraft 10W30 on the shelf. It was cheaper and a semi-synthetic which can't hurt right? I figure with the average weather down here and the miles on my truck I am doing the right thing. Thanks to everyone for the advice. By the way, I may be able to get a UOA after all (birthday cash bonus). Who would your recommend? What is the average cost?
Blackstone Labs is one of the more popular labs for a UOA, they are a BITOG site sponsor as well. You can get a free test kit from them here:
http://www.blackstone-labs.com/free_test_kit.html
MoCraft 10-30 is an excellent choice.
MoCraft makes a great oil.
Wal-Mart has the 5-qt jugs for $10.
MoCraft makes a great oil.
Wal-Mart has the 5-qt jugs for $10.
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