First post. I have an 02 Ranger with the 2.3l duratec I4 and an M5OD manual transmission (with 94000 miles), and as well I live in Austin TX. Its important to note for my following questions that the duratec in the Ranger does not have a balance shaft or VVT (so viscosity wont affect cam alignment).
Up until recently, Ive been happy with running a Motorcraft FL400S filter with Mobil 1 5w20 oil. 5w20 is whats stamped on the oil fill cap, and so I roll with it.
But I also believe oil should be chosen for the use and location of the vehicle. Austin can get brutal hot in the summer- often for weeks in the summer it will stay over 100 deg F. In the winter, it might get into the teens, but never below that. I live just north of Austin, right at the beginning of hill country- plenty of long climbs up hillsides, and this in 100+ weather. To top it all off- its a truck, not a car. I carry loads periodically (like motorcycles- no towing), and so the engine is placed under higher strains.
I do not intend to start a viscosity debate, but given the temperatures here and the use of the vehicle, would I be better served switching to 5w30 oil? I am torn since on the one hand I find it highly likely manufacturers might recommend 5w20 oil for reasons not in our best interest, while on the other I am not conceded enough to think I know better than the engineers who designed my engine. I think finally that towing a 500 pound motorcycle up a hillside in 100+ temp weather might be better suited to a 30 weight oil. My only concern is whether 5w30 will be too thick to reach all the tight clearances in this pretty modern engine.
Also, Ive recently read here about Purolator and now Motorcraft FL400S media tearing- so now I want to use something else. So basically, im looking for advice on filter selection as well. I do have a few musts: silicon valve, sufficient flow rate, and solid filtering efficiency (at least on par with the FL400S).
While ive avoided Fram like the plague, Ive heard that the Fram ultra uses a silicon valve and has like 99% @ 20 micron efficiency, though I havent been able to find flow rate information. Im unsure if this is wasteful though- I am one of those types that cant stay off the drain plug for over 5k. The FL400S was fine for this interval- but the Ultra seems to be a waste for a 5k interval. Any similar filters that more closely meet my needs and desired interval?
Basically my thought is this:
Mobil 1 5w30 with Fram Ultra filter unless you guys think otherwise.
Any advice?
Up until recently, Ive been happy with running a Motorcraft FL400S filter with Mobil 1 5w20 oil. 5w20 is whats stamped on the oil fill cap, and so I roll with it.
But I also believe oil should be chosen for the use and location of the vehicle. Austin can get brutal hot in the summer- often for weeks in the summer it will stay over 100 deg F. In the winter, it might get into the teens, but never below that. I live just north of Austin, right at the beginning of hill country- plenty of long climbs up hillsides, and this in 100+ weather. To top it all off- its a truck, not a car. I carry loads periodically (like motorcycles- no towing), and so the engine is placed under higher strains.
I do not intend to start a viscosity debate, but given the temperatures here and the use of the vehicle, would I be better served switching to 5w30 oil? I am torn since on the one hand I find it highly likely manufacturers might recommend 5w20 oil for reasons not in our best interest, while on the other I am not conceded enough to think I know better than the engineers who designed my engine. I think finally that towing a 500 pound motorcycle up a hillside in 100+ temp weather might be better suited to a 30 weight oil. My only concern is whether 5w30 will be too thick to reach all the tight clearances in this pretty modern engine.
Also, Ive recently read here about Purolator and now Motorcraft FL400S media tearing- so now I want to use something else. So basically, im looking for advice on filter selection as well. I do have a few musts: silicon valve, sufficient flow rate, and solid filtering efficiency (at least on par with the FL400S).
While ive avoided Fram like the plague, Ive heard that the Fram ultra uses a silicon valve and has like 99% @ 20 micron efficiency, though I havent been able to find flow rate information. Im unsure if this is wasteful though- I am one of those types that cant stay off the drain plug for over 5k. The FL400S was fine for this interval- but the Ultra seems to be a waste for a 5k interval. Any similar filters that more closely meet my needs and desired interval?
Basically my thought is this:
Mobil 1 5w30 with Fram Ultra filter unless you guys think otherwise.
Any advice?
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