5w-20 motor oil

[rodeo02]

When did ford change the motor oil spec from 5w-30 to 5w-20 on the windstar 3.8L? They don't even spec any other viscosity ranges in the owners manual in my 2001 . I realize 5w-20 is the latest spec craze in high tech, higher effieciency engines, but the 3.8L is just an old school pushrod design that's been around for 20yrs Oh well, I'll stick with the 5w-20. It's partially synthetic anyhooo.
Joel

[lewisnc100]

Originally Posted by rodeo02

When did ford change the motor oil spec from 5w-30 to 5w-20 on the windstar 3.8L? They don't even spec any other viscosity ranges in the owners manual in my 2001 . I realize 5w-20 is the latest spec craze in high tech, higher effieciency engines, but the 3.8L is just an old school pushrod design that's been around for 20yrs Oh well, I'll stick with the 5w-20. It's partially synthetic anyhooo.
Joel

Must have been 2001 since my 2000 3.8L is 5W-30.

[hopeless4life]

Once 5w20 came out ford put a bulletin out to all the dealers that they want to start putting 5w20 in most of the older vehicles as well. So if it says 5w30 on your 2000 3.8L it probably changed to 5w20.

[lewisnc100]

Originally Posted by hopeless4life

Once 5w20 came out ford put a bulletin out to all the dealers that they want to start putting 5w20 in most of the older vehicles as well. So if it says 5w30 on your 2000 3.8L it probably changed to 5w20.

I read that TSB and completely forgot about it. It came out in 2002 and now recommends 5w20 for all 95 and newer windstars. All 2001 and newer Windstars came filled with 5w20 from the factory. From the TSB the main reason for the switch was "This oil is an improved formulation to improve fuel economy."