Anyone switch to 0W oil?

[Dirtman]

0w use to be more expensive but now it's the same price as the equivalent weight in 5w or 10w so can't see any reason not to switch. I ran 0w20 in the ranger last winter instead of 5w20 and got a minor reduction in noise on startup when it was really cold. Thinking about just using 0w in all three cars year round now since there's no difference in price or viscosity when hot anyway.

Thoughts?

 

[85_Ranger4x4]

What is the reason to switch?

 

[Dirtman]

What is the reason to switch?

To have the same viscosity oil with better flow in cold weather...

 

[85_Ranger4x4]

To have the same viscosity oil with better flow in cold weather...

Are you having cold weather oil flow issues now?

 

[Curious Hound]

I usually drive the truck to warm up the oil before I do an oil change. So when I pull the drain plug and some of the hot oil gets on my hand I say "Ow".

Does that count?

 

[Dirtman]

Are you having cold weather oil flow issues now?

I have a duratec so... yes...

It's a noisy motor at startup even when it's hot out, when it's 20 degrees or below it sounds like diesel for the first 5 minutes.

 

[19Walt93]

Theoretically it should be fine, 5w20 gets no thicker than a 5 weight when cold and no thinner than a 20 weight when hot. Multi viscosity oil is a misnomer, it's actually more stable viscosity under temp changes. Better oil flow at start up can't hurt.

 

[Dirtman]

Theoretically it should be fine, 5w20 gets no thicker than a 5 weight when cold and no thinner than a 20 weight when hot. Multi viscosity oil is a misnomer, it's actually more stable viscosity under temp changes. Better oil flow at start up can't hurt.

This was kinda my point. Better in cold but the same when hot so why not?

0w20 used to cost about $45 for a 5 quart jug where 5w20 cost around $20 so it was never worth paying for it except when it was really cold. Now both 5w20 and 0w20 cost the same so why not just stick with 0w20 all the time unless there is a downside I'm not seeing.

 

[DILLARD000]

Yep, switched several years ago
from 5w30.Blended, to 0w30.FullSyn each Spring, or 0w20.FullSyn each Fall.
Do this in both my 2001 V6~4.0L~SOHC & 2008 V6~3.5L~DOHC.
Does make a difference keeping engine quiet especially on cold Winter morning starts;
gets oil flowing a little faster to where it needs to get (ie OilPressurized TimingTensioners).
Also use ATP#AT-205 oil additive every couple of years, though this is now getting hard to find.
More info at
https://2001fordexplorersporttrac.fandom.com/Engine_Oil

 

[rubydist]

Yes, I use the 0Wxx stuff whenever I can find it. The local Wally World stores don't seem to do a very good job of inventory control on that stuff, so is pretty hit or miss when looking around here. There is zero downside to replacing 5Wxx with 0Wxx and it is better when it is cold out.

 

[RustyShackleford94]

I use whatever. Ive found as long as the lima has oil it’s happy lol.

 

[Dirtman]

I use whatever. Ive found as long as the lima has oil it’s happy lol.

That doesn't count, Pinto engines don't even need oil...

 

[RustyShackleford94]

That doesn't count, Pinto engines don't even need oil...

True. They just get a little more clacky until they get some oil.

 

[DILLARD000]

Oil is okay, just don't put fuel in a Pinto!

 

[rubydist]

lol