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Hello all, I was going through contour TSBs and encountered this one. I read it and it seems they recommend something different than 5W-30 so I found it interesting. http://www.pyrelight.com/shared/oil.pdfI'd be curious to see what others know or think about it. I just thought I'd share. Also, if anyone is looking for TSBs for their vechile, send me a PM and I can send any. I'm getting them off the 2000-2004 Ford DVD as the source.
96 Contour GL, Duratec ATX - 70k
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This is true. Shortly after Ford introduced the 5W20 requirement on most engines in 2001, they also recommended backfitting many cars with the thinner oil as you can see from the TSB.
Something significant about this is that Ford stepped up the performance level of the new oil to meet the next set of industry specs (API and ILSAC) even the requirement went into effect. This ment that they had to improve the blending stocks enough to be able to call it a "synthetic blend". They also made sure that the additive package was very healthy. It was a few years before their 5W30 had the base stock improvements to be able to call it "synthetic blend". Doing so, and from thier testing, they felt that the new oil was superior to the 5W30 and that it would provide just as much protection.
There are those that argue that Ford only did this to improve their CAFE (corporate average fuel economy) ratings. I won't enter that debate. It is significant that the 5W20 has proven to be an excellent oil.
I did not make the change for a few reasons. First, I had my doubts about how good it was (now proven to be unfounded). Second, I already had a lot of miles on my engine and didn't want to risk changing. Third, I noticed that the revised chart showed that the Focus SVT should use 5W30, and felt that the Contour SVT was probably used just about as hard.
I should note that I use 5W20 in my Escape.
Jim Johnson
98 SVT
03 Escape Limited
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Thanks for the information Big Jim.
That makes sense so next oil change 5W-20 it is then. I'm at 62k right now so I'll just use that for the life of the car.
96 Contour GL, Duratec ATX - 70k
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I ran the 5w20 in my L once or twice and believe I did an oil sample with it too with no issues.
Ryan
Trollin!
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Cool, we had an Escape for awhile and I have a full case of Castrol 5w-20 I didn't know what to do with.
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Think it would hurt to swap over? I have 78K miles on mine right now. Also since the Zetec holds 4.5 quarts of oil would it hurt to add the extra 1/2 quart like everyone suggests for the Duratec. I have never added the extra 1/2 before and always wondered if that would hurt or make any difference.
Jason G.
1997 Mercury Mystique GS ZETEC ATX
Born: 11/96
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Originally posted by Mystique97:
... Also since the Zetec holds 4.5 quarts of oil would it hurt to add the extra 1/2 quart like everyone suggests for the Duratec. I have never added the extra 1/2 before and always wondered if that would hurt or make any difference.
If it isn't the Duratec, stick with the recommended amount.
"Always do the cheap and easy ones first."
1996 V6 ATX 96K miles
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Originally posted by Tony2005:
Originally posted by Mystique97:
... Also since the Zetec holds 4.5 quarts of oil would it hurt to add the extra 1/2 quart like everyone suggests for the Duratec. I have never added the extra 1/2 before and always wondered if that would hurt or make any difference.
If it isn't the Duratec, stick with the recommended amount.
I have been running 5 qts for a long time now in my zetec, I do however have a very slow leak in the oil pan seal or the rear main seal. I used the valvoline high milage for awhile and it stopped then it came back worse, I put coventional oil back in and it seems as it was before
also I thought part of the 5w-20 change was the fact that Ford could claim beter fuel milage on the highway. since as you know they have to sell a certain number of "clean" cars from an emmisions stand point to be able to sell all those SUVs and trucks that are not as "clean"
- 95 Mystique LS - Zetec/5spd
- 99 Contour SeVT Sport - Duratec/5spd
Official NE-CEG Contour/Mustang Family
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Originally posted by Big Jim:
There are those that argue that Ford only did this to improve their CAFE (corporate average fuel economy) ratings. I won't enter that debate. It is significant that the 5W20 has proven to be an excellent oil.
Originally posted by BrApple:
also I thought part of the 5w-20 change was the fact that Ford could claim beter fuel milage on the highway. since as you know they have to sell a certain number of "clean" cars from an emmisions stand point to be able to sell all those SUVs and trucks that are not as "clean"
Ryan
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Originally posted by RTStabler51:
Originally posted by Big Jim:
There are those that argue that Ford only did this to improve their CAFE (corporate average fuel economy) ratings. I won't enter that debate. It is significant that the 5W20 has proven to be an excellent oil.
Originally posted by BrApple:
also I thought part of the 5w-20 change was the fact that Ford could claim beter fuel milage on the highway. since as you know they have to sell a certain number of "clean" cars from an emmisions stand point to be able to sell all those SUVs and trucks that are not as "clean"
oops, i read that reply but missed that ...
- 95 Mystique LS - Zetec/5spd
- 99 Contour SeVT Sport - Duratec/5spd
Official NE-CEG Contour/Mustang Family
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