5w-30 oil in the 5.4 3v a good idea?
#351
Been using 10-30 Mobil one for about 50,000 miles before changing from the recommended oil I was using about 1 qt every oil change(5000) Now I am using nothing. What I put in is what I get out and I have over 200000 on the clock. I have changed the VT's and done what you and many suggest here. This 5.4 is a great engine. Any suggestions on whether I should get a certain type of Timing chain and components other then the OEM version from Ford? Going to have it done this winter.
#352
Senior Member
Been using 10-30 Mobil one for about 50,000 miles before changing from the recommended oil I was using about 1 qt every oil change(5000) Now I am using nothing. What I put in is what I get out and I have over 200000 on the clock. I have changed the VT's and done what you and many suggest here. This 5.4 is a great engine. Any suggestions on whether I should get a certain type of Timing chain and components other then the OEM version from Ford? Going to have it done this winter.
Dont get OEM, those are "made to spec" Get FoMoCo parts only. Heres the timing/cam phaser kit made by FoMoCo. Most OEM Kits don't include chains
http://www.ebay.com/itm/171375157893?_trksid=p2055119.m1438.l2649&ssPageName=STRK%3AMEBIDX%3AIT
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ceasefire49 (10-09-2014)
#353
Definitely stick with all factory components for the timing set.. Stay far away from dorman..
There are no real "upgrades" for the timing set. MMR does make billet chain guides, but I'm pretty sure they won't fit the 3v, which sucks.. I personally would love to see someone revisit the 3v phasers and make an improvement.. The only thing they would need IMHO opinion is some delrin seals in the veins to soften the blow (impact) of the phaser veins against the phaser body
There are no real "upgrades" for the timing set. MMR does make billet chain guides, but I'm pretty sure they won't fit the 3v, which sucks.. I personally would love to see someone revisit the 3v phasers and make an improvement.. The only thing they would need IMHO opinion is some delrin seals in the veins to soften the blow (impact) of the phaser veins against the phaser body
The following users liked this post:
ceasefire49 (10-09-2014)
The following 2 users liked this post by Especial86:
ceasefire49 (10-10-2014),
Lakisha (10-14-2014)
#356
Thanks!
My truck (2005 with 114,000 miles) had the dreaded knocking noise when at warm idle, had an issue with acceleration from 40-50 mph and needed the plugs changed.
I read through this entire thread trying to come up with a plan... I had the plugs and coils changed (I had a buddy mechanic owe me a favor so labor was free, he only broke 1!). That made it run a little smoother but didn't stop the acceleration problem.
From this thread, I changed out the VCT Solenoids and switched over to Royal Purple 5w-30 oil. I also ran a can of Royal Purple Max-Clean in a tank of gas. The knocking noise is not fully gone but is definitely much quieter and the acceleration problem is completely gone. She is running FANTASTIC now.
I owe a big thanks to this thread and a lot of the contributors to it, you all are awesome!
I read through this entire thread trying to come up with a plan... I had the plugs and coils changed (I had a buddy mechanic owe me a favor so labor was free, he only broke 1!). That made it run a little smoother but didn't stop the acceleration problem.
From this thread, I changed out the VCT Solenoids and switched over to Royal Purple 5w-30 oil. I also ran a can of Royal Purple Max-Clean in a tank of gas. The knocking noise is not fully gone but is definitely much quieter and the acceleration problem is completely gone. She is running FANTASTIC now.
I owe a big thanks to this thread and a lot of the contributors to it, you all are awesome!
#357
Senior Member
I've run 5w30 pennzoil in my 05 since I bought it with 25k miles. I can hear the injectors with the hood open but other than all is quite. I change the oil every 3000 so I can't see any reason to go synthetic.
#358
Moderator (Ret.)
Old thread revivied, so I'll add another comment pertaining to Ford's recomendation of oil viscocity:
On a Mustang forum I also subscribe to, many questioned the 5W-20 oil recommendations by Ford. Sure, the comments pertaining to the new engines tight tolerances was discussed, the CAFE fuel economy requirements placed on auto manufactures, and so on. Then one of our members overseas mentioned that his owners manual stated 5W-30 oil. We found that 5W-20 is not available in some overseas countries, so Ford recommends 5W-30; same engine, same year(s).
So, I'd say with certainty that stepping up to a slightly higher viscosity will not do any harm to your engine, especially those in warmer climates, or those with a few more miles on the odometer.
On a Mustang forum I also subscribe to, many questioned the 5W-20 oil recommendations by Ford. Sure, the comments pertaining to the new engines tight tolerances was discussed, the CAFE fuel economy requirements placed on auto manufactures, and so on. Then one of our members overseas mentioned that his owners manual stated 5W-30 oil. We found that 5W-20 is not available in some overseas countries, so Ford recommends 5W-30; same engine, same year(s).
So, I'd say with certainty that stepping up to a slightly higher viscosity will not do any harm to your engine, especially those in warmer climates, or those with a few more miles on the odometer.
#359
Senior Member
After reading countless threads about the 5w20 vs. 5w30 'controversy', I've come to the following conclusions:
1) The shift to 5w20 was for CAFE reasons.
2) Significant research and development went into your current 5w20 formulations to ensure that they protect well, while giving the CAFE boost 'required'. As well as 5w30, or any other weight? Beats me.
3) Mod motor clearances weren't 'tightened up' for 5w20.
4) While mod motor clearances may not have changed, measures to cool that 5w20 oil have been made (larger sumps, etc.)
5) There is no definitive answer to which is better, 5w20 or 5w30.
6) If you're that torn up over which to use, start doing UOAs and go from there.
7) On a truck driven under normal conditions, if you insist on changing your oil every 5k miles, stick with a semi-syn oil. Some will go the extra step of saying "Save the money and use Motorcraft 5w20 in that situation." I think I agree. I think....
8) Trucks aren't dying because they ran 5w20.
9) Trucks aren't dying because they ran 5w30.
10) Only way to prove that your engine will last longer on 5wXX is to run your engine on both oils simultaneously, and see which one lasts longer. Sounds kinda hard to do.
11) Buy the best oil and filters you can afford, and change it based on a UOA (if desired). Your engine will reward you.
Forgive me while I bury a horse. Your feedback is welcome.
1) The shift to 5w20 was for CAFE reasons.
2) Significant research and development went into your current 5w20 formulations to ensure that they protect well, while giving the CAFE boost 'required'. As well as 5w30, or any other weight? Beats me.
3) Mod motor clearances weren't 'tightened up' for 5w20.
4) While mod motor clearances may not have changed, measures to cool that 5w20 oil have been made (larger sumps, etc.)
5) There is no definitive answer to which is better, 5w20 or 5w30.
6) If you're that torn up over which to use, start doing UOAs and go from there.
7) On a truck driven under normal conditions, if you insist on changing your oil every 5k miles, stick with a semi-syn oil. Some will go the extra step of saying "Save the money and use Motorcraft 5w20 in that situation." I think I agree. I think....
8) Trucks aren't dying because they ran 5w20.
9) Trucks aren't dying because they ran 5w30.
10) Only way to prove that your engine will last longer on 5wXX is to run your engine on both oils simultaneously, and see which one lasts longer. Sounds kinda hard to do.
11) Buy the best oil and filters you can afford, and change it based on a UOA (if desired). Your engine will reward you.
Forgive me while I bury a horse. Your feedback is welcome.
#360
Senior Member
After reading countless threads about the 5w20 vs. 5w30 'controversy', I've come to the following conclusions: 1) The shift to 5w20 was for CAFE reasons. 2) Significant research and development went into your current 5w20 formulations to ensure that they protect well, while giving the CAFE boost 'required'. As well as 5w30, or any other weight? Beats me. 3) Mod motor clearances weren't 'tightened up' for 5w20. 4) While mod motor clearances may not have changed, measures to cool that 5w20 oil have been made (larger sumps, etc.) 5) There is no definitive answer to which is better, 5w20 or 5w30. 6) If you're that torn up over which to use, start doing UOAs and go from there. 7) On a truck driven under normal conditions, if you insist on changing your oil every 5k miles, stick with a semi-syn oil. Some will go the extra step of saying "Save the money and use Motorcraft 5w20 in that situation." I think I agree. I think.... 8) Trucks aren't dying because they ran 5w20. 9) Trucks aren't dying because they ran 5w30. 10) Only way to prove that your engine will last longer on 5wXX is to run your engine on both oils simultaneously, and see which one lasts longer. Sounds kinda hard to do. 11) Buy the best oil and filters you can afford, and change it based on a UOA (if desired). Your engine will reward you. Forgive me while I bury a horse. Your feedback is welcome.