Need your thoughts on 5w-40 Motul

[SheepDog]

"Increases to compression come from longer connecting rods, longer stroke on the crankshaft rod bearing journals, larger(thicker) shaped pistons, smaller cylinder head shape, thinner head gasket, or a combination of those."

I understand this.

"A "tight" bearing clearance, with a smaller hydrodynamic wedge between the journals and bearing surfaces has advantages, too. It can provide more even and uniform loads on the bearings, as well as more uniform oil pressure on them. Additionally, less oil is required to maintain the hydrodynamic wedge, which translates into a reduced load on the oil pump that can result in more horsepower."

This is what I meant when I said "tolerances". And I stand behind the statement that tighter tolerances can lead to a change in viscosity requirements. At least to get to ideal lubricating conditions.

I'm not arguing, I'm clarifying

Just like the article says, a standard bearing clearance for most production engines is fairly standard. Ford cranks out bazillions of these engines, they aren't going to tighten up the clearances year over year. That would require changes to assembly lines, tooling etc. that costs them overhead.

People use the term "Clearance" to refer to bearing, journal, crankshaft, camshaft etc. clearance between rotating parts. Not "Clearance" between the top of a piston and the cylinder head.

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[Paul McWhiskey]

OK I generally try to avoid "best motor oil" threads because expert opinions are just that, opinions. But I'll give 2 cents to this one.

I retired from the lubricants industry and at one point I was a fleet/commercial sales manager. We did a lot of oil analysis. Never to determine which oil was better than another but to determine whether an oil or other lubricant was still viable.

Large fleets like tractor trailer companies are big users of engine oil. Huge fleets (think locomotive engines) use a LOT more engine oil than you'd think. They don't want to waste money on oil changes. They analyze oil periodically to determine if it SHOULD be changed. And then respond accordingly.

There is one very basic fact that people who understand engine oil (in this example) know: if a lubricant meets the current spec or the required spec for the application it is suitable for use. When I buy oil, I typically buy whatever is on sale that meets the spec for the application regardless of brand name.

I'm 65 and I've run the sheet out of everything I ever owned. I used to race a mud truck and I'd run it hard enough to peg the temp gauge and make the headers glow and never broke a motor. I have a Nissan NV3500 cargo van with a 5.6 that's never seen the same brand of oil 2 times in a row. I've towed toy hailers, dump trailers, car carriers, and it's currently got 170,000 miles on it.

Is Motul full synthetic good oil? Yes. Is Pennzoil full synthetic good oil? Yes. Is Motul 2x as good as the price would seem to dictate? No. Period. No. You can get the Pennzoil for under $25 for a 5-quart jug.

Now to viscosity- someone stated that the Coyote engine had been around since blah blah. This doesn't mean Ford hasn't improved the engine over time. Hell it gained 5 cubic inches in 2018! And tighter tolerances can lead to a change in viscosity requirements. And I don't think Ford puts full synthetic oil in the Coyote engine from the factory. The manufacturers generally keep factory fill information pretty close to the chest. It is after all typically specified in a bid offering and supplied by the lowest bidder.

Lastly, I'd have no problem running a non-synthetic lubricant in my Mustang GT. But at the small increase in price to have full synthetic I go ahead and buy it. But if it was 2x more expensive than dino oil I wouldn't. And I add this- people generally change their oil much too often. It wastes a valuable resource and your hard earned money at the same time.

Take it for what it's worth.... thanks for reading.

I, too, have very nearly the same background. I also avoid the temptation to claim that one brand is superior to another. I think that what you were trying to say is that oil is like whiskey. Everyone has their drink, feels that it is the best, and rarely considers another. But, just maybe, the smarter whiskey drinker is the one willing to try something new, keeps his view wide, and enjoys them all.

Run whatever you feel is the bombshigitty in your ride. If it makes you feel all warm and squishy, good for you. If your motors last millennia even better.

I never once walked into a facility where the Eq Manager was convinced that the oil he was buying was the best there is and convinced him different. Folks can be very hard headed about oil. I am good with that.

There is a place for discussing the pluses and minuses of different brands and viscosities. Application is also very important. For instance, a car that is driven daily on a 20 mile round trip commute is entirely different than a car that is only used on track for 20-30 sessions. So many want to use the same products that the race cars use believing that they are the “BEST”. Well, depending on the duty cycle that just might not be true.

Anyway, I still have not told anyone what oil to use. I will leave that to the “Experts”. Like I said you drink your whiskey the way you like to. I will drive the hell out of mine. In fact, getting ready right now to go for a rip. You all have a good one. Drive it like you stole it and keep it between the ditches.

 

[GregO]

I like Jägermeister

 

[Paul McWhiskey]

I like Jägermeister

When I was younger I thought that I liked it, too. But eventually I learned that Jäegermeister is German for throwing up.

 

[Trace]

How did you guys do the diacritic? Control/shift colon isn't working for me in this app

 

[GregO]

How did you guys do the diacritic? Control/shift colon isn't working for me in this app

Handheld device, long press the desired letter and a row of options will appear above the letter, slide finger to diacritic of choice.

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