5w-20 requirement - Ford Forums - Mustang Forum, Ford Trucks, Ford Focus and Ford Cars

robt · 03-22-2009, 15:24

I'm curious what information is available regarding the type of oil to use in the taurus. Both 3.0 engines, duratec and vulcan list 5w-20 on the oil cap. In the past, I've always run 10w-40 in all of my cars without even paying attention to the recommendation (not good with instructions..). Anyway, I guess when they post it on the filler cap it must be more important. This is no snow climate. How important is it to use the 5w-20. I have a bunch of 10w-40 waiting to be in a crankcase, and the 5w-20 is nearly exotic in terms of buying it!

thx

**jwko** · 03-22-2009, 17:37

I don't know about 10/40 but I've always ran 10/30 in my Taurus.

**360ci** · 03-31-2009, 13:59

5W20 was implemented by a few manufacturers to promote better fuel economy as it's a lighter oil. 10W40 will be fine to use. 5W30 is my favorite for all around summer/winter use. I run 5W20 in my Taurus with the 2V engine as I had a whole whack left over when I sold my gas station a few years ago.