5w-20 approved for 2006/2005 Dodge 3.7L v-6 or ?

[DirtyApe]

Was looking in the 2007 DOdge Dakota owner's manual online and it only lists 5w-20 for the Dakota, not making any note of difference between needs for the 3.7L v-6 and the 4.7L (HO) models. Since mine is a 2006 3.7L v-6, I asked at the dealership and was given a 'just use what's shown on the cap' and dismissed. Just wondering here.

 

[StevieC]

These engines run better on a 30wt oil in my opinion, but a 20wt will not hurt it at all. The dealers don't know... They use a one size fits all 10w30 in most cases... hahaha If you are really concerned buy the technical manual for your car from the dealership and it will have a temperature vs. viscosity chart.

 

[zrxkawboy]

5W30 was spec'd in 06, but to my knowledge, the engine was not changed when the recommendation changed to 5W20. Personally, I'm going to keep using 5W30 in my 06 Libby 3.7, but I doubt that 5W20 would hurt anything if you want to try it.

 

[DirtyApe]

Thanks, unless I can find something from Dodge themselves I'll probably just stay where I'm at then..

 

[440Magnum]

 Originally Posted By: mh2800

Was looking in the 2007 DOdge Dakota owner's manual online and it only lists 5w-20 for the Dakota, not making any note of difference between needs for the 3.7L v-6 and the 4.7L (HO) models. Since mine is a 2006 3.7L v-6, I asked at the dealership and was given a 'just use what's shown on the cap' and dismissed. Just wondering here.

There's really not that much difference in a 5w20 vs. most 5w30s based on the VOAs and UOAs I've looked at on here. Most 5w20s turn in *great* UOAs, but they also are at the thick end of the 20wt range, and they tend to be recommended in traditionally long-lived low-wearing engines like Ford Modulars, Chrysler 4.7 and 5.7s, and some Hondas. There's some indication/speculation that at least some of the oil companies use better ingredients, so to speak, in the Xw20s as well as the 0w30s compared to the 10w30s and 5w30s. On the face of it one would certainly think that it would be easier to get to 5w20 with fewer VIIs, for one thing.

 

[crazyoildude]

use the 5w20 with confidence especially if you have an overhead cam 5w20 works! if you have high mileage over 150,000 and or burn oil than maybe 5w30 but if your engine runs good thin is in when it comes to motor oil.

 

[artificialist]

My mom has a 2005 Grand Cherokee 3.7, and I have been using fully synthetic 5w20 oil since 2007. It gained .5 MPG versus 5w30 synthetic. The 2007 Grand Cherokee called for 5w20, and the only thing that was different about the engine was the smog equipment.

 

[sw99]

 Originally Posted By: artificialist

My mom has a 2005 Grand Cherokee 3.7, and I have been using fully synthetic 5w20 oil since 2007. It gained .5 MPG versus 5w30 synthetic. The 2007 Grand Cherokee called for 5w20, and the only thing that was different about the engine was the smog equipment.

Yea, I have been using 5w20 in the 06' WK with the 3.7L and it runs great!