Oil Types and Gas Mileage? - Diesel Forum

Hoopsfan · 01-06-2003, 10:57 PM

Took delivery of my 2003 350 CC V10 back in November. I knew what I was getting into as far as gas mileage was concerned. But, to tell you the truth, I have never purchased (and never will) a vehicle based on it's gas mileage....period.

However, I find it interesting that different types of oil may have an effect on gas mileage. I'm taking an informal poll here. I know Ford recommends 5w-20, but what types and brand of oil is everyone using in their V10's and did it make a difference in mileage?

Thanks in advance.
Hoopsfan [img]/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/smokin.gif[/img]

Hoopsfan · 01-06-2003, 10:59 PM

BTW, I'm getting 11.5-12.0 mpg all around. Not all bad considering my engine and axle.

V10man · 01-06-2003, 11:50 PM

I use 5w30 and get 10.5mpg all around. I got about 10 stock before the bigger tires (and yes, I had the speedo professionally re-calibrated)!

Benr0 · 01-07-2003, 09:02 AM

I use Fords 5w20 from wally world in the winter, 5w30 syn in the summer. I avg @13-14. [img]/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/cool.gif[/img]

Homegrown · 01-07-2003, 09:36 AM

Been using Valvoline dino oil 5W30 since first oil change. City mileage 12.5, highway 16.5 [img]/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/wink.gif[/img]

I hear ya on the need for good MPG. As I've told quite a few new pick-up buyers "If mileage is a prime concern, maybe you shouldn't be looking at a full size pick-up." [img]/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/eek.gif[/img]

todlake · 01-07-2003, 12:19 PM

I've been running Amsoil 5w-30 full synthetic for the past 18k with good results. 12city/15hwy. Picked up about 1/2 mpg as far as I can calculate, but the big plus is the extended oil change interval (6k although the oil is rated for much longer than that with filter changes). Have had the oil tested by Blackstone and at 6k they didn't see a need to change it (but I did).

Robb [img]/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif[/img]

robsd · 01-07-2003, 01:44 PM

I went from a 10-40 or 10-30 to the 5-20 and noticed a slight pick up in mpg. At least a mpg. Still dino oil.

Rob

GAV10 · 01-07-2003, 02:51 PM

I went from castrol GTX 5W-30 to Mobil 1 5W-30 18 months ago and picked up about .5 mpg better.

Hoopsfan · 01-08-2003, 07:13 PM

Thanks for all the info. I'm taking a 700 mile road trip this weekend. I'll be curious to see what kind of mileage I get using the Valvoline 5w-20.

**reveye** · 01-08-2003, 11:59 PM

Running 5w/20 year round. 12.0 city/15.0 hwy.

Hoopsfan · 01-09-2003, 08:48 AM

I haven't seen 15mpg yet. Where I live, if you're not doing 80mph on the freeway you will get run over. My road trip this weekend will be out west, away from the city. I won't have some yuppie in a Beamer, drinking coffee, talking on his cell phone and doing 85 on my "you know what".

SpOOk · 01-09-2003, 01:57 PM

I almost squeaked out 14 mpg on my last trip to Big D, but in order for me to get close to that figure I had to keep the speed to 65 or less. I agree with Hoopsfan, if your not doing 80 they will run you over [img]/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/eek.gif[/img], I averaged 12.5 to 13 mpg doing about 80 mph. I have been using 5 w 20 weight engine oil since I bought my truck new last November.

chip's_350 · 01-13-2003, 12:33 PM

I'm using Ford's 5W20 synthetic blend. I will convert to Mobil 1 (my personal favorite) when they come out with the 5W20 weight.

Heard that will be this spring...anyone heard otherwise?

I had 6 quarts of Mobil 1 5W30 in the truck for the 1st dealer oil-change but the mechanic told me he couldn't put it in without documenting it for warranty reasons.

I talked with him about it and he said the engineers who mandated the 20 weight say the heavier viscosity would be hard on the push rods, etc. because of their tight tolerances.

I questioned that based on syntehtic's ability to flow regardless of temp (within reason...we're not on the dark side of the moon... [img]/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/smirk.gif[/img]) but he made a good point: The engineers who call for this weight aren't in the oil business, so they get no benny from calling for a certain oil...I relented based on that logic and will continue to use 20 weight syn-blend until I can get it in full synthetic.

What say you all?

akrewat · 01-13-2003, 08:24 PM

Pushrods... anyone else catch this?

There are no pushrods in a V10 or 5.4 or 4.6

ak

chip's_350 · 01-14-2003, 11:24 AM

Could be my mistake...he may not have said "pushrods" exactly, but his point was the machining tolerances were too close to be putting heavier than recommended oil in...

Sorry for the confusion...but then again, he may have said it... [img]/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif[/img] [img]/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/eek.gif[/img]