*Proceed With Caution* Hybrid, Which oil to use?

[Master Blaster]

See previous discussion on this. As with virtually ALL modern engines, it uses a trochoid pump. It pumps the same volume per rotation for any commercially available viscosity lubricant. I assure you, it is never running "dry". If anything, there is a slightly thicker residual film left on parts when the engine isn't running, as compared to 0w-20. For sure, 0W-20 takes less ENERGY to pump, thus I expect (and accept) that 5w-30 it might have a slight impact on MPG, in exchange for *possibly* lower wear metal PPM. Oil analysis will inform me.

You're making an incorrect basic assumption that the pickup is full of oil at all times. With 0W20 being almost as fluid as water, I would expect that It runs dry after maybe 10 seconds with the engine off. That's even more critical with a cold start. Also using a higher viscosity oil will not splash on the cylinder walls as intended. The oiler holes are angled differently and smaller for the low viscosity. At that point you need to depend on having an oil that will retain a film over (say) overnight, and I'm not aware of one.

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[Timothyd]

I work for a Ford dealer and we always put 0w20 synthetic in the hybrid Mavericks. I actually buy Valvoline Hybrid specific oil for mine that is supposed to keep moisture in suspension more so than regular 0w20. Not sure if it actually does or not, but it makes me feel good.

In the cold winter I find my hybrid has a hard time warming up so I try and take it on some longer/highway trips to get it good and warm to lose the moisture.