J.Boswell

I have a 2006 F150 4.6L and I am looking to switch over to amsoil from other average synthetic oils as i just had my engine replaced for free and would like to start out ob the right foot so to speak. I went to their website and amsoil recommended their 0W-20 for "maximum performance" followed by their 5W-20 Extended Life for "performance plus" and their 5W-20 OE for "performance".

What I am confused about is if I'm not mistaken the owner's manual calls for 5W-20. Why would amsoil recommend a 0W-20 oil?

They also gave me four different options for an oil filter (two of one type and two of another type). I am looking to get the first type of filter, the 25,000 mile filter, but I have no idea what the difference is between the two 25k mile filters. One model number is EA034 and the other is EA011 in case anyone has run into this dilemma as well.

I'm just wondering which oil and filter to buy. Any advice would be appreciated.

SAWMAN556

IMO, Mobil 1 and a K&N filter.

J.Boswell

Mobil 1 doesn't compare to amsoil. Not even close. That's what I used in my old engine.

2010FX4F150GILROY

First you need to understand the numbers and what they mean... When you see a W on a viscosity rating it means that this oil viscosity has been tested at a Colder temperature. The numbers without the W are all tested at 210° F or 100° C which is considered an approximation of engine operating temperature. In other words, a SAE 30 motor oil is the same viscosity as a 10w-30 or 5W-30 at 210° (100° C). The difference is when the viscosity is tested at a much colder temperature. For example, a 5W-30 motor oil performs like a SAE 5 motor oil would perform at the cold temperature specified, but still has the SAE 30 viscosity at 210° F (100° C) which is engine operating temperature. This allows the engine to get quick oil flow when it is started cold verses dry running until lubricant either warms up sufficiently or is finally forced through the engine oil system. The advantages of a low W viscosity number is obvious. The quicker the oil flows cold, the less dry running.

J.Boswell

So what you're saying is that a 0W-20 oil will flow quicker while cold than a 5W-20 oil, but both will perform the same at regular engine operating temperatures? That might be completely wrong, but that was a lot to take in.

2010FX4F150GILROY

You got it right the first time. Yes at colder temps, 0w flows faster and easier than 5w, however at 210 degrees (operating temp of engine) they both flow the same SAE 20... So when sarting cold you get faster oil flow to critical engine parts and get lubrication where you need it avoiding wear. But there is a down side... I am attaching a website read and it will fill you in on the goods the bads and the OMG that makes sense...
http://www.upmpg.com/tech_articles/motoroil_viscosity/

Frrrd

I used Amsoil full synthetic in my 98 F150 with the EA filter, did annual oil changes. Not only can I recommend it, I HIGHLY recommend it! I got a 5 MPG bump in fuel economy that gradually diminished through the year, my wifes car didn't see such an increase. Her car was still worth it as I changed the oil ONLY once a year.

J.Boswell

Wow I had no idea that motor oil was that in depth. Thanks for sharing that with me. Back to my original question though. It would be safe to use either the 0W-20 or 5W-20 synthetic oil in my truck. 0W-20 would be better though as it will reduce engine wear on start up.

J.Boswell

That's good to know! I will definitely be ordering amsoil. Now just to figure out which oil filter to use as there are two of the same type that supposedly fit my truck. Haha.

Frrrd

I just used the recommended oil on the Amsoil website. My wifes car used 0w 20.