Can I use 5w30 or only 5w20 as it states in manual

Ford Forum Ford Classifieds Photo Gallery Member List Search Ford Recalls Contact FF Sponsors
Ford News Ford Lineup Forum FAQ Calendars Ford TSB's Register Login

Can I use 5w30 or only 5w20 as it states in manual

Printable Version

Ford Forums >> Ford Trucks, Ford Vans & Ford SUV's >> Ford Freestar >> Can I use 5w30 or only 5w20 as it states in manual

Page: [1]

Message

<< Older Topic Newer Topic >>

Can I use 5w30 or only 5w20 as it states in manual - 2/7/2006 2:31:38 PM

jcasaccio

Posts: 23
Score: 0
Joined: 2/7/2006
Status: offline

Just wanted to know if I can safely use 5w30 in my 06 Freestar. Manual says 5w20, but it's hard to get in synthetic. Any ideas?

Thanks!

Post #: 1

RE: Can I use 5w30 or only 5w20 as it states in manual - 6/11/2006 4:13:16 PM

lawranch

Posts: 1
Score: 0
Joined: 6/11/2006
Status: offline

In my opinion and other experts who I have talked to there should be no problem using 5w30. I think Ford uses the thinest oil possible to improve fuel mileage. I personally use the 5w30 in my automobiles because I think it offers a little more protection, especially in these hot driving conditions here in Texas, and any change in fuel consumption is to small to be noticed.

(in reply to jcasaccio)

Post #: 2

RE: Can I use 5w30 or only 5w20 as it states in manual - 6/11/2006 7:15:08 PM

Mulletman

Posts: 343
Score: 0
Joined: 6/2/2006
Status: offline

5W20 is what the engine recommends due to the close bearing tolerances. Use 5W20

< Message edited by Mulletman -- 7/7/2006 2:04:43 PM >

_____________________________

(in reply to lawranch)

Post #: 3

RE: Can I use 5w30 or only 5w20 as it states in manual - 11/21/2006 1:17:58 PM

tomb1269

Posts: 204
Score: 0
Joined: 11/21/2006
Status: offline

I have had difficulty find 5w20 in regular blend oil. I used to use only Valvoline. I have switched to Motorcraft synthetic blend as it seams to be easier to find.....or maybe Walmart just stocks it more regularly. PS I live in New Jersey very few walmarts.

(in reply to Mulletman)

Post #: 4

RE: Can I use 5w30 or only 5w20 as it states in manual - 1/12/2007 6:32:14 AM

Use Common Sense

Posts: 540
Score: 0
Joined: 1/12/2007
Status: offline

Ford started using the 5W-20 to reduce fuel comsumpion in order to meet the CAFE requirements and also to reduce hydrocarbon outputs by up to 400 tons/year. The use of a 5W-30 or 10W-30 motor oil is fine in your engine. I have run AMSOIL 0W-30 in my 04 Limited since new. The lighter oils remove and disapate heat faster than heavier oils. AMSOILs 0W-30, 5W-30 and 10W-30 oils all meet the Ford engine requirements. Engine component clearances are no closer today than what they were 10 years ago. Just use a good quality oil as you get what you pay for.

(in reply to jcasaccio)

Post #: 5

RE: Can I use 5w30 or only 5w20 as it states in manual - 6/20/2007 12:32:31 PM

Jakers

Posts: 40
Score: 0
Joined: 6/20/2007
Status: offline

As a retired engineer I do have to agree with Mulletman as the clearances in an engine have certainly advanced in the last ten years, closer and better machining. Something could be said for better fuel consumption but this IMHO would be very little.
So I am using 5W20 and I do not see any need to use synthetics unless you like to spend more money than necessary.

(in reply to Use Common Sense)

Post #: 6

RE: Can I use 5w30 or only 5w20 as it states in manual - 6/20/2007 9:12:46 PM

Use Common Sense

Posts: 540
Score: 0
Joined: 1/12/2007
Status: offline

Jakers, not to cast any shadows on your response....BUT...you're a retired engineer and you you see no need to use a sythetic lubricant? What are you a retired engineer of? A synthetic is far superior than a petrolium product any day. Even the cheap synthetics are better. The average increase in fuel mileage gained by using a synthetic more than pays for itself. Let alone the numberous other advantages of using a synthetic.

_____________________________

2004 Freestar Limited 4.2 V6 w/Water Injection & Iridium plugs
2008 Mercury Sable 3.5 V6 w/Opened Air Box

AMSOIL Lubricants and Filters in everything

"Have a good day, and a better one tomorrow"

(in reply to Jakers)

Post #: 7

RE: Can I use 5w30 or only 5w20 as it states in manual - 6/21/2007 8:38:30 PM

Jakers

Posts: 40
Score: 0
Joined: 6/20/2007
Status: offline

I sure do not want to get into a discusion about the different oils but if you think using synthetic oil will pay for itself as far as more miles per gallon you are missing the boat and throwing your money down the drain. End of story. Have a great week-end.

(in reply to Use Common Sense)

Post #: 8

RE: Can I use 5w30 or only 5w20 as it states in manual - 6/22/2007 6:46:09 AM

Use Common Sense

Posts: 540
Score: 0
Joined: 1/12/2007
Status: offline

So what is your real world MPG on your Freestar with non-synthetic oil? I bought my 04 Limited new and have 38,000+ miles of documented MPG on petrolium oil, synthetic oil, water injection and running P225/75R16 HANKOOK HPW401 snow tires year around. Long trips, short trips, different seaons, with out water injection, with water injection, different ratios of distilled water/99% alcohol, stock intake, cold air intak, warm air intake and so on. I'll be changing the oil in my Freeestar this week-end and will be using AMSOIL's new 0W-20 Synthetic. This is my choice.

_____________________________

2004 Freestar Limited 4.2 V6 w/Water Injection & Iridium plugs
2008 Mercury Sable 3.5 V6 w/Opened Air Box

AMSOIL Lubricants and Filters in everything

"Have a good day, and a better one tomorrow"

(in reply to Jakers)

Post #: 9