Motorcraft 5w20 Synthetic Blend Base Oil Research

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Is Motorcraft oil good? UOA's consistently say yes, but what is in it that makes it so good?

Ford has consistently held for the years the top spot for R&D spending in the world.

http://spectrum.ieee.org/images/dec05/images/rdf1.pdf

Ford powertrain engineering works very closely with its suppliers to insure there is a quality standard that is consistent with their product specifications.

MC 5w20 Base Oil (MSDS): http://www.fcsdchemicalsandlubricants.com/Main/msds/us173219us.pdf

HIGHLY REFINED MINERAL OIL 8042-47-5D 60-100%
ZINC COMPOUND 7440-66-6Z 0.5-1.5%

Let's start with the base oil. Highly refined base oil could be Group II/II+ or III, but more importantly is its purity and lubricating properties. Castrol, Valvoline, etc that are synthetic use Group III HC derived base oil CAS#64742-54-7 (DISTILLATES (PETROLEUM),HYDROTREATED HEAVY PARAFFINIC. http://msds.ashland.com/msds-ext/msdsDow...archHC&id=4

So what is the difference between 8042-47-5 and 64742-54-7? One thing we know is that the quality of a hydrotreated derived synthetic base oil depends on its purity, viscosity index, and level of saturation (hydrogen/no double bonds).

Finding this information was very difficult, but found some ecological studies based on motor oil.

So click on the link and go to pg. 42. http://www.petroleumhpv.org/docs/lube_oils/lubeoils_robustsummary_March 24 .pdf

Here you will see both of these base oils compared by their Physico-chemical properties (HBO = 64742-54-7/Synthetic GrpIII) (WTO 8042-47-5). Note:The pour point listed under WTO should be -15C. You can see this in the report on pg. 5 or pg.82 attachment 1 and also on the Conoco/Phillips site.

Notice on pg. 43 the 60% distribution of paraffins for WTO relative to HBO. This is a property you want in a lubricating fluid (Van der Waal/London Forces). Next notice that WTO contains no aromatics due to the harsh/severe hydrotreating relative to HBO. Another property of superior lubricating fluid and purity. Finally, notice that WTO does not contain impurities Furfural, S, N, etc. In fact, WTO is not toxicologically significant. Because of its purity, it can be pharmaceuticas/food grade upon certification.

Impurities in conventional lubricants leave deposits in engines. WTO is pure, more pure than HBO which is what most synthetic motor oil are based.
Motorcraft site also mentions the purity of this base oil. Unusual because very hard to find motor oils that use this base stock outside of Conoco/Phillips, Petro Canada.

The hallmark of a synthetic is its inherent VI. Click on http://www.petroleumhpv.org/docs/lube_oils/lubeoils_testplan_March 24 Final .pdf
Go to pg. 8 physical properties. Here you will see the KV for HBO & WTO.

VI for WTO (8042-47-5) b]108[/b]
VI for HBO (64742-54-7) 97

So the base oil in MC5w20 has a higher VI than the synthetic base oil that most other synthetics utilize.

Now, I am aware that there are formulations and base oils are only part of the equation. But the effort is only to demonstrate the difference in base oils used by Motorcraft and the other synthetics.

Then there is the additive package. Notice that Motorcraft is using some other form of Zn? ZDDP competes in certain base fluids (esters). May also explain the use of Boron; again Motorcraft is not using the standard Boro-Nitride. Perhaps some of the newer sophisticated organic AW/EP additives. I believe Ford is giving every effort to go as green as possible and is developing some new technologies.

I'm convinced that MC5w20 is more of a bargain that we thought it was for $11.50/5 gal. container at WM. So if it's that good, then why isn't priced higher. There is no marketing advertisement of Motorcraft oil, cuts into FCSD margins in order for Ford to push 5w20.

Q. Does the difference in price between Motorcraft® SAE 5W-20 and SAE 5W-30 really reflect a better oil?

A: Yes, Motorcraft® SAE 5W-20 is a better oil than Motorcraft® SAE 5W-30. However, in response to Dealer Council Ford Motor Company has priced Motorcraft® SAE 5W-20 Premium Synthetic Blend Motor Oil exactly the same as Motorcraft® SAE 5W-30 Super Premium Motor Oil if you purchase it in BULK, 55-GALLON DRUMS, or the 5-QUART JUG. Only individual quart bottles of Motorcraft® SAE 5W-20 cost more than Motorcraft® SAE 5W-30. Again, the better base oils, and increased additives such as friction modifiers and anti-oxidants used to formulate for the performance levels in the SAE 5W-20 do cost more, and reflect the significant increase in performance.


By the way, I don't work for Ford. I just think they have a great product.

So what do you all think? Does this make sense? I used to work as a research scientist (chemist) at SWRI, so I find this stuff fascinating but lately has taken too much of my time.
 
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To much information
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I have used MC 5W-20 in my Honda since 2003.From what I have read elsewhere, Ford worked closely with Conoco-Phillips to develop their Motorcraft 5W-20. Thank you for the post of various sites to study for more info. FWIW Oldtommy
 
so your looking at MC full synthetic then if it's Group III. Yes a very good oil especially for the price. I can buy Kendall full syn for 3.20 a qt right now to. Mixing apples to apples I would quite jump to say 5-20 is better then 5-30.....Apples to Apples.

Yes oil weight has alot to do with what the manufatures would like to see you use, but Climate also plays a huge roll. Especially where it's 120 degrees in the summer.

Good post, we all know MC is a quality product with likely the best pricepoint in the industry. I use the syn blend in our 07, but just picked up some Kendall full syn for the next go round ( Same as MC full syn )
 
Intersting, but I will never crack the nut of the witchcraft of base oil blending for motorcars. Purity, I'll take 4x distilled vodka v. 3x*. if its going in the gut; if in the motor, I suppose there is a limit in the blend and additisation where impurities would impede the desired properties of the lubricant - but what is this limit and how much am I willing to pay extra for it? Moot argument as the oil wont be food grade after residing in the crackcase for a few hundred hours, how much unused oil is added to the environment?

* Rethinking this, give me some dirtied Scotch Whiskey instead!
 
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From what I have taken from everything I have read is that it takes better base stocks and additives to make a 5w20 than to make a 5w30.

The interesting part is if Ford is actually choosing an additive package and telling a distributor how to manufacture it.

Now THAT would be interesting data to review. Although I doubt I would understand it.
 
Ford delivers tremendous value. The more I read about the company the more I realize they know what they're doing. The Motorcraft filters, spark plug wires and this semi-synthetic are all about the best of their kind for the money.

It's impressive.
 
Originally Posted By: Art_Vandelay
Ford delivers tremendous value. The more I read about the company the more I realize they know what they're doing. The Motorcraft filters, spark plug wires and this semi-synthetic are all about the best of their kind for the money.

It's impressive.


+1
 
My sig says it all about ford, not to mention they pull a profit and deliver great vehicles. Cant wait until the 6.7 diesel is back to being a ford engine. 6.0 have kept me in business for awhile though.
 
Originally Posted By: daves87rs
Originally Posted By: Art_Vandelay
Ford delivers tremendous value. The more I read about the company the more I realize they know what they're doing. The Motorcraft filters, spark plug wires and this semi-synthetic are all about the best of their kind for the money.

It's impressive.


+1


+2.
I saw an article about the 2010 Fusion in todays NY Post (or maybe it was The NY Daily News since I looked at both papers at lunchtime). It really is an impressive car and the new 2.5 4 cyl. delivers more power AND better fuel economy than the previous 2.3. They really liked the 6 spd manual version.
At least one American car company is competing...
 
Ireally like the new Fusion as well. May trade my Mazda 3 for one down the road. As for the MC 5w20, this is great info as I just changed both cars oil over to it two days ago.
 
modularv8 - That is a LOT of homework! Thank you.
My clues to how good MC is is from UOAs, and simply how darn clear it is out of the bottle.
 
Let me first say, I've used MC 5w20 in an 01 Civic since new. It was the first 5w20 that I can remember finding for DIY in 5qt. jugs at Wally World. The first 5w20 that said syn blend, and always been a great value. Just a couple points though.

Quote:
Q. Does the difference in price between Motorcraft® SAE 5W-20 and SAE 5W-30 really reflect a better oil?

A: Yes, Motorcraft® SAE 5W-20 is a better oil than Motorcraft® SAE 5W-30. However, in response to Dealer Council Ford Motor Company has priced Motorcraft® SAE 5W-20 Premium Synthetic Blend Motor Oil exactly the same as Motorcraft® SAE 5W-30 Super Premium Motor Oil if you purchase it in BULK, 55-GALLON DRUMS, or the 5-QUART JUG. Only individual quart bottles of Motorcraft® SAE 5W-20 cost more than Motorcraft® SAE 5W-30. Again, the better base oils, and increased additives such as friction modifiers and anti-oxidants used to formulate for the performance levels in the SAE 5W-20 do cost more, and reflect the significant increase in performance.

Though initially not the case, NOW and for some time, both the 5w20 and the 5w30 NOW say synthetic blend. IMO, I would consider both viscosities equally good. Many BITOGers lament the fact that the 5w30 doesn't come in the less expensive jugs.

As for the price, at Wally World all the MC viscosities in qts. cost the same, ~$2.77.

Depending on your vehicle's recommended oil spec, one could use any of the MC syn blend viscosities with confidence. The 5w20 in jugs is the best value though.
 
Originally Posted By: pbm
Originally Posted By: daves87rs
Originally Posted By: Art_Vandelay
Ford delivers tremendous value. The more I read about the company the more I realize they know what they're doing. The Motorcraft filters, spark plug wires and this semi-synthetic are all about the best of their kind for the money.

It's impressive.


+1


+2.
I saw an article about the 2010 Fusion in todays NY Post (or maybe it was The NY Daily News since I looked at both papers at lunchtime). It really is an impressive car and the new 2.5 4 cyl. delivers more power AND better fuel economy than the previous 2.3. They really liked the 6 spd manual version.
At least one American car company is competing...


+3
 
Originally Posted By: Art_Vandelay
The Motorcraft filters, spark plug wires and this semi-synthetic are all about the best of their kind for the money.

It's impressive.


I would have to give the nod to PACKARD for best ignition wire hands down - even many Japanese Mfg use them as OEM. The Fords do feel robust in hand though. Dilectric leakage is another issue though. Secondary wires are going the way of the do-do. Esp on a Diesel
wink.gif
 
Originally Posted By: ARCOgraphite
Originally Posted By: Art_Vandelay
The Motorcraft filters, spark plug wires and this semi-synthetic are all about the best of their kind for the money.

It's impressive.


I would have to give the nod to PACKARD for best ignition wire hands down - even many Japanese Mfg use them as OEM. The Fords do feel robust in hand though. Dilectric leakage is another issue though. Secondary wires are going the way of the do-do. Esp on a Diesel
wink.gif



Which Japanesse manufactures use Packard wires ?

I've only seen them on GM's.

My Camry uses Sumitomo wires.
 
Outstanding oil.. and Excellent car the 2010 is. We got a 2.5L SEL, 302A package with Nav in Sept and get 31.6 MPG.
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