Oil, sorry to bring this up... :(

[Breadfan]

Ok, first off, I've been searching this topic with no conclusive answer. At the same time I've heard a lot from both camps and I'm no closer to making my decision.

I have noticed some of the other threads have become a tad heated and gone into a fair amount of personal opinion. So if I can, I'd like to lay this out so there's a few ground rules.

#1. Would prefer FACTS and opinions if made based on factual info or experience.

#2. No getting upset at each other!

Ok, so yes this is about OIL. 5w20 or 5w30/0w30.

Here's what I've heard: I've heard Ford uses 5w20 only for CAFE purposes to help keep their gas guzzler taxes to a minimum. It's used primarily to meet regulations and help them save a few bucks.

I've also heard it's too thin an oil to be a good protectant of the engine.

I've also heard some say that in our 4.6 engine a 30w oil will be too thick and not oil the engine sufficiently. (This I personally find a bit difficult to believe, but given the facts would change my mind.)

I know 30w oil will technically void my warranty.

I'm under the impression 20w oil will protect my engine better.

I have 18,000 miles now, so I'm plenty broke in.

I want a full synthetic, either Mobil 1 or Amsoil/Royal Purple

I highly doubt my engine will explode before 36,000 miles, then again I've heard some people have this happen. Anyone know WHY it happens? Obviously that could be a concern, again, based on facts.

If my engine isn't going to explode before my warranty period is up (I got about a year left) then I'd prefer to take the risk of voiding my warranty to provide my engine iwth the best protection possible.

My future plans are to keep the car indefinitely, so I expect a great number of miles on the engine. So synthetic and good protection is a must. I also plan to Trilogy it one of these days, and I'm serious when I say that.

So all things being equal, my preference is engine logevity over warranty. I understand what goes along with that.

Given my preference, which oil is BEST in terms of ENGINE PROTECTION.

Thank you.

(Sorry if this post is beating a dead horse, but as I mentioned I've not come to a clear answer based on past discussions. I'd like this to spell out the benefits of both 20w and 30w in terms of warranty concerns and best engine protection.)

Looks like I'm doing an oil change Sunday before a long trip. I want what's best for my Marauder.

[RF Overlord]

Breadfan, be on the lookout for a PM...

[Fourth Horseman]

I don't believe it's a fact that 30w oil will void your warranty. It's been stated here previously that the manual recommends 5w20, but does not require it.

It's also a fact that Ford OHC engines from just a few years ago all recommended 30w. Did something change inside the engines to make 30w too heavy? I doubt it, but that's just an opinion. What I can say as fact, however, is that with Mobil 1 5w30 you will hear no unusual valve-train noise. The lubricant is doing its job.

That's all I've got to say on an oily thread. ;)

[MENINBLK]

Hi Breadfan and welcome to MM.net.

There isn't a very big difference between 5W20 and 5W30.
Mobil 1 never came in a 5W20 so they made a 0W20 grade,
and it was approved for FORD 5W20 use.

Now the Mobil 1 5W30 is gone because those knuckleheads came out
with these new Synthetic oils that claim to be good for 5,000, 7,500, and 15,000 miles.

I have been using Mobil 0W20 since my Marauder was new, with a K&N HP-2010 oil filter.
I have been very satisfied with my results so far.
My last oil change was with Mobil 1 5W30 and I didn't notice anything different.
The MPG is still the same, the pressure is still the same,
and the engine runs and sounds the same.
I am sending a sample in to Blackstone Labs, so if anything shows up different,
I'll let you know.

What's more important than what you use, is how often you change it.
You can use whatever you like and whatever fits in your budget,
as long as you religiously change it at regular intervals.

This also goes for your Coolant, Transmission Oil, Power Steering Oil, Brake Fluid, and Differential Oil.
They all have a lifespan, and its not 'for the life of the vehicle' as FORD states.

[fastblackmerc]

Welcome to the best car site on the net.

I just changed my oil and went with Redline 5w30. I was using Motorcraft 5W20 (semi-syn) but the $3.00 / quart for the Redline was too good to pass up and I'll be driving to Fla. in a few weeks so I figure the heavier oil will be better for the constant 70+mph. I believe the thinnner weight oil is used because of the closer tolerences our engines are machined to. The old 10w40 just won't cut it. Just keep on using a good quality oil, filter and change regularly.