0W-20 vs. 5W-20

[xBa380]

What are the main differences within these oils, as far as performance? I know oil is a tricky subject with respect to grade, so I am just curious if somebody can explain to me benefit of one of the other, etc... Now this is for an engine that says to put either oil in, not some other grade.

Appreciate the input!

 

[cheetahdriver]

just did a ton (ok, about 40lbs) of research on the subject. the following numbers are for M1,

for 5w-20
MRV is 15000 @ -35C

and for 0w-20
MRV is 5642 @ -40c


so you can see, the 5w is almost 3 times thicker than the 0w.

 

[xBa380]

Proof enough there for me!

And they are the same viscosity at operating temp correct?

 

[glennc]

That is a big difference but I wonder, not having researched it, what the difference is in the -10C - +30C range of normal start-up.

Nevertheless they have the same HTHS at 2.6, which is apparently the minimum allowable for 20wt under current requirements. I have to admit I'm somewhat surprised M1's HTHS wouldn't exceed the HTHS of any ordinary "conventional" 5W-20, but it does hint that to achieve it the 0W-20 might be using a better base stock blend.

I suppose that unless there is any disadvantage I'm not aware of to the 0W-20 it would be a better oil for any application.

 

[cmhj]

Originally Posted By: glennc


I suppose that unless there is any disadvantage I'm not aware of to the 0W-20 it would be a better oil for any application.


If you mean a 0W-20 is fine in most applications calling for 5W-20 I'll agree 100%.

FWIW I'll be switching all my 5W-20 applications to 0W-20 once I've used what 5 wt I have left. After all the 0 or 5 is only for lower temps & start up, not at operating temp.

I do know of a couple issues where the dealer has frowned on this. Bit IMO it's all a matter of education and using a product that'll cover you regardless.

 

[06VtecV6]

I use a Conoco syn blend product which is 5w-20 and I am willing to bet that if I tried the M1 0w-20, I will get the same lousy gas mileage with this M1 0w-20 as I *did* when I used M1 5w-20 but then again I do not live in a climate with really cold winters to worry about start-up thickness- what looks to be 0w-20's main benefit.
To combat a thicker start-up of 5w-20 in any environment(all cars start-off with a 'cold start')I just take it easy on the throttle until my coolant and oil warms up and spend more of my time worrying about how many more *miles of smiles* I will get with my 5w-20 synthetic blend..meh, I can;t never find M1 0w-20 for longer then a milli-second anyway.. maybe that will change...

 

[demarpaint]

I have been on the phone and emailing Mobil, Pennzoil, and Chrylser Re: using 0W-20 in place of 5W-20 which is specified for my 08 Jeep Liberty. I was told by Mobil and Pennzoil the oil would work fine, BUT!!!!!!!!! it will void the warranty, no debating this issue. Jeep said 5W-20 PERIOD, in all climates no matter what. What started this was I read that Chrysler changed the specs to 0W-20 oil from 5W-20, which is not true. Like all of us here I want to be current, and have my vehicles last as long as possible.

As much as I would like the added benefit of the cold start protection, and we all know its a better choice for the cold, it will void a warranty if there is an oil related warranty issue.

If the vehicle is out of warranty its another story. With Jeep's lifetime warranty I am certain that after the 3 year-36,000 warranty runs out they will look for any and every way out of a warranty claim. The 0W-20 oil will be just another way out for them.

Frank D

 

[simple_gifts]

Quote:

it will void the warranty, no debating this issue.


So, if the oil pump rotors shatter because of a obvious casting flaw, warranty is invalid because you used 0W-20?

Is the warranty invalidated for the whole mileage period because you used 0W-20, once, or is it just invalidated for the period you are using the 0W-20? Few things to think about....

Quote:

The 0W-20 oil will be just another way out for them.

I'm sure it would be attempted.

 

[demarpaint]

I'm not in a financial position to test the waters. I would imagine if you used 0W-20 once or twice and changed to 5W-20 and later had a problem no one would know if they sent the oil for a test. I would also imagine that if you blew up an engine with the 0W-20, dropped the oil and filter and refilled with 5W-20 they would also have problems making the determination that 0W-20 was used. But why chance it?

The sad part in all of this is the 0W-20 is a much better choice in colder climates.

Frank D

 

[ewetho]

No one would even suspect, would they? How could you tell???

Use with confidence. Heck Mobil1 is even advertising on their bottles for use in 5W-20 applications and 0W-30 for 5&10W-30.

 

[dwendt44]

Any truth that some engines are showing camshaft wear with the 0W-20 and/or the 5W-20??

 

[demarpaint]

Originally Posted By: ewetho
No one would even suspect, would they? How could you tell???

Use with confidence. Heck Mobil1 is even advertising on their bottles for use in 5W-20 applications and 0W-30 for 5&10W-30.


I would imagine they would send the oil out and have it tested if there was an oil related failure. At that point the recommended oil better be in the engine. They would probably also want to see receipts from the DYI'er that say 5W-20 and not 0W-20. Out of warranty not a problem.


Frank D

 

[simple_gifts]

Quote:

No one would even suspect, would they? How could you tell?


UPC codes on the receipts that they would be asking for, before doing any warranty related work.

 

[ToyotaNSaturn]

Originally Posted By: demarpaint
Originally Posted By: ewetho
No one would even suspect, would they? How could you tell???

Use with confidence. Heck Mobil1 is even advertising on their bottles for use in 5W-20 applications and 0W-30 for 5&10W-30.


I would imagine they would send the oil out and have it tested if there was an oil related failure. At that point the recommended oil better be in the engine. They would probably also want to see receipts from the DYI'er that say 5W-20 and not 0W-20. Out of warranty not a problem.


Frank D


Please see my post here:
http://www.bobistheoilguy.com/forums/ubb...255#Post1126255

 

[Steve S]

What is expected with the switch from 5w/20 to 0w/20 ?