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Oils Again
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Posted by HB on February 11, 2003 at 17:30:50 from (67.241.53.94):
I checked with Rick Albrecht, at Ford, and he tells me that all 2001 Ford models, plus a few 2000 Ford models, call for 5W-20 motor oil. Albrecht says the change in the viscosity specification is for better performance and gas mileage.
It's interesting to note that the 2000 Ford Focus called for 5W-30, while the 2001 asks for 5W-20. I feel sure that if you use 5W-30 there won't be a problem with the engine, but the warranty may still be a question. So, why the 5W-20 oil? Well, first off, this is still a 5-weight base oil, just like 5W-30. By definition, its viscosity at 212 degrees meets the 20-weight characteristic rather than the heavier 30 weight. That means it's fractionally "thinner" and offers less drag on moving parts, so the engine will use a tiny bit less fuel -- not a bad thing in the days of increasing gasoline prices. Doug Dahlke, the trainer for Precision Tune Auto Care, tells me that his stores are beginning to stock 5W-20 oil, but because of the limited demand it's available by the case rather than in bulk and costs more than the almost universal 5W-30 at this point. Auto parts stores I called indicated that the 5W-20 oils are becoming more widely available for retailers, so it won't be long before you can find it at your local parts store. Interestingly, Dahlke tells me this change is an industry step toward lighter oils to improve cold-start flow and fuel economy. He says it won't be long before we see 0W-20 oils recommended by carmakers. Seems that in order to improve fuel economy, they're trying to make the oil as light and thin as possible while still providing protection. So now you know why Ford is using Lighter oils-fuel economy-It just makes their cars look better to consumers when it comes to fuel mileage. NOW,Synthetics are NOT miracle oils that are super slick--If they were you'd have a frictionless engine and that's just not happening
Synthetics are able to stand more heat without breaking down and causing that dreaded sludge from ash deposits-and they stay fluid at very low temperatures to flow faster and allow for easier cold starts.
The best would be to use a low ash dino oil in the summer ( as long as you don't plan on setting high speed endurance records at say,Pikes's Peak) and to use a synthetic oil in the winter,for cold starting protection. I, however use a synthetic year round (Mobil 1) but.I change it at the recommended intervals.WHY? Because I want high performance oil in my engine at all times,whether it's a corvette,camaro or allos- chalmers B.I just use the grade ( multiviscosity or straight weight) That is recommended by the manufacturer of the engine.
My automotive enginee friends say that because of better metals,closer tolerances,and higher operating temps,the synthetics can't be beat
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