oil

Hi... I have a 2001 Ford Windstar LX. I just got it this spring and I have finally gotton around to changing the oil myself. It has been going to the Ford dealer since it was new, so their records say. That means it has been using Motorcraft 5W-20. Due to money issues, I had to buy cheap Castrol GTX 5-20. I swear by Mobil1 so I would like to know which weight is better for it... 5-30 or 0-20. They say that 0-20 is about the same as 5-20 but has better cold start ability. Need some input on this one please!

0w-20 or 5w-20 oils are still both a 20wt at operating temp. Any brand 5w-20 will do well in the 3.8L for a normal oil change interval. If you want to go the max oil change interval ford recommends (7000miles?), or above, I'd use M1 synthetic- 0w-30,0w-20, 5w-30 or even 10w-30. You will probably get a fraction of a MPG better fuel economy with the 20 wt's. I run 5w-20 (what ever brand is cheap) and any non-fram oil filter @ a 4-5Kmi oil change interval on my 2001 LX. Engine looks spotless from what I can see & runs like a top. I average 23MPG's
G/luck
Joel

Zeek,
I have a '96 with 140K miles on it.
I would recommend the 5W-20 Mobil 1 oil.
It is well worth the extra money....
I use the Mobil 1 5W-30 in my '96.....and change every 3000 miles.
I found that the Mobil 1 has a MUCH better cold flow than identical grades of other brands.
Anyone wants to check it out.....put a quart of Mobil 1 in the freezer.......along with a quart of another brand....... Shake both bottles....and you will see what I mean.
Here in Wisconsin..... Cold flow in winter is important......and critical to the engine at startup.
If money is an issue.....an you live in a cold climate.....perhaps using Mobil 1 in winter.....and a cheaper brand in the warmer times of year.

I just bought a long necked funnel to make the pour easy on refill.
You don't want to spill.....and if you do....clean it up as best you can as the exaust manifold is in the path that a spill will take.

Walmart carrys the Mobil 1 in the 5 quart jug....which is very convenient.

For the filter change.....Well....the filter is not in the most convenient location on my '96....but is very doable.....make sure that the gasket comes off with the old filter.

I use WIX filters. Most any quality filter would do. I would stay away from the cheaper line of FRAM.
FRAM has a long history of making quality filters....however....from what I have read.....their cheaper grades use cardboard end caps inside the filter...... I used to use their X2 filter that comes in a can... Expensive. The Purolator ONE is also available for the Windstar.

Also, If you have any extended warranty with your car.....SAVE YOUR RECEIPTS so that you can show that you kept up with the maintenance.

I've been using Chevron Supreme 5w/30 and Motorcraft filters in my '01 and change it every 4 months. Even had an oil analysis done at 40,000 miles and things were in great shape (I live in MN). If you go to www.bobistheoilguy.com website check out the message boards. More than you'll ever want to know about motor oil and filters.