Using Thicker Oils During Hot Weather

[cmoraspace]

So I live in the Central Valley of California where the summers get pretty hot (can get up to 110+ for months). I have two Mavericks on our farm with 2.0L engines and I’m considering putting a different oil this year for maximum protection. Sometimes we use them for hauling/towing.

I know Ford calls for 5W-30 but I’m considering a thicker oil just for the summertime. I’m thinking of either 10W-30 or 5W-40. Does anyone else use these oils or have any recommendations? Thanks

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[Gpp]

Been using 10 w 30 in everything i ever drove but my harley,s for 60 or so years.

 

[oysterville]

Been using 10 w 30 in everything i ever drove but my harley,s for 60 or so years.

My ancestors used oats, so I suppose that as things never change it's cool to dump that in the ol' hopper.

Regarding using molasses instead of what Ford recommends, it's your truck. Personally I'd seek out the advice of more reputable sources than lean on the words of unvetted strangers.

 

[Carlitos_92]

It gets hot lots of places, but the manual only refers to a cold-climate viscosity adjustment.

The burden of proof is on how a 5W-30 that meets Ford’s specification would possibly provide inadequate protection.

If you want to feel like you’re going “above and beyond,” you can always step up to a full synthetic 5W-30. That could meet Ford’s spec AND provide “maximum protection.”

 

[Maverick123]

You'd probably be safe going with a thicker oil, but why? I'd go with the manufacturer recommendation.

They're well aware that folks are using these engines in all kinds of weather conditions, if the owner's manual doesn't list different viscosities for different weather conditions, their recommended oil is OK for all

On Z06 Corvettes for example, the manual specifies using a different oil for track use (15W50 instead of 5W50).

 

[ianjay]

The helicopter in you picture suggests you fly it. Would you use a different lubricant anywhere on it than what was specified by the manufacturer? My nephew flies helicopters for the military.
A minor change in viscosity won't make a big difference in the Maverick, but despite any shortcomings that Ford may have made with it, they tested it pretty thoroughly and expect you to use what they recommend.

 

[Gray Goose]

The cooling system is designed to keep the engine at the proper operating temperature regardless of outside temperature. Heavier oil could do more harm than good. The engine is designed for a specific viscosity at its programmed operating temperature. If the engine is running hot, something besides oil is wrong. Hopefully you got the 4K tow for the hot weather. If not, lighten the load or get a bigger tow vehicle. Changing the oil viscosity will not do much for an overheated engine.

 

[dpequip]

These engines are not like the old days. The internal clearances are very tight and require thinner oil to flow properly. I got a deal on a Crown Vic with a spun rod bearing because 10W-40 oil was used when 5W-20 was specified by Ford. The Crown vic was a fleet vehicle and the mechanic admitted he put in the wrong oil. Most of the Non-turbo Ford engines in the last decade or so specified 5W-20 it it makes you feel better about 5W-30 in the Maverick. In today's engines thick oil is not better.

 

[DrEvil]

That is absolutely false. Engine clearances are not tighter. Engines run over 210degree thermostats. Vs 180 to 190 twenty years ago. The must have built my amg 53 hand built signatured. Engine very loose it says 5/40 turbo 6 cylinder. My raptor and my wife's escalade and her maverick. Get 5/30 winter 0/40 in summer.

 

[oysterville]

Get 5/30 winter 0/40 in summer.

 

[jb_cb900]

A search for a replacement Motorcraft thermostat lists a DS7Z8575C, 190 degrees Hybrid, and K2GZ-8575-C, 190 degrees Eco.

 

[ShadowChas]

I personally wouldn’t recommend it, ford specification are worth noting for any warranty. Synthetic oils do much better in all weather conditions than compared to the old conventional oils. Also engine design and tolerances for piston rings, etc (I had a friend awhile back thought the same way on his f150 didn’t like the thin watery synthetic oil so he put thicker viscosity in and his oil usage went way up between oil changes). In the end it is your vehicle & your choice.

 

[todd92]

This guy tests them all. The better 5W-30 oil provide better wear resistance than any thicker oils, even at high temperatures.

540Rat

If you don't want to read it all, I'll give you the executive summary. Use Quaker State Full Synthetic 5W-30, Pennzoil Platinum 5W-30 or Mobil 1 Advanced Synthetic 5W-30. But them in 5 quart jugs at Walmart, better yet when they have rebates (Pennzoil does right now). Note the pricier versions of these brands don't protect as well, so skip the Ultra/Extended/High Mileage nonsense.

 

[Headbanger]

This guy tests them all. The better 5W-30 oil provide better wear resistance than any thicker oils, even at high temperatures.

540Rat

If you don't want to read it all, I'll give you the executive summary. Use Quaker State Full Synthetic 5W-30, Pennzoil Platinum 5W-30 or Mobil 1 Advanced Synthetic 5W-30. But them in 5 quart jugs at Walmart, better yet when they have rebates (Pennzoil does right now). Note the pricier versions of these brands don't protect as well, so skip the Ultra/Extended/High Mileage nonsense.

You read all of that? Damn! Pennzoil and Mobil 1 have been my go to's since the 80's. Never ever had any oil related problems on any vehicle.

I also agree with the ones who suggested to stick with the manufactuers numbers.

 

[Snox801]

The helicopter in you picture suggests you fly it. Would you use a different lubricant anywhere on it than what was specified by the manufacturer? My nephew flies helicopters for the military.
A minor change in viscosity won't make a big difference in the Maverick, but despite any shortcomings that Ford may have made with it, they tested it pretty thoroughly and expect you to use what they recommend.

Flaw in that logic. The military doesn’t have any kind of epa standards or fuel economy to meet. Do a Quick Look back at ford. Say around 2000 when the 5.4 triton had absolutely nothing changed in the engine but ford went to 5w20 from 5w30. It had nothing to do with protection and everything to do with emissions standards.

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