1996 T-Bird Oil change | Ford Thunderbird forum club group 1955-2005 models

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1996 T-Bird Oil change

  • Thread starter Thread starter defbird96
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defbird96

defbird96

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Thunderbird Year
1996
I had the oil/filter changed at a local Valvoline quick change which in the past has done quality service on several other vehicles on have owned, including a pickup and a van. After specifically requesting 5W-30 semi synthetic, which the "Bird has previously used for its 69,000 mile life, I found after the fact that they had used 5W-20 semi synthetic.

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Interesting... I would go back and talk to a manager, it sounds like you didn't get what you paid for.
 
I guess my real question is, would leaving the 5W-20 in have any negative effect on the motor? Is it too thin for a '96 4.6 V-8? Yhis car gets only about a 1K of use for a year. Engine seems to be running fine on the 5W-20.
 
What oil does it call for? I know a lot of newer cars use 5-20. These newer engines run higher oil pressure and have smaller oil passages. If it calls for the 5-20 don't run heavier oil.
I remember back when these motors came out some were blowing oil filters off with 10-40 and 20-50.
If it does call for 5-20 they won't put heavier oil in because of liability.
 
74 Harley said:
What oil does it call for? I know a lot of newer cars use 5-20. These newer engines run higher oil pressure and have smaller oil passages. If it calls for the 5-20 don't run heavier oil.
I remember back when these motors came out some were blowing oil filters off with 10-40 and 20-50.
If it does call for 5-20 they won't put heavier oil in because of liability.
Click to expand...
'Bird has previously ONLY used 5W-30 semi synthetic. All seals are tight, no oil leaks anywhere. I'm the second owner, and car was babied by the original owner. I will monitor engine, and maybe drain 1 to 2 quarts and replace with 5W-30 if anything doesn't seem right.
 
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