Ford V10 Oil Type: What Is The Best Oil For a Ford Triton V10?
Every product that has metal parts rubbing against metal parts needs some type of oil to help it function. If you didn’t then the heat from that rubbing action would weld the parts together making them inoperable.
It will depend on the year your V-10 was made. Prior to 2003, the recommended oil was 5W-30 but from 2003 on, that viscosity went down to 5W-20. Check your owner’s manual or call a dealer if you are still not sure what oil to use.
To learn more about the type of oil you need in your V-10 just continue to read our article. It has the information you need to know about so you can keep your V-10 running like a luxury timepiece.
What Oil Does a Ford V10 Use?
As you have just read, the oil you need to use in your V-10 is a 5W-20 viscosity. This is the recommended oil and you can use either real oil or go with the synthetic version.
The latter option allows you to skip a few oil changes as this oil type is supposed to last longer than real oil does. But check with your manual or dealer to make sure.
The modern motors come with an oil change schedule that may not be missed and if you do you could be adding wear and tear to your engine if you do not follow the schedule.
There are some very good synthetic oils you can buy that will protect your engine for a very long time. The problem or drawback is, that they may be more expensive than regular oil.
It will be up to you which style of oil you decide to use. Both styles are good for your engine. The longevity of either may save you money when you compare how many times you have to use each type.
Oil For Ford V10 Motorhome
There is some conflicting information we have to report. In one discussion forum, it was said that the type of oil used in a V-10 after 2003 is 5W-20. A more reputable source said that the V-10 between the years 1999 to 2015 used 5W-20.
Then from 2015 to 2019, the oil type was upgraded to 5W-30. To solve this conflict, you need to look on your oil cap as the type of oil should be printed there or in your truck’s manual.
Different models during those same years may use 5W-30 prior to 2003 or not. If you are doing your own oil changes, then once you drain the oil from the oil pan, put the oil plug back in immediately.
Even if you haven’t taken the filter off yet make sure that plug is put back in so you do not forget about it later on. Also, make sure to park on a very level surface. That is the safest position to be in.
Use wheel chocks to make sure the vehicle does not roll accidentally on you.
Ford V10 Oil Specs
You already know the oil viscosity is 5W20 for most V-10s. You may say alternate numbers like 5W30 but what Ford recommends is 5W-20 synthetic oil. There is a difference between synthetic and regular oil that makes it better to use the former than the latter.
When it comes to brands Ford and many owners may recommend using Motorcraft products, even for the filter. However, the brand does not matter when it comes to oil. Some off-brands may not be good to use at all.
You will have to check your owner’s manual or call a Ford dealer to make sure of the viscosity range due to the fact that Ford made many V-10s and they may have different recommendations for different years of production or engine type.
The amount of oil you put inside the oil pan also has different answers. Ford and some mechanics recommend using only 6. But that does not seem to fill the oil pan up.
That result has some people recommending that you put 7 quarts in. That 7 quart equals 6.6 liters which is what we saw on one spec sheet for this motor. So if you go 7 you should be close and that extra .6 liters should not ham the motor at all.
What is The Best Oil For a Ford Triton V10?
The best oil will be what is recommended in your owner’s manual. There is some leeway when it comes to how much oil you put in the oil tank but you should not alter the viscosity recommendation at all.
Stick with the oil listed in your manual so that you do not void your warranty. As we have said in this article the brand of oil is not as important as the viscosity. You can use Shell, Mobile, Chevron, or some other major oil brand and be fine.
Just be careful of using those lesser-known brands as their quality of oil, even though it is the same viscosity may not be up to the quality of those major brands.
Also, do not go over the 7-quart capacity and do not go under 5 quarts when doing your own oil change. Both overfilling and underfilling can cause you to have engine problems sooner than later.
Some Final Words
When it comes to oil and engines, the topic can be confusing. Different engines require different capacities and viscosity. You cannot assume your capacity is the same as a friend’s engine due to the fact that slightly different models of the same engine are made.
It is always best to go to the maker of the engine to get the most accurate information possible. That way, if you are still under warranty, you are protected. Also, make sure you have the right owner’s manual for your vehicle.
This has happened in the past and has caused owners significant trouble when they do not realize the error.
