Originally Posted By: Kuato
Originally Posted By: Triton_330
You seem to not understand how much you are exaggerating. And you forget that sometimes beating the dead horse is valuable. This site is for people to discuss oil, and that's what this thread is doing. If you don't like a bit of redundancy, then web forums aren't for you. It's inevitable. So I'd think it best not to cry wolf too early.
The facts:
Factory fill for OP was 5w-20.
OP wants to use 5w-30 and was hoping to find reaffirmation here.
The real question:
Will 5w-30 actually be harmful, and if not, are there any benefits from using it?
The dilemma:
Some would rather put focus on the fact that there are likely no benefits from 5w-30 in this vehicle, but they fail to see that it probably will not cause any harm either.
So what's the answer?
There is no one answer. This is because either oil will work for the OP.
This same topic, admittedly, has been thrown around alot, but maybe it is different for different vehicles. For instance, my truck's engine. It was originally spec'd for 5w-30, and then was backspec'd to 5w-20. I use 5w-30.
Instead of asking "why," ask "why not." If the OP wants to use 5w-30, I honestly think that's fine.
~ Triton
Well said. It is only fair to attempt to be impartial and weigh the information and make a common sense decision.
Yes, the warranty calls for 5w20 and a 30 weight isn't allowed for in the owner's manual - . Yes the FF is 5w20 and the Track Pack specifies 5w50.
I didn't see anyone saying what the Euro or Australian specifications are for this engine. Did anyone bother to look? There are plenty of threads where many other Ford vehicles are supposed to use 5w20 in the US, but overseas are using much heavier weights.
Bottom line question: will 5w30 do harm to the engine? IMO it will not.
I hate to add some confusion.
And I'm not sure what the owners manuals say.
I'm surprised at how much oil is in these things (8.5 litres)
But I just did a quick and dirty check of some different oil company's website recommendations out of curiosity.
Castrol don't make a recommendation, but they refer you to a phone help line.
Valvolene wont make a recommendation, but say to "refer to dealer".
But for the 5.4 litre they say to use a 0w-40 grade.
Shell recommend Helix Ultra in 5w-40 grade for 2008-2009 model years, but nothing after those years. Perhaps it's only for the 5.4 litre engine?
Mobil recommend Mobil 1 in a 0w-20 grade.
Penrite recommend an API SN 5w-20 grade that complies with Ford spec's M2C925-A/M2C930-A/M2C945-A.
And they also recommend an API SN, ILSAC GF-5, GM dexos 1, 5w-30 grade that complies with Ford spec M2C946-A, GM4718M/6094M.
It would seem the options are wide open, and a 5w-30 grade wouldn't necessarily do any harm.
I do note the different Ford spec's, that apply to the different grades of Penrite oil they recommend.
I think Penrite are conservative in their recommendations at this stage in that the 5w-20 grade will be for while the vehicles are still under warranty, whilst still leaving the door open to the use of a thicker oil.
I'd be willing to bet, they would be inclined to drop the thin oil recommendation after the vehicles are out of warranty and just go with the 5w-30 grade(or thicker?) as they are inclined to do.