2021 Odyssey oil spec

[ZeeOSix]

I don't think the problem is the engine in that case. I thing it's CAFE. Those engines apparently weren't "problematic" before they mandated 0w20 in 2021. Maybe a failed example here and there like everybody else but not at pandemic level like we see now. My guess? With 0w40, you will not hear anything about failed bearings in those 6.2 like we hear now. It's only a guess but i think it's a good one.

If you watch the Lake Speed Jr video about this GM engine recall, it's the journal bearings that can fail and potentially cause catastrophic engine failure. It's a voluntary recall, and seems to be safety related because GM doesn't want these engines potentially locking up from major rod failure on the roads. KIA has a similar recall about engine journal bearings failing and engines blowing up on the road, and potentially causing a dangerous situation. Believe they also too spec thicker oil. Seems some of these auto manufacturers are learning the hard way of the ramification of trying to run the thinnest oil possible.

LSJr explains why GM went from 0W-20 to 0W-40 in this case to mitigate the issue. Just like in every journal bearing spinning in the world, the oil viscosity needs to be adequate enough to prevent metal-to-metal contact and wear. We know in the world of EPA and CAFE, that most of these engine designers try to go as low as possible and still retains some engine reliability and longevity, but it doesn't always work out that way. Ford bumped the viscosity up from 5W-20 to 5W-30 in 2021 for the Coyote in the USA, not just for fun, but only be one reason ... better engine protection.

So in the case of these 2021-2024 GM engines, even though 0W-20 has been specified in the past and seems to have "worked" for the most part, these particular engines don't really like that thin oil in all cases. Is the root cause a slight manufacturing issue? ... could be, but looks like going up to a 40 grade is something the engineers of the motor believe will cure the issue. If engines in use exhibit a trouble-code P0016 then that's a sign that the bearings are becoming worn out and the fix is to replace the engine. If there is no code P0016 then the oil is swithced to 0W-40 (even on brand new trucks sitting at the dealerships). So GM is now ignoring CAFE and listened to Tribology and putting in the oil viscosity these engines probably really need to properly protect the bottom end.

 

[K24Z7&M20AFXS]

If you watch the Lake Speed Jr video about this GM engine recall, it's the journal bearings that can fail and potentially cause catastrophic engine failure. It's a voluntary recall, and seems to be safety related because GM doesn't want these engines potentially locking up from major rod failure on the roads. KIA has a similar recall about engine journal bearings failing and engines blowing up on the road, and potentially causing a dangerous situation. Believe they also too spec thicker oil. Seems some of these auto manufacturers are learning the hard way of the ramification of trying to run the thinnest oil possible.

LSJr explains why GM went from 0W-20 to 0W-40 in this case to mitigate the issue. Just like in every journal bearing spinning in the world, the oil viscosity needs to be adequate enough to prevent metal-to-metal contact and wear. We know in the world of EPA and CAFE, that most of these engine designers try to go as low as possible and still retains some engine reliability and longevity, but it doesn't always work out that way. Ford bumped the viscosity up from 5W-20 to 5W-30 in 2021 for the Coyote in the USA, not just for fun, but only be one reason ... better engine protection.

So in the case of these 2021-2024 GM engines, even though 0W-20 has been specified in the past and seems to have "worked" for the most part, these particular engines don't really like that thin oil in all cases. Is the root cause a slight manufacturing issue? ... could be, but looks like going up to a 40 grade is something the engineers of the motor believe will cure the issue. If engines in use exhibit a trouble-code P0016 then that's a sign that the bearings are becoming worn out and the fix is to replace the engine. If there is no code P0016 then the oil is swithced to 0W-40 (even on brand new trucks sitting at the dealerships). So GM is now ignoring CAFE and listened to Tribology and putting in the oil viscosity these engines probably really need to properly protect the bottom end.

So, as i tought, the problem is probably not the engine or bearings themselves but the low viscosity oil used in them that isn't appropriate. Time will tell..

 

[ZeeOSix]

So, as i tought, the problem is probably not the engine or bearings themselves but the low viscosity oil used in them that isn't appropriate. Time will tell..

Looks that way ... just like KIA also found out the hard way. And Ford bumped the viscosity up in 2021 for the Coyote. No car company bumps up the viscosity for no real good reason.

 

[parshisa]

Running 5w30 both in my ‘16 Pilot and ‘17 Civic (1.5T). UOAs look good, easy to maintain inventory.

 

[Samurai1225]

If you watch the Lake Speed Jr video about this GM engine recall, it's the journal bearings that can fail and potentially cause catastrophic engine failure. It's a voluntary recall, and seems to be safety related because GM doesn't want these engines potentially locking up from major rod failure on the roads. KIA has a similar recall about engine journal bearings failing and engines blowing up on the road, and potentially causing a dangerous situation. Believe they also too spec thicker oil. Seems some of these auto manufacturers are learning the hard way of the ramification of trying to run the thinnest oil possible.

LSJr explains why GM went from 0W-20 to 0W-40 in this case to mitigate the issue. Just like in every journal bearing spinning in the world, the oil viscosity needs to be adequate enough to prevent metal-to-metal contact and wear. We know in the world of EPA and CAFE, that most of these engine designers try to go as low as possible and still retains some engine reliability and longevity, but it doesn't always work out that way. Ford bumped the viscosity up from 5W-20 to 5W-30 in 2021 for the Coyote in the USA, not just for fun, but only be one reason ... better engine protection.

So in the case of these 2021-2024 GM engines, even though 0W-20 has been specified in the past and seems to have "worked" for the most part, these particular engines don't really like that thin oil in all cases. Is the root cause a slight manufacturing issue? ... could be, but looks like going up to a 40 grade is something the engineers of the motor believe will cure the issue. If engines in use exhibit a trouble-code P0016 then that's a sign that the bearings are becoming worn out and the fix is to replace the engine. If there is no code P0016 then the oil is swithced to 0W-40 (even on brand new trucks sitting at the dealerships). So GM is now ignoring CAFE and listened to Tribology and putting in the oil viscosity these engines probably really need to properly protect the bottom end.

I had one of the KIAs with problematic engine. My engine let go on the expressway, but luckily I was able to get it to the berm safely .

 

[JD!]

Yes, but will it make a noticeable difference between 5w-30 vs 0w-20

Unless you've got a really good eye, no.

(I didn't say it was a good reason - just throwing out a counterpoint to the poster who said the *only* benefit of thin oil is fuel economy.)

 

[ZeeOSix]

(I didn't say it was a good reason - just throwing out a counterpoint to the poster who said the *only* benefit of thin oil is fuel economy.)

A thinner KV100/HTHS viscosity really has no benefit in terms of wear protection. The only "benefit" is a possible sliver better fuel economy. I've ran 5W-20 and 5W-30 in the same engine and saw zero change in oil temperature because there's an oil cooler. But the 30 grade is adding more film thickness, therefore better wear protection.