5w-20

[troy_heagy]

My manual says "Use 0W-20. If not available, use 5W-20 oil." It doesn't say anything about Honda-approved oil. Of course, doing so would be illegal since car companies can't require you use their products.

I use the Amsoil 5W-20 PAO synthetic. I figure that's much, much better than Honda's natural crap.

And, I plan to get an oil analysis at 20,000 miles just to make sure that 7500 mile runs with 20 weight oil are safe. If not, I'll probably switch to 0W-30.

Troy

 

[con carne]

Amsoil 5W20 is no longer a PAO synthetic as they changed the formulation to a Group III.

 

[Patman]

0w20? I don't believe I've ever heard of that viscosity? Who sells it? What kind of car specifies that anyways?

 

[jjbula]

I've never heard of 0w20 either.

Maybe the reference is to encourage use of 0wX oils

 

[troy_heagy]

quote:

---

Originally posted by con carne:
Amsoil 5W20 is no longer a PAO synthetic as they changed the formulation to a Group III.

---

My case of oil is a year old. It's the old PAO stuff and will last me until 60,000 miles.

0W-20 is recommended for the Honda Insight Hybrid. Honda sells it at the dealer.

Next question... ;-)
Troy

[ August 08, 2002, 11:11 AM: Message edited by: troy_heagy ]

 

[sprintman]

Fuchs Titan GT1 is a 0W20 syn.

 

[Jay]

Torco and Synergyn sell synthetic 0w-20 oils.

 

[MolaKule]

Neosynthetic has a 0W5

Specifications *

4-6 Times Longer Drain Intervals
Typical Inspections
Viscosity Index 180
API Gravity @60° F 36.6
Pour Point -80°F / -62°C
Flash Point 440°F / 226°C
Autogenous Ignition Temp. 770°F / 440°C

Viscosity Increase (5 Hrs) 0%

Film Strength (Falex) 3500PSl

http://www.neosytheticoil.com/0w5.htm

 

[TooSlick]

Luberube,

I believe amsoil may be buying their Group III basestocks from Petro Canada for the XL-7500 Series oils. The Petro Canada fluids seem to have the best high/low temp properties of the Group III stuff I've seen. For example, the PC, Duron 5w-40 has a pour point of -60F, which is outstanding. The XL-7500, 5w-30 also has a pour point of -60F.

The API "SL" catagory represents a significant upgrade over the older "SJ" specification, so I'm not surprised the specs on the newer XL-7500 are better. It's pretty hard to meet the double length Sequence IIIF test - most conventional oils go off the scale viscosity wise after 100-120 hours.

 

[LubeRube]

M1 SS 0w-20 is coming in January--at least that's what the tech line guy told me yesterday. I, for can't wait to try it, despite the preponderance of learned "heavyweight" opinions on this board.

 

[Jay]

Funny you should mention that because I called them today and was told the same thing. The oil won't make it in time for my next change though. I'm thinking seriously of trying Synergyn's 0w-20, but it's close to $10/qt after shipping.

I've also noticed that people on this board are quick to weigh in with their impressions of 20-weight oil but slow to back them up with any facts or experience. Did you ever see that movie, "2001 Space Odyssey" where the chimps meet that rectangle?

 

[msparks]

quote:

---

Originally posted by Jay:
I don't understand why anyone would use AMSOIL XL7500 5w-20 now that they have group III basestocks. Mobil 1 5w-30 or 0w-30 is nearly the same viscosity and is much better oil with better specs. Pennzoil 5w-20 compares favorably to the AMSOIL 5w-20 and so does Chevron Supreme and these oils are less than $2./qt.

---

The XL7500 is still over-engineered even through they are using a Group III.

As in all marketing, the product is suited for folks looking to extend their oil drains to 7500 miles or 6 months. This oil will still easily do this, while mantaining the proper viscosity, and will have a health balance of additives at the end.

Why did Amsoil switch?? Because to compete in a market of synthetics with the likes of Castrol Syntec, Penzoil Synthetic and so on they have to lower their price. The 7500 oil is primarily marketed to the Quick Lube Market where is sell very well.

Most folks on this board that are highly interested in Oil would be better served with other choices in the Amsoil line.

Note: that only the XL7500 line is group III, all others at this time are of PAO/Ester basestocks.

 

[Patman]

It still makes me laugh that Amsoil went to group 3 oil after being one of the biggest group 3 hater out there! Funny how the allmighty buck wins out eh.

 

[MolaKule]

"Because to compete in a market of synthetics with the likes of Castrol Syntec, Penzoil
Synthetic and so on they have to lower their price. "

Yes, a whopping $.20 a quart decrease.

 

[Patman]

I will readily admit that I'm one of those people who feel very uncomfortable with the idea of a 5w20 oil, however I've got an open mind and cannot wait to see oil analysis results that compare a 5w20 to a 5w30 or 10w30 in the same engine. The oils would have to be of similar additive packages for a true test though.

 

[LubeRube]

Jay, the tech guy also told me the new 0w-20 would have cSt ratings toward the high end of the 20 weight range and that it would be approved for use in recent Fords and Hondas calling for 5w-20.
Patman, I appreciate your empirical approach and have learned a lot from reading your posts.

LubeRube

 

[Jay]

Good to hear, LubeRube. I was hoping the viscosity would be toward the thin end of 20-weight to distinguish it from their 30-weights, but I'm very glad to hear that they have Ford and Honda approval. The oil has been overdue and I suspect that those approvals had delayed the intro, but I'm glad they took the trouble and expense of the double-length sequence IIIF tests. It should be a very low volatility oil.

I forgot to ask what the basestocks would be.

 

[resevil83]

A little confused here guys.... Heh no, my bro has an 02 Honda Accord and they say 5w-20 but that's just to get their mpg ratings so nice, the oil in my opinion is way too thin, however now that winter is coming fast he put 5w-30 mobil one synthetic oil in.. I told him that it was the way to go in my opinion but I'm not too sure? Would that be a good idea? and then 10w-30 during spring and summer?