Mobil 1, 5w-30.

JR

 

why do you use 5-30 instead of 5-20?

 

5w-30 was what was originally specified for that year engine, as well as that year's Duratec. After MY2000, at some point, Ford decided to use 5w-20 to save on their CAFE ratings, since the lower weight saves fuel. The 5w-30, however, provides a greater range of protection than does the 5w-20, which is why I use it. My wife's Mazda calls for 5w-20, but it is getting Mobil 1 5w-30, same as my car.

JR

 

Mobil 1 10W-30 in my SHO. Mobil 1 5W-20 in the Honda. Valvoline 20W-50 Racing in my 240Z. Castrol is good oil. I just used Valvoline because it didn't leave a greenish tint on my sparkplugs like Castrol did.

Bob

 

I'd absolutely have to agree with going with the 5W-30. Here in Colorado it's sub-zero in the winters and can easily hit triple digits in the summer. In fact, in July and August, when it is really hot here, I use a 40W in my truck...it makes a huge difference. And it's true, the 20W just doesn't protect as well.

 

I run Mobil 1 5W-30in the taurus. When I had my old tempo I used to run Quaker 5W-50 full synthetic. No real reason why, just did. Never cause an issue in the 4 years I owned it.

 

The Sable gets Resolute 5W-30 in winter, and 10W-30 in summer. Everything else gets the same 10W-30 year round.

 

castrol gtx?

10w-30

5w-30

10w-40

whats the best for summer comming up here, what have you guys been running, just want to know whats the best thats not too thick???

thanks
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Using any full synthetic API Service SM/CF Energy Conserving (same as the regular Mobil 1) 5W-30 would be just fine. You might want to try using a quart of Marvel Mystery for those mineral oil qualities that might be somewhat lacking in the full synthetics. But never buy a synthetic blend. Most make the erroneous conclusion that they are a 50/50 mix but this is not true. You'll be lucky to get 5 or 10 percent synthetic yet you are paying for a 50/50 mixture! Read the labels, you will notice that they do not make mention of the ratio or mix they contain - that's your first clue.

 

I'm currently running Motorcraft 5w20 synthetic blend with a Napa Gold (Wix) filter.

The Vulcan isn't very hard on oil at all...the common phrase I've read about it in other peoples oil analysis is the the Vulcan isn't powerful enough to really hurt itself. You'll be fine with pretty much any 5w20 or 5w30.

As far as the synth blends being garbage comment goes, the Motorcraft synthetic blend is an excellent oil. Go read up on it...it shows extremely good results in plenty of analysis results. For $10 for the 5 qt jog, you really can't go wrong with it. IMO is is the best bang-for-the-buck oil you can get.

Since you have a Vulcan, my recommendation would be either 5w20 or 5w30 Motorcraft synthetic blend with a Motorcraft, Purolator PureOne, or a Napa/Wix filter. Everything will cost around $15. Easiest way is to pick up the oil and the filter at Walmart (they have Motorcraft filters) but the Walmart I usually go to never has the filters so I just go to Napa for the filter.

Here's a comparison of used oil analysis on a 2003 Vulcan comparing Pennzoil Platinum, Motorcraft, and Mobil 1
Bob is the Oil Guy link

Sorry about the long post

 

I Use Valvoline 5w30 all year round from the quick lube (I hate going to these places)
I would change my own oil but Mom dosn't want a drop of oil spilled in her driveway

 

One thing I forgot to mention is oil filters. If you have SHO engine, you need to have an oil filter that can cope with the very high volume of oil the pump moves. Most filters run in bypass mode when installed on a SHO motor. Motorcraft, K&N and Mobil 1 Oil filters are able to filter at the SHO oil pump flow rate of 12.1gal/min at 43psi @ 6400 rpm. Many oil filters are tested 3 gal per minute.

Bob

 

:werd: Bob has a good point. Make sure you get a good, high quality oil filter.

And someone has to say it in every oil thread...stay away from Fram oil filters. The Motorcraft costs about the same and is so much better it's not even funny.

 

I'm currently running Motorcraft 5w20 synthetic blend with a Napa Gold (Wix) filter.

The Vulcan isn't very hard on oil at all...the common phrase I've read about it in other peoples oil analysis is the the Vulcan isn't powerful enough to really hurt itself. You'll be fine with pretty much any 5w20 or 5w30.

As far as the synth blends being garbage comment goes, the Motorcraft synthetic blend is an excellent oil. Go read up on it...it shows extremely good results in plenty of analysis results. For $10 for the 5 qt jog, you really can't go wrong with it. IMO is is the best bang-for-the-buck oil you can get.

Since you have a Vulcan, my recommendation would be either 5w20 or 5w30 Motorcraft synthetic blend with a Motorcraft, Purolator PureOne, or a Napa/Wix filter. Everything will cost around $15. Easiest way is to pick up the oil and the filter at Walmart (they have Motorcraft filters) but the Walmart I usually go to never has the filters so I just go to Napa for the filter.

Here's a comparison of used oil analysis on a 2003 Vulcan comparing Pennzoil Platinum, Motorcraft, and Mobil 1
Bob is the Oil Guy link

Sorry about the long post
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I didn't say synthetic blends were garbage. I did say you do not know what you are getting as to the ratio of the blend. Also, the best mineral oils just cannot match up to a synthetic when it comes to what they leave behind in your engine. Varnish deposits that will eventually cause your rings to stick and valve guides to freeze up just to mention a few of the effects of the cold/hot cycles internal combustion engines must endure. The only mineral oil I know of that won't cause this to happen is Marvel Mystery which I came across over 40 years ago working on fine machinery which was constantly getting gummed up using the regular lubricants of the day.

 

Yes, you're right about the ratio of the blend. And reading what I wrote sounds meaner than i meant it to, so sorry about that

There are excellent dino oils out there too, but I agree that under most conditions a good synthetic will outperform a good dino oil.

I'm of the opinion that with how easy the Vulcan normally is on oil, synthetic oil isn't worth the added cost unless you want to run extended drain intervals, or if you buy something on sale for $199/qt during the sales Pep Boys usually has every few weeks on Quaker State synthetic and Pennzoil Platinum.

 

I've heard that Pennzoil Platinum is a very good synthetic oil just like the Mobil 1.

 

5w30 with a Motorcraft filter in both the SHO and the Sable.

 

10W30 in both cars with Ford filters Either Castrol GTX or Valvoline.

 

5W40 Shell Rotella T synthetic and Motorcraft filter. Guess we will find out next week when it gets below 0F whether this is a good idea.....

 

I've been using the Motorcraft oil (and filters) for quite sometime now, and have no complaints. I did not know the stats on the Motorcraft filters (high volume vs. the fram) so I'm glad I've been using them (and I had heard the Fram's were'nt all that good quality anyways). You know, it struck me as I was typing this that this is kind of a funny thread. I mean, here we are with all this info that comes from labs and such, but really one would'nt know if the oil they were using actually sucked until they had been using it for years anyways. Engine wear happens over years of driving (well, for most people anyways....lol) and driving habits and environment have a rather large effect on engine life. But hey, I digress...it is ALWAYS good to have the best defense possible.

 

I used some 0W30 synthetic and had rod bearing damage. Whether this was from the oil or my driving I don't know. No way would I use 5w20 though.

Like you said only time will tell.

 

i just picked up some castrol GTX part synthetic 10w-30 and a K&N performance gold oil oil filter, putting it all on tommarow, hope i made good choices? didnt really think i could go wrong with castrol and K&N?

 

Take the Castrol back and get Motorcraft oil. You also don't need the K&N with a Vulcan. Take that back and get a Motorcraft filter.

JR

 

Personally don't see anything special about Motorcraft oil. Personally would not use it myself......

 

There's nothing wrong with Castrol. The K&N is overkill though.

 

Yeah, you could almost buy 5 Motorcraft filters or 3 PureOnes or Napa Golds or whatever else. It's a bit overkill, but it does have a nifty bolt head on the end to make removing it easier

Paul, why wouldn't you use the Motorcraft oil? Just wondering since I've never seen a bad oil analysis of MC in a Vulcan...in an engine with tighter tolerances that's harder on oil I know a synthetic would do better, and it certainly wouldn't be bad for a Vulcan.