Oil weight... Should I be worried?

[A3M0N]

I'm out of town and my wife took my 4.0l Grand Cherokee into the dealer for the air bag and seat belt recall (all they did was put a band aid on the problem, another thread), and had the oil changed while she was there. They put 5W-20 in it while the owners manual recommends 10W-30. I called the dealership and they said that's the weight Jeep recommends now. Anyone heard of this? Should I be worried for our upcoming nearly 3000mi move?

Thanks!

 

[Payback]

Should I be worried for our upcoming nearly 3000mi move?

No.

 

[A3M0N]

Ok.

 

[shortbus4x4]

Nothing to worry about. Quite a few manufacturers have changed their recommendations from 10/30 or 5/30 to 5/20 oil. Makes for high speed low drag reciprocating parts in the engine, in laymans terms they did it for emissions and fuel economy.

 

[A3M0N]

I had a nice conversation with the service department manager about it today. He told me when Pennzoil became Jeep's partner a few years ago they did some studies and changed the recommendations. They also claim that their oil is good for 6000 miles instead of the standard 3000. This is regular oil, not synthetic.

 

[reece146]

I wouldn't push the 4.0 out to 6000 mile changes. It is is an old tractor engine with some high tech doodads added to it. It needs to be changed more regularly. After 3000 miles the oil is pitch black on these engines. I realize that nowadays colour is not that great an indicator but I'd still stick with the old service intervals on these old fashioned engines.

I'd do short intervals with the 4.7 also... screens in the oil galleries... better keep that oil clean.

2¢

 

[FordGuy1]

I am not a fan of 5-20 at all. Here at Ford we use semi-syn in all vehicles but the only reason the manufactures went to 5-20 is fuel economy, they do not care at all how long you engine lasts. We are seeing a lot of internal wear very early on. Manufactures are only in business for two things, car sales and part sales.

 

[A3M0N]

I plan to keep the 3000 mile change, 6000 miles makes me nervous.

Thanks FordGuy1, I'm worried about engine parts wearing out myself. I plan to drive this thing for a long time yet. My 5 y/o son has already said he wants it when he's old enough!

 

[rkj__]

Interesting comment.

I would be inclined to believe that manufacturers would be willing to trade some long term durability for increased fuel economy.

Would changing the oil weight actually yield a measurable change in fuel economy though? I know I can't detect any difference in my vehicle over the lifespan of the oil - no difference dirty vs clean.

 

[FordGuy1]

I have had great luck with 15-40 in my 4.0l. I run Sweptco extreme duty oil.

 

[reece146]

I've heard good things about Rotella also. Supposed to have more Zinc and be better for older engines but potentially hard on cat converters. Anyone able to speak to that?

 

[FordGuy1]

I've heard good things about Rotella also. Supposed to have more Zinc and be better for older engines but potentially hard on cat converters. Anyone able to speak to that?

There is a lot of people running Rotella and other oils designed for diesel with excellent results. I think the zinc and other additives they put in diesel oils and the 15-40 weight works very well in the 4.0L

 

[rainstatebear]

I am not a fan of 5-20 at all. Here at Ford we use semi-syn in all vehicles but the only reason the manufactures went to 5-20 is fuel economy, they do not care at all how long you engine lasts. We are seeing a lot of internal wear very early on. Manufactures are only in business for two things, car sales and part sales.

So do you use 5-20 semi syn or something else?

 

[FordGuy1]

So do you use 5-20 semi syn or something else?

We use what is recommended by the manufacture for the vehicle (sort of have too). Most of the new cars are using 5-20. I suggest to people I know or vehicles that are going to be used in a severe use situation to use 5-30. I have had many conversations with our race engine builder (Leon Patton) and he says the excuse that there designed for 5-20 is B.S, I agree, its only for fuel mileage not what protects the engine better.

 

[rainstatebear]

So full syn or semi? I have been using valvoline full syn but it has been using it a little more quickly than I like. No leaks or smoke. Changed the PCV out three times so thats not it.

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