I have a 5.3 Triton 3V that asks for 5W-20 in the manual, but I live in a very hot climate, where the lowest this season is 20~ celsius and the hottest is 45~ celsius. Will switching to 5W-30, 10W-30 or 5W-40 oil be better, and if so how thick should I go, thanks in advance. P.S the engine is on 250k kilometers if that makes any difference.
Asked
Active
Viewed 149 times
1 Answers
2
Generally, do not change the oil from what is recommended. The main thing this has to do with is the variable valve timing (VVT ... or whatever Ford calls it). If you go to a heavier oil, you will be causing issues with it. If you've taken care of your engine throughout its lifetime, continuing to run the 5w-20 shouldn't cause a bit of issue.
Another problem with heavier oil is, it doesn't flow as well as the thinner oil. Since your bearings are gapped for the thinner oil, running heavier oil may actually starve the bearings of the amount of oil they need. You could actually harm the engine by doing this.
NOTE: Take a look at your owners manual (or find one online). You may be surprised to see it may say to do exactly as you've stated (heavier oil for hotter conditions). If it says to, then by all means.
Pᴀᴜʟsᴛᴇʀ2
- 165,084
- 32
- 259
- 508