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correct oil for 3.0?

B

Bradness

CEG'er
Joined
Jun 1, 2000
Messages
330
Location
Hammertown, Canada
I picked up a 2001 3.0 and unfortunately, the oil filler cap was missing. As I recall, it is labelled for the correct grade of oil to use with this motor. If my memory serves me correctly it uses 5W-20.

Can anyone verify?
 
Didn't Big Jim post a while back that these motors were designed to run on 5W-20 and that it's unwise to use anything but?

Why not 10W-30 synthetic? As I've been led to believe, you're best to keep the 2 numbers as close together as possible. EG: 5W-50 is a bad choice, whereas 15W-40 is a better one (not necessarily for our motors).
 
Bradness said:
Didn't Big Jim post a while back that these motors were designed to run on 5W-20 and that it's unwise to use anything but?
Click to expand...

Nope. Not typing more because this has been covered over and over. 20 is for CAFE standards. You'll have slightly more wear with 20. Dammit I wasn't typing more.
 
Just for clarification. These engines were designed for thin oil. 5W30 is thin oil.

As for 5W20 only being for CAFE conformance, I don't agree. Before Ford specified 5W20, they upgraded Motorcraft 5W20 to meet the next API and ILSAC specifications before anyone else did. To make sure that it met the spec, they made it a synthetic blend.

Most 5W30 oils have a bad habit of not holding grade. They shear down from a 5W30 to a 5W20 in about 2000 to 3000 miles. Motorcraft 5W20 (and those that meet Ford's spec) do not shear down. Also, they are on the high side of 20, very nearly 30 to start.

I use 5W20 in my Escape. I have since it was new. It works great and I see no need to make a change. I have always used 5W30 in my SVT, and with the miles on it I'm reluctant to try 5W20 although it would probably be fine.

If I were to do a 3.0 conversion with a 2001 or newer engine I very likely would use 5W20, although 5W30 should not be a problem.

10W30 or 10W40 could be an issue.
 
Thanks for your comments Jim.

The motor I got was low mileage-approx. 30,000 miles. I'm going to pull the lower crankcase and inspect the bearings but I was thinking that 5W-20 in the winter and 5W-30 in the summer w/b correct.
 
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