Taurus Oil

[KNINE]

I know this is not gentaurus, but...I went to Auto Zone today to buy supplies to change the oil on my girlfriend's 2005 Taurus. The owner's manual says to use 5W20 synthtic blend. The "expert" at the parts counter says 5W20 is too light for a car with more than 100,000 miles. Personally I think he's full of b.s. Has anybody else heard of this? I know how much we love to discuss oil here.

[keithvibe]

He is suggesting that with that many miles on the engine that the tolerances have been compromised. I can tend to agree to an extent. The older the engine gets the more slop, so to speak, is created. By going to a heavier weight oil fills this void and helps keep compression and everything lubed.Now on the other hand if you do a compression test on the engine and find that it's well with in spec, then feel free to continue to use the 5w20.Going to a heavier weight oil will also decrease your MPG.

[star_deceiver]

What Keith said!!! Is she using/losing oil? If not then I don't see why 5w20 couldn't be used.

[KNINE]

Y'all Mart had Motorcraft 10W 20 synthetic blend for $14.00 for five quarts, which is what the owner's manual calls for. I figure factory knows best. I have a Ford friend who said stick with the 10W20. Her last oil change was 10,000 miles ago and the dipstick still said the engine was full, so I'd say she isn't losing any. That won't happen again.

[ou.grizzly]

Ford may of updated the oil for different models. I do know some pre 2000 F-150's were suppose to run 5w-30 and Ford then recommended 5W-20. *shrugs shoulders*I think you are fine with 10w-20

[djkeev]

The only way to know is with a pressure gauge. Odds are you are fine, especially with winter bearing down upon us!I don't believe any "experts" work at such stores.If they were experts, they'd have a job at a real repair or parts facility somewhere.Dave

[keithvibe]

Quote, originally posted by djkeev »The only way to know is with a pressure gauge. Odds are you are fine, especially with winter bearing down upon us!I don't believe any "experts" work at such stores.If they were experts, they'd have a job at a real repair or parts facility somewhere.DaveI disagreeI know plenty of "experts" working such stores. With everyone closing or downsizing even the good experts are without work. Only places they can get work are at places like autozone or advanced auto.I know a few full journey men, electrictions come to mine, working at such places as Homedepot and Lowes because of this crap.I do agree that the likely hood that such an expert is at autozone, but anything is possible now a days.

[northvibe]

I have 114k miles on my ford escape and use motorcraft 5w20 half synthetic stuff that costs a ton. But ya I stick with the factory recommended and it runs great.

[KNINE]

have you tried Wallmart? I just bought a 5 quart jug for 14 bucks.

[northvibe]

I had only bought my SS's mobil 1 at walmart in a 5qt jug. I will check for the motorcraft stuff. I'm thinking I should sell both and get a sti or evo...be cheaper

[Whelan]

I stick with my Castrol GTX 5W-30 for the Matrix. Pure dino juice, no synthetics.

[northvibe]

problem is ford has recommneded a blended dino/synth oil for most/all/some of their cars....what you put in it is what you pick. but I just stay with factory recommended.

[beemerphile1]

Not sure what change you are thinking of making but if it is 10w20 then you aren't changing the actual viscosity. The 5 changed to 10 only is in effect during cold starts, the real viscosity is still 20. The first number should be kept as low as possible to reduce wear during cold starts. If you do choose to go to a heavier viscosity oil it would be 5w30.