TSB 5w30 vs 5w20 on 98 Expedition

[earlyre]

Originally Posted by dave1251
Originally Posted by PimTac
I wonder what date that bulletin was issued?

For a 20 year old vehicle I would stay with what you have been using.

From what I recall the data was in the early 2000's.

so around the time they back specc'd basically everything to 5w20.

 

[benjy]

that would be big brother-government a 1/4 mpg + a engine that dies sooner!

 

[dave1251]

Originally Posted by benjy
that would be big brother-government a 1/4 mpg + a engine that dies sooner!

.
The simple answer is your off the mark again for around your 2000th time in about 9 years.

 

[madeej11]

Originally Posted by dave1251
Originally Posted by benjy
that would be big brother-government a 1/4 mpg + a engine that dies sooner!

.
The simple answer is your off the mark again for around your 2000th time in about 9 years.

Yep, that's good old dependable benjy.

 

[blupupher]

A part of it is CAFE, but there are some theories that the timing chain tensioners (that are hydraulically actuated by engine oil) react better with a thinner oil, so the back-spec applied to all modular motors.

I am still amazed how ignorant people are thinking that 5w-20 oil will shorten engine life, there are hundreds of thousands of motors with millions (maybe billions) of miles on them running 5w-20 in all kinds of conditions with no oil related issues.

 

[SteveG4]

My large police department runs synthetic 5W-20 in ALL pursuit-rated vehicles. And, this includes older Crown Vics. Cannot be all bad, given the punishment they're put through. Those modular V8's seem to run forever.

Nevertheless, I run 5W-30 or 10W-30 in my Chevy POV's that call for 5W-30.

 

[burla]

nah it's a great idea to go thin when vehicles are 20 years old, everyone should do it. Never mind that all high mileage oils go thicker, just buck the trend. Be a trend setter. 0w16 even better.

 

[burla]

Originally Posted by blupupher
A part of it is CAFE, but there are some theories that the timing chain tensioners (that are hydraulically actuated by engine oil) react better with a thinner oil, so the back-spec applied to all modular motors.

I am still amazed how ignorant people are thinking that 5w-20 oil will shorten engine life, there are hundreds of thousands of motors with millions (maybe billions) of miles on them running 5w-20 in all kinds of conditions with no oil related issues.


Consider the application instead of making a blanket statement? High mileage vehicle that has been on 30 weight for 20 years plus. Not something that can from the dealer on 20 weight built to take 20 weight.

 

[littleant]

20 to 30? It's gotta be a legit engineering issue.
30 to 20? 'Just ignore it'

Perfect answer. Stick with the 5w 30

 

[FastLane]

I run 5W30 in my Mustang 4.6. I'm sure 5W20 won't hurt it but it's easier just to buy 5W30 to share with everything else I own. There is almost no difference. My Mustang burns no oil and no weird noises. It has 195,500 kms on it now.

 

[blupupher]

Originally Posted by burla
Originally Posted by blupupher
A part of it is CAFE, but there are some theories that the timing chain tensioners (that are hydraulically actuated by engine oil) react better with a thinner oil, so the back-spec applied to all modular motors.

I am still amazed how ignorant people are thinking that 5w-20 oil will shorten engine life, there are hundreds of thousands of motors with millions (maybe billions) of miles on them running 5w-20 in all kinds of conditions with no oil related issues.


Consider the application instead of making a blanket statement? High mileage vehicle that has been on 30 weight for 20 years plus. Not something that can from the dealer on 20 weight built to take 20 weight.

I know the application. I have one.
I also know the history of the motor design and the reason for the 5w-20 recommendation.
I was not telling them to use a 5w-20 oil, just answering the question asked.

Also posting the fact that 5w-20 oil in a modular motor will not cause any oil related issues.

 

[dave1251]

Don't worry most of us understood your reply and your reply is sound.

 

[jongies3]

Toyota did the same on my engine too, but I will stick with a 30 and maybe move up to a 40 once it hits 200k. No way I'm putting a 20 in there! Lol