Many people here seem to like Mobil 1 synthetic 5W30. But my manual and oil cap say to use 5W20. Why are you guys using 5W30 instead?
And does Mobil 1 synthetic come in 5W20? Also, without getting into some big long complicated explanation, what is the simplest way of explaining why synthetic is better than synthetic blend?
Mike
__________________ FOKISD Charter Member from Hillsboro, OHIO
'01 F-350, XL, SC, LWB, V-10, 4R100, 3.73 LS, High Back Buckets, TT Mirrors, Roof Lights, Camper Package - Check my Photo Gallery for modifications. Michelin LTX M/S on Mickey Thompson Classic II's, A.R.E. DCU cap, Reese Titan V and Draw-Tite front reciever, Audiovox cruise control, Wolf center console, Truck-Lite rear ID bar, Hella FF75 driving lights. Bilsteins on each corner.
Thanks Homegrown. No I hadnt seen that post. So 5W20 synthetic will be available soon. And some feelings say that 5W30 would be better for longevity. But we should 5W20 if the manual says so, right?
Also, since synthetic cost double what synthetic blend costs, what do you use to justify that? Does synthetic blend offer some properties found in synthetic but at a lower cost? So I tow in the summer months and change oil every 4000 miles or so ( I forget what the manual says), is the blend ok?
Mike
Part of the attraction to synthetic is that in colder climates, it flows better at low temps. That equates to protection of the parts sooner. Also allows me to extend my oil change intervals to 6k without worrying (I'm REALLY anal about my truck [img]/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/biggrin.gif[/img]).
In order to go to 6000 mile intervals, do you do an analysis of the oil? Also, do you consider that your use is severe use or normal use?
Are some of those benefits you mentioned available in the blend oils?
Mike
Oil analysis every other change. So far both times it has come back that I should continue using the same oil (I don't, but I could). I am not severe use. It's mainly a comfort level thing with me. Not sure about blends.
The problem with "blends" is that are not "regulated". With straight dino or synthetic you know what you are getting. A blend, although less expensive than full, can contain but 1/1000 of a quart of synthetic bas stock and it could be called a "blend". So....what do YOU want to pay for? Fact or...
I should note that Ford's 5w/20 is a sythetic blend! [img]/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/shocked.gif[/img]
There are some very DEEEEEEEEEEEEP discussion on the 20w vs. 30w over at www.ford-trucks.com in the "oil and lubrication" forum.
Ford uses the 5w-20 to help meet fuel economy, that is the only reason. You can use 5w-30 with no harm to the engine, infact it would be better for towing heavy loads.
__________________
2001 F-350 CC PSD DRW 4x2 silver clearcoat XLT, Rickson LTS 19.5s' with 225/70/19.5 tires, F-450 front 4x2 axle with 14.5" rotors, Banks Monster exhaust, Garrett GT-4294R turbo, Stealth pump, Swamps 200cc splitshots, Jody Tipton custom 4-position chip, AFE magnum stage 2, DI regualtor kit, Suncoast SD42 torque converter, Hallas Performance 4R100, Mobil 1 5w-40 and Amsoil dual bypass, Optima batterys.
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