In another somewhat debated oil thread here, I mentioned I switched to 5W-30 Mobile 1 Gold. Another concerned member stated I could be affecting the valve timing of my V6, as it uses oil pressure to control lift.

I stopped by my local Ford dealership and had a discussion with one of the mechanics, which quickly turned into a group discussion with several stepping in. First and formost, my putting in 5w-30 will not harm the valve system at all; the 4 mechanics all agreed that there are many stories being spread, and informed me not to worry. They mentioned in the hot summers ahead in Florida, that it was not a bad idea for me to step up the viscosity level, especially with my daily distance driving, most being at highway speeds. They did say that 5w-30 would be the max protection I would need to go to, and 5w-20 is still the recommended oil from the factory, with it providing ample protection and best fuel economy. They said (mechanics) that it is the best over all choice for every type of weather temps.

So, I'm not going to debate this, not intending to start any type of oil controversy. Use the factory recomendation, you'll have no problems. For me, I'll use 5w-20 and 5w-30, depending on my driving situation and weather conditions (winter verses summer).

If theres ever an issue with your vehicle, stop at your local dealership and talk with the mechanics. They're a great buch of folks, and always willing to talk to you; at least my dealership in Sanford Florida.

 

I work at dealership and most of our "mechanics" don't know anything about oil viscosities. You may not have any issues but, 5 w 20 has no issues so why switch??? I never hear of 5w20 not protecting an engine well or causing an engine to fail.

 

A certified ASE mechanic, not knowing about oil viscosity? that's scary, to say the least...

 

when i was a student we had to take a class on machine design, part of the course talks about bearing selection and how lubricant effects their life. alot of the calculations was rough estimating and "guessing" because there are so many variables. 5w20 and 5w30 arent really that much different, maybe one's optimal temp for this engine is a few degrees hotter than the other oil. but i'm sure they are just about equally fine for this engine.

 

Hmm, a certified mechanic, or the engine design engineer, who gets paid a hellova lot more to work for ford corporate and design engines.

Yeah, some mechanics word is not good enough for me.

 

Ase??? Seriously?? Ford techs are Ford certified. Not ase certified... anyone can get an ase certification. All you have to do is read a book and take a test. To become Ford certified you have to go to a training facility and pass a series of written and hands on tests. Ase means nothing to me...

 

I've never seen Bone offended before. LOL

 

Exactly... the techs around my shop don't know what oil viscosity changes will do to the vvt an ti-vvt systems.. and I'm sure most shops are like that. Ase (since that title has been mentioned as a credible title) and Ford certification classes do not explain the ill effects on an engine with the wrong grade oil in them. That's not what the classes are designed for. They only teach the "recommended" way to repair a concern.

 

Well... lol

 

Lop?

 

Typing too fast... already fixed it lol

 

Considering one of the techs at my dealership thought the GT500 had the same trans as my car, I'm not really impressed by their knowledge. He seemed shocked that i knew that it was completely different.

They can read a shop manual, and turn a wrench. That's about it. I'm pretty sure I know far more about the ins and outs of my car being an owner, than the techs do.

That's why I do all my service myself, and only bring my car to them for warranty issues.

 

Not all techs are this way... some do know their stuff. *cough* *cough* like me *cough*

 

Well you're an enthusiast Trent, thats why. Same with the dealer (free plug: Mike Raisor Ford in Lafayette, IN) I bought my car from. The guy(Ed) owned 4 Foxes, one of them pushing 600+ to the wheels. He called me with weekly updates, and knew exactly what could and couldn't be ordered.


The problem is many techs are just there for a job, and don't have any interest in the vehicles they are working on. If I could find a dealer around here with someone like you at it, I would go there immediately. (Texas is too far. lol)

 

1.Congrats on Your 1,000th post!
2. I wouldn't recommend my dealer ... to many idiots here

 

Bone, check your Pm's

 

my dad sold amalie motor oil and luberplate grease for 45 yrs. (amalie is a original motor oil company from 1908 from richmond pa.) he knew more than any mech would ever know about oil, but hes gone now. i have though, on a few occasions called amalie and talked to the head chemists. thats who you want to talk to, not some bozo at the dealership.

the last time was also for a heated debate about going to full syn. bottom line is i`ll stay with my amalie pro high performance syn-blend 5w30. i didnt know the newer v6`s called for 5w20.

call mobil, talk to the pro chemist, he will (or should) know oil and give you the right answers. on a side note, the amalie refinery is in florida. this is a dead zone here in missouri but i get it shipped to me for free. o il debates are always fun

 

+1. Trent diagnosed my car via PM one day lol.

 

Don't remember that but thanks lol

 

When my water pump failed...I think it was right around xmas or new years.