10W-40 = Power loss?! o2 Sensor?!

[allstyle12]

Well, I tried a suggestion from a guy who has no experience with Contours just for sh*&^ and giggles. He told me higher mileage cars like mine need a higher viscosity oil to help minimize blow by which I am getting some since my oil separator is an indicator of such. The oil separator fills to about 2 tablespoons in approximately 2 1/2 weeks time. So, yesterday I changed from my normal 5W-30 to 10W-40 oil. I also decided to change my Bank 2 upper O2 sensor (Bosch don't remember the part number...) since I have never changed it before. So on my way to work it was very sluggish when merging on the freeway. I figured, it's probably the ECU relearning since I reset it. But during lunch today, I got on it and it feels like I have lost quite a few horses. It is definitely not as responsive as before. I am going to change my oil back to 5W-30 tonight to see if I get my power back. Could it be the new 02 sensor? Have any of you experienced this?

 

[AliasJerk]

Ford put out a service notice stating that all of their 1993 and up motors should be running 5W20 for increased fuel economy and power

Also, why did you change your O2? if you didnt have a CEL on for it there is no point, waste of money.

 

[allstyle12]

When was this service notice put out? Was this regarding new vehicles only?

I should of indicated in my original post above that I replaced my 02 sensor because I did have a check engine light (P1151). I cleared the codes and drove around for about a week and the light did not come back on. I figured while I was under there changing my oil I might as well change 02 sensor also.

 

[projectSHO89]

Ford put out a service notice stating that all of their 1993 and up motors should be running 5W20 for increased fuel economy and power...

This is incorrect. Not all engines were switched over to the 5W20 oil application.

The Contours, for example. are on the list. The SHO engines are on the list NOT to use the 5W20.

When was this service notice put out? Was this regarding new vehicles only?

2002. It was for existing vehicles at the time of publication. IIRC, it's been updated since then.

Steve

 

[Kevinm]

Ford published this article in Jan 14 2002 going back to some 1992 vehicles and beyond (1995-2000 2.5L Contour/Mystique) Ford stated to start using 5w-20 for EPA and CAFE reason ( fuel economy ). Every auto manufacturer gets measured on average fuel economy, not by vehicle but overall. If they do not meet the regulation they get a hefty fine.

The 5W-20 had nothing to do with power just fuel economy requirements.

I doubt going to 10W-40 from 5w-30 has anything to do with your sluggishness!

Since you were getting as much oil in the catch your secondaries may be hanging up, or the cats may be starting to clog.

Here is the notification:
ISSUE:
Ford Motor Company now recommends SAE 5W-20 viscosity grade for servicing most gasoline and flexible fueled vehicles.

ACTION:
All 2001 and 2002 vehicles where SAE 5W-20 is specified should be serviced at the recommended oil change intervals using SAE 5W-20. This oil is an improved formulation to improve fuel economy. Testing has validated this viscosity grade can be used in many previous model year vehicles. It is recommended ALL vehicles on the following Vehicle Application Listing be service with SAE 5W-20.

All 2001-2002 vehicles other than those listed in the "Exception 2001 Vehicles" or "Exception 2002 Vehicles" chart are being filled with SAE 5W-20 motor oil at the factory and should also be serviced with SAE 5W-20 oil.

Vehicle Application Listing Approved For SAE 5W-20 Motor Oil
1993-1996 1.9L Escort/Tracer
1995-2000 2.0L Zetec Contour/Mystique
1999-2002 2.0L Cougar
1997-2002 2.0L Escort/Tracer
1998-2002 2.0L Escort ZX2
2000-2002 2.0L Focus
2001-2002 2.0L Escape
1993-1997 2.3L Ranger
1993-1994 2.3L Mustang
1993-1994 2.3L Tempo/Topaz
1998-2001 2.5L Ranger
1995-2000 2.5L Contour/Mystique
1999-2002 2.5L Cougar
2001-2002 3.0L 4V Escape
1996-2001 3.0L 4V Taurus/Sable
1993-2002 3.0L (Vulcan) Aerostar/Ranger, Taurus/Sable (Flexible Fuel and Gas)
1995-2000 3.0L (Vulcan) Windstar
1993-1994 3.0L (Vulcan) Tempo/Topaz
2000-2002 3.0L 4V Lincoln LS
1995-2002 3.8L Windstar
1993-1997 3.8L Taurus/Sable, Thunderbird/Cougar, Continental
1994-2002 3.8L Mustang
2002-2002 3.9L 4V Lincoln LS
1997-2002 4.2L (SPI) F-150 (under 8500 GVW only), E-Series
1996-2002 4.6L 2V Mustang
1992-2002 4.6L Crown Victoria/Grand Marquis
1991-2002 4.6L Town Car
1994-1997 4.6L 2V Thunderbird/Cougar
1996-2002 4.6L 4V Mustang Cobra
1995-2002 4.6L 4V Continental
1993-1998 4.6L 4V Mark VIII
1997-2002 4.6L 2V Triton F-150/250 (under 8500 GVW only), E-Series, Expedition
1993-1999 4.9L E-Series, F-Series
1993-1995 5.0L Mustang/Mustang Cobra
1993-1993 5.0L Thunderbird/Cougar
1997-2001 5.0L Explorer/Mountaineer
1993-1996 5.0L E-Series, F-Series, Bronco




2000-2002 5.4L Excursion
1998-2002 5.4L 2V/4V Navigator
1997-2002 5.4L 2V F-150/250 (under 8500 GVW only), Expedition, E-Series, E-350 Chassis/RV/Cutaway
1993-1997 5.8L F-Series, Bronco
1993-1996 5.8L E-Series
2000-2002 6.8L Excursion
1997-2002 6.8L E-Series, E-350 Chassis/RV/Cutaway
1999-2002 6.8L Super Duty F-Series 250 HD/350/450/550 Motorhome
1993-1998 7.5L All Vehicles
NOTE: FOR 1993 THROUGH 1998 MODEL YEAR FFV USE XO-10W30-FFV.



NOTE: THE "EXCEPTION 2001-2002 VEHICLES" SHOULD BE SERVICED WITH SAE 5W-30 MOTOR OIL.



Exception 2001 Vehicles

Engine Vehicle
3.3L Villager
3.9L Lincoln LS
4.0L Ranger, Explorer/Mountaineer, Explorer Sport, and Explorer Sport Trac

Exception 2002 Vehicles

Engine Vehicle
2.0L HP Zetec SVT Focus
3.3L Villager
4.0L Ranger, Explorer/Mountaineer, Explorer Sport, and Explorer Sport Trac

NOTE: IF VEHICLE IS NOT LISTED IN THIS APPLICATION, SAE 5W-30 OIL IS RECOMMENDED. REFER TO TSB 99-8-16.



PART NUMBER PART NAME
XO-5W20-QSP SAE 5W-20 Motor Oil - Quart (USA)
CXO-5W20-LSP12 SAE 5W-20 Motor Oil - Litre (Canada)
XO-5W20-5QSP SAE 5W-20 Motor Oil - 5 Quart Jug (USA)
XO-5W20-DSP SAE 5W-20 Motor Oil - 55 Gallon Drum (USA)
CXO-5W20-DBSP SAE 5W-20 Motor Oil - 205 Litre Drum (Canada)

 

[LauraSVT]

...The Contours, for example. are on the list. The SHO engines are on the list NOT to use the 5W20...

Steve

Indeed -- I would never have considered running 5w-20 in either of my SHOs. For what its worth, I won't run it in my Contour, either. 5w-30 only.

 

[allstyle12]

Well, I changed my oil back to 5W-30, returned my Bosch 02 and put in a practically new Motorcraft 02 sensor that I took off my other motor that has only 337 miles. That did not make much of a difference. So, while I was changing my driver side LCA, I started to really think hard about what I did to make my car loose power. Higher viscosity oil? No. 02 Sensor? No. Then it hit me. When I changed to a higher viscosity, I removed my oil separator thinking I wouldn't need it any longer. Ok, so I will put it back since I reverted back to 5W-30. Sure enough, doing so got me back to where I was and it feels even a little more powerful than before. Perhaps I might have bumped something out of place when I took it out and bumped it back when I put it back in. Weird. All is well now.

One interesting thing that I would like to share is when I replaced both hoses going to and from PCV valve, my idle was perfect with no throttle hang. Now, I am back to almost perfect idle with a tiny bit of throttle hang. I can live with that since I have somehow magically restored my power. :laugh:

 

[allstyle12]

Update:

Update:

I just thought I give you guys an update on my issue. It turns out that my power loss problem had nothing to do with my oil, cats or 02 sensors. It was my IMRC transistor. When the engine is cold, I have plenty of power. After driving it for about 20 minutes, it would be dog slow. I believe the transistor is overheating due to age. When cold, it works fine. I have read there is a plastic screw that has to be there for proper heat transfer so I am going to check that first. I have already purchased a TIP 102 (NTE 2343) just incase it is completely fried. Stay tuned for results.

 

[Tony2005]

I just thought I give you guys an update on my issue. It turns out that my power loss problem had nothing to do with my oil, cats or 02 sensors. It was my IMRC transistor. ....

How did you figure this out?

 

[allstyle12]

How did you figure this out?

Research and testing. When cold, my car felt normal. When warmed up after about 20 minutes of driving it would feel incredibly sluggish. After a bit of researching about IMRC's I found that when the IMRC transistors are on there way out, they won't work when they get too hot. I drove around for 20 minutes to make sure it got nice and hot. I opened the hood and reved my engine up to 3500-40000 RPM's and the IMRC cable did not move to open the secondaries like it should. I let it cool down after a few hours and did the same exact test and it worked.

I changed it this morning and it works just like it should after it's nice an hot. I drove around for about 30 minutes and it feels great.