Mulestang

I don't think any study could ever prove that a single oil type/weight is the best. There are just too many variables when you combine driving style, climate, vehicle useage, etc. I think Motorcraft 5w20 was formulated as the best compromise between the other variables (cost, required fuel economy improvements, wear protection, etc.) When compromises are made, something always gets the shorter end of the stick. At the end of the day, had it not been for CAFE requirements, we'd all probably be running 5w30 as the recommended oil in the 3Vs. That's has to carry some value when considering this subject.

HeathMc

When I asked for sources I wasn't trying to be a smartass I was wondering if he had found something I hadn't heard of because he made his statement as a fact and not an opinion. I personally run 5w30 and have no ticking at 101k miles. I've always ran pennzoil conventional but going to go blend next change. This is by all means a "chicken or egg" question.

'08f150stx

I have read quite a few of these oil related threads. Yes, in each one many members have their own preferences. The question that I have not seen is the one about blend of oil, not brand, and what interval for a 4.6 driver @ 5500 miles a year in the Wi climate. -6 right now and will be much warmer (not African hot, term used in other post). Used to think change by time, not mileage but that was with older engines. What about now?
4.6 and 3.0 almost bullet proof when taken care of, I have had both.
Thanks for any insight on my oil change intervals. (No heavy useage i.e. towing, plowing)

ford4wd08

No one is refuting that 5w-30 can be used in a 3v. I'm sure you can use just about any oil that you would please. Does it means it's best for the engine? Beats me. I am a mechanical engineer, but I won't claim to know which is best and why decisions were made. But I will refute saying that using 5w-20 will destroy your valve train. That is complete garbage. That type of information is what misleads everyone. To make a claim like that you need hard facts and data. You can state your opinion, I mean hell it is your truck after all, but don't sell your opinion as fact.

Mod (Ret.)

^^^ This ^^^

I too will not despute that 5w-30 will make your 5.4 stock or supercharged engine run quieter perhaps; I'm only desputing that 5w-20 will distroy it.

I also own a 2011 Mustang, and on those forums, folks got in a dizzy over using 5w-30; they said it would "detonate" the Ti-VCT if used over time in the newer engines. Said the higher oil pressures it created (say what!) would change the valve timing.

Then someone found that in some European countries, 5w-20 is NOT available for purchase, and that the Ford owner manuals for vehicles sold there state to use 5w-30.

So, I'd say use 5w-20, or 5w-30, whatever works for you. I'd just suggest we be careful in saying one or the other will cause damage.

bwFX42006

I say motorcraft oil and filters forever...I bought my 2006 FX4 SCAB with 40,000 miles on it....no ticks when I bought it. My first oil change I foolishly put Castrol Synthetic Blend in it, then did so for 2 or 3 more oil changes and it started to tick. I switched back to motorcraft and have had no issues since. Still a slight tick can be noticed, and I regret not sticking with motorcraft for most of the miles.

Especial86

iTrader: (1)

Put it this way..
When you compare the 2 oils side by side, which one will statistically ALLOW more wear vs the other? 5w-20 will statistically ALLOW more wear TO POSSIBLY OCCUR on components than 5w-30 at a given HEATED TEMPERATURE.. The variation of information between the 2 oils proves that hands down.
It comes down to film strength in the end, and the 2 oils are very similar. But 5w-30 does (according to the data) provide more shear protection than 5w-20.. What more do you want? A stronger (thicker) film carries debris better than a thinner film, it also helps compression and gives a better buffer against wear..

I wouldn't ever say you are putting the equivalent of sand into your engine when you run 5w-20.. That's just ridiculous.. But I would say you are increasing the level of wear protection when using 5w-30.. History does suggest that the 5.4 3v either wears like a champ or wears terribly. Data collected right here on these forums and through my own experience does also show that many of us higher milage guys are also incidentally running 5w-30 with no problems at to date.. In fact, one might argue that 5w-30 helped us get there..


You could go 300,000 miles on either oil.. Your use of the vehicle dictates everything... The 2 oils are not identical, but they are very close to being the same.. But In my opinion they are not close enough, hence why I run 5w-30..

I'm just glad were not having the formerly consistent argument that 5w-30 is going to completely grenade your motor. So it is reassuring to see that most of us have move passed this point of sheer ignorance.. Neither oil is a death sentence, but 1does protect more than the other..

FrozenTundraGuy

I've been using Mobil 1 since 1st oil change;started with 5W-20, and switched to 0W-20 AFE when it came out. I have 40K on my 5.4L, no ticks or other issues-really quiet. I change oil by time/not miles-so I do average 2 oil changes per year. I'm glad I have the 0W-20, as it was -13 below zero at my house this AM.

ford4wd08

Viscosity is the the only difference between the same grade of oils from the same manufacturer. It's all about the balance of protection and ability to flow. Oil after is also supporting a load of everything it lubricates as well. We are talking about very very small differences here. Ones that most likely won't make a difference in the long run as far as protection, but could add more "friction" to engine and take away from some power. How much, no clue.... Would you notice? It's a possibility. At the end of the day oil is critical in any engine, but most oils are up to the task. The only caveat with a 3v is oil is used to work the VCT system. For that I would rather stick with Motorcraft 5w-20 blend, besides you can't beat the price for it anyhow. It's a no brainer to me. After all, it's your truck, your oil. Do as you please.

wirenut2002

There are only a handful of true synthetic oils like amsoil, Royal purple, my number 1 Enos,
and I know most people are going go to bat for there Mobil1, penzoil, etc.... but the truth is you are still buying a blended oil. I did not say they are bad oils just not actually getting the full deal when you buy these oils