Why does the owner's manual to my 01 3.0 V6 Ranger recommend 5W-20, but the manual of a Mazda B-series version, which is essentially the same truck, recommends using 5W-30?

 

Maybe they made a northern and a southern version of the manuals, or at least that page of the manual

Either one would be fine pretty much any where, but the 5W20 would be better in northern climates and the 5W30 in southern

5W20 can break down faster when outside temps get 100+ degF
5W30 can get too thick when temps are below -10 degF

The "too" thick or thin is just for optimal use, either would work just fine in hot or cold climates, because the engine temp should always be 185-205 degF and so oil temp would be the same when either was being used
Its the in between time after its cooled down, the 5W20 can have a shorter life in warmer climates than the 5W30
And the 5W30 can be too thick at cold start and warm up for best efficiency, MPG, in colder climates

 

The difference between the 5-30 and the 5-20 is so slight only the engine would know the difference.

My 3.0L doesn't like 5-30 and my last 5.0L doesn't like it either, Lifters start to talk to me.

I use Mobile 1, 5-20 equivalent, for 9 of the 10 years I have owned this Ranger/3.0L, no problems... knock on wood !

Funny how the manuals are different, since they are the same motor, as RonD stated must be something simple... see if there is some statement about area.

Ltr

 

I recently bought my 3.0 ranger and it’s been running 5w-30 all its life but I looked it up and that said to run 5w-20. I’ve been running 5w-20 for a few months now and it’s been running great. Even in the hotter and colder temps, in Illinois. Now the question is, is the capacity 4.5 qts or 5qts?

 

From what I know the 3.0 V6 requires 4.5 quarts for an oil change.