FRITZ

Does anybody change there oil weight for the hot summer months? Right now i use Fords semi-syn 5-20, would it mess anything up to go to semi-syn 5-30 for the summer?

gmichaelj1

I think if you do a search you'll see pros & cons of going with 5w-30 over 5w-20 to be a wear&tear advantage (5w-30) to a milage advantage (5w-20). This last change I switched to 0w-40 mobil 1

stangster

I live in central AR, which means it is HOT in the summer. I use 5-20 year round in mine.

goldenpony

I use 5W20 Mobil 1 all year round.

mustang_lurkers

Don't use the wrong weight oil in your car. The engineers go to school for a reason. The main purpose that our cars use 5W-20 oil just like Hondas is because of the variable cam timing functions. Just like honda VTEC engines our engines can vary the timing through computer controlled cam and ignition system changes. In order for this to work oil is pumped through very small orifices which adjust the lash in our cam and valve systems. If the oil becomes too thick it may impair this function. Our engines are very close tolerance in other places where if the oil gets too thick it will not pass and cause undue wear. You could use a 0-20 oil without doing harm but going beyond the 20 and you are going to pay. I will find more info for you and post it here.

mustang_lurkers

Here is your answer direct from Ford. I have also posted the link so you can read it for yourself. If you go with the wrong oil you will eventually ruin you engine.

Why 5W20 Oil? 5W-20 oil is a thinner oil with lighter viscosity that creates less drag on the crankshaft, pistons and valvetrain. Additionally, the oil pump can pump thinner oil more easily, improving oil circulation. Any increase in fuel economy may not be noticed by the average motorist. Machined internal engine parts are more precise than the parts of 20 years ago. This means that clearances between moving parts are smaller and more exact. Thinner oil such as 5W-20 can flow more freely through the engine while still filling the spaces. Thicker oil is harder to push through the spaces between the parts. This causes the oil pump to work harder, which in turn increases oil pressure while simultaneously decreasing oil volume. A lack of oil volume results in a decrease of lubrication and cooling, which may decrease engine part life.
The lighter viscosity of 5W-20 oil flows faster at start-up compared to higher viscosity oils, which helps reduce engine wear in critical areas by lubricating parts faster. Valvetrain components at the top of the engine require immediate lubrication at start-up.
Oil additives are not recommended as noted in the owners manual. The American Petroleum Institute (API) certifies that oils such as Motorcraft 5W-20 already contain the necessary additives for friction, detergent, etc... The addition of additives may interfere and react with the additives already present in the certified oil.
To access your Owner's Manual on-line, click here.


https://www.fleet.ford.com/FFH/Why5W...ews=Government

13 MIKE

Don't believe everything you read from Ford. Ford engines in Europe, and Australia use 5w-30. You can't even get 5w-20 over there. I use 5w-30 in mine, i prefer more oil film strength because i have a supercharger, it is also only a nice weather car.

Read this
http://www.machinerylubrication.com/...up=Maintenance

metroplex

Yep, the Falcon XR8's 5.4L 4V V8 and the Falcon's 5.4L 3V V8 both use SAE 5W-30 in Australia. I read that the Australian V8s are made in the US, but assembled in Australia with some slightly different parts to achieve the higher power output.

kevinb120

I'll have to remember that when I get a Falcon.

metroplex

The point was that the same American made engine parts used in Australia are required to use SAE 5W-30.