Conflicting Info on oil weight for Truck
 

I downloaded the manual for my 2000 F-150 (5.4L) and it states to use 5W-20. While doing my oil change I noticed a sticker on the fan shroud that says to use 5W-30.

Which is it Ford?

My thought was that since it is a Canadian truck, they suggest a different weight.

Thoughts?

PS. I purchased the truck used, so I do not have the original manual in the glove box.

either way it wont hurt it and I run 5w-30 in my 2000 5.4 L and I don't have any problems

Originally the motors were specd for 5w30 which was later back specd to 5w20 which is why there are the differences. Use a 5w20 with confidence in the 2 valve motors. Now which 5w20 is a whole different issue.

I had the same dilemma. But since my 99 says 5w-30 I can only assume that is what the PO had been putting in it, so thats what I stick with.

thats what I use and i've racked up 41,000 since I bought it so now its at 163,000 and I live in southdakota and its been as low as -30 so it doesnt hurt anything

Both a 5w30 and 5w20 are similar viscosity at cold temperature. The difference comes in at operating temps. So -30 in a 5w20 or 5w30 really isn't the difference.

ok and it dosent seem to mater either way on mine

Thanks for the replies. Its just good to know why there is two recommendations. I will stick with the 5W-20 since my mazda 3 takes the same oil (buy in bulk).

I use a castrol syntec (full synthetic) and have had good results (or more correctly no bad results).

Due to CAFE and energy conservation Ford back spec'd everything to 5w20- if you tow or just work your truck hard, you are better off with a 5w30 as it maintains its shear strength better at high temps and functions the same at cold flow. IMO the extra .00002 mpg isn't worth it, I run 5w30 in all my fords.