will 10w-40 cause problems?

[falcaraz]

I have a 2000 explorer sport with 118,000 miles on it. Will 10w-40 oil cause any problems with it or should I stick to recommended oil?

 

[jimbo74]

it will not cause any problems

 

[Runnin'OnEmpty]

You can use it in a high-mileage engine, driven in a warm climate. However, it has more viscosity index improvers than other oils, and tends to break down sooner.

The rule of thumb to use in choosing an oil viscosity, is to get the one with the lesser range between the two numbers (a 10W-30 would be a better choice than a 10W-40 for example).

ROE

 

[aldive]

It is not the recommended oil, however, it should not cause any problems.

Why not use the recommended oil?

 

[LBarr2002]

We run 10W-40 in everything we own: 2 Explorers, 2 Chevy trucks, Chevy Van, Old Yota. It won't hurt anything.

 

[85Dave]

It will cause a drop in fuel mileage. It will cause slightly more wear during startups. It won't burn or leak as quick.

 

[falcaraz]

I live in southern california so that counts as warm. Also are my miles to high for synthetic? and if not what weight should I use?

 

[aldive]

I live in southern california so that counts as warm. Also are my miles to high for synthetic? and if not what weight should I use?

Sure you can use synthetic.

5W30 is the Ford recommendation. I use Amsoil 0w30 in mine ( 115k miles ).

 

[85Dave]

I would (and do) use Pennzoil or Havoline or MotorCraft 5w30 conventional oil.

 

[PJC]

I just switched to Mobil 1 5w-30 synthetic at ≈149,000 miles. Have about 1,500 on it since the switch and it is doing great. No leaks anywhere that I can find (and the level is staying the same). Oil looks good on the stick (much cleaner than dino oil at the same mileage), too. Your mileage may vary, but it seems to be doing fine in mine.

 

[Norad]

I live in southern california so that counts as warm. Also are my miles to high for synthetic? and if not what weight should I use?

My '99 5.0L explorer has been running on mobile 1 synthetic since its first oil change and I now have 140,x.. mile on it and the motor still purs like it did when it came off the dealers lot. I am in Maine going to school and use 5-30W or 0-30W all winter long but when it comes time for warm weather, anything above freezing , I use 10-40W. Most of my warm weather driving in for a couple of hours while winter driving is back and forth to school, couple of miles. I don't believe that I have ever noticed a drop in fuel econmy because of a thicker oil. I think that fuel economy has to do mostly with driving style and the weather. just my thoughts