10w30 or 5w30

[RamAir5]

Is it acceptable to run 10w30 synthetic in a vehicle that calls for 5w30?
I'm planning on running Synpower in my Direct Injected GM SUV. The book calls for 5w30, but the 10w30 seems to be a stronger oil. It appears these DI engines beat up on oil.
I live in VA. The winters are on the mild side.

Thoughts?

 

[LargeCarManX2]

Only the battery will notice the difference!

I use the 10-30 often, only notice a tad in the Fall if I don't get the Winter fill in.

Less viscosity improver=more robust oil....10W is a very fluid state and the synthetics will work as they say...in most enviroments!

 

[heypete]

I don't see why not, so long as the temperature remains above 0F.

 

[jstutz]

Absolutely it is okay. Especially in any temp you would get in VA

 

[crazyoildude]

Use what belongs in there.. Unless you know more than the peoplr that designed the engine and if thats the case please come to my engine shop for a job...
5w30 flows quicker in most all situations

 

[beast3300]

If it's a 3.6 DI like I am thinking it might be, then stick with 5w30. My buddy works at a GMC dealer and has done many timing chains on those 3.6s.


At least under warranty stick with 5w30.

 

[crinkles]

i cannot see how the use of a 10w over 5w in *most* climates except canada could POSSIBLY affect ANY mechanical issue. cmon people. that truck would take 20w-50 down here.

 

[beast3300]

Originally Posted By: crinkles
i cannot see how the use of a 10w over 5w in *most* climates except canada could POSSIBLY affect ANY mechanical issue. cmon people. that truck would take 20w-50 down here.


Sorry, didn't want to imply mechanical failure. I was just stating a known problem with timing chains. Such that a dealer can fault the customer making them 100% liable to pay for repairs. Under warranty do what is recommended. That is all I was trying to say.

 

[coffee]

I would choose the 5w30 as it is always better to have a quicker start and thinner at start up.

 

[JT1]

Originally Posted By: crinkles
i cannot see how the use of a 10w over 5w in *most* climates except canada could POSSIBLY affect ANY mechanical issue. cmon people. that truck would take 20w-50 down here.


Valv. Australia recommends 10w30.

 

[hominid7]

I would think a synthetic 10w30 (or even a synthetic 0w30 or 5w30) would out-perform a dino 5w30 in both hot and cold extremes.

 

[crinkles]

Originally Posted By: beast3300
Originally Posted By: crinkles
i cannot see how the use of a 10w over 5w in *most* climates except canada could POSSIBLY affect ANY mechanical issue. cmon people. that truck would take 20w-50 down here.


Sorry, didn't want to imply mechanical failure. I was just stating a known problem with timing chains. Such that a dealer can fault the customer making them 100% liable to pay for repairs. Under warranty do what is recommended. That is all I was trying to say.


i get ya. does the manual give a chart vs temperature or ONLY the 5w-30 recommendation?

 

[Herz]

I know most GM vehicles list 10w-30 as "okay" above a certain degree I think 20 or 30. But it says right next to it in most cases that 5w-30 is preferred.

 

[Mark_S]

At engine operating temperatures, both oils should be the same viscosity. The difference should be in the ambient temperatures, which is far different in say Michigan than in south Florida. I don't see how a 10W in a mild climate would hurt anything when compared to a 5W in a colder climate. In coastal SC, the temperature rarely gets to freezing at night during the winter, and is usually 50 to 60 F during the day. What on earth would a 10W harm more so than a 5W at 20 below in the northern US?

Mark

 

[RamAir5]

Originally Posted By: crinkles
Originally Posted By: beast3300
Originally Posted By: crinkles
i cannot see how the use of a 10w over 5w in *most* climates except canada could POSSIBLY affect ANY mechanical issue. cmon people. that truck would take 20w-50 down here.


Sorry, didn't want to imply mechanical failure. I was just stating a known problem with timing chains. Such that a dealer can fault the customer making them 100% liable to pay for repairs. Under warranty do what is recommended. That is all I was trying to say.


i get ya. does the manual give a chart vs temperature or ONLY the 5w-30 recommendation?


The manual does not have the typical chart that dispalys different oil weights at different temps. It only says 5W30. I have owned many vehicles and everyone of them had a chart in the manual except this new GM.

 

[mechtech2]

I don't think that VII breakdown is a problem nowadays.
Fuel dilution from Di systems that were not perfected before being marketed is another story.

 

[suspiciousmind]

I had a mitsubishi that reccomended 5/30 and i decided 10/30 would be fine in my moderate climate too....i spun a rod bearing in that one.

Personally, i don't know why anyone would run 10w/x in any engine anywhere after all the research i've done since then. Most damage will occur at startup and low vis is best at any temp for quick circulation...imho

 

[crazyoildude]

its all about flow although unless it gets really cold 10w30 would work but 5w30 would be better