Acura 2003 Type S-- 5 w 20 in summer?

[Snowflaque]

I use my Acura nearly exclusively for summer road trips. I felt that a 5 w 30 gave me a margin of error for summer heat.

1. is that wrong? should I switch to Mobil 1 5 w 20?

2. is there anything you would recommend for this application over Mobil 1?

thanks in advance

John

 

[vronline]

You should use what the owner's manual says to use. I don't think you'll have any problem with the 5w-30, though.

You'll be fine with any good quality synthetic if that's your preference.

 

[srl1104]

I personally would use Series 2000 Amsoil 0W-30. Its somewhat on the lighter side of the 30 weights (almost a 20 weight). It should give you that extra protection in the high temps and still have good flow properties if you decide to use it when its a little colder outside.

 

[Seth]

If you are doing mostly road trips (operating temps), then 0/5w20/30 with cSt closest to 10 at 100C should be the ticket. Ofcourse low Noack will help too.

Disclaimer: I am no expert in this field

 

[Syntec-Man]

its a Honda man 5w 20 all the way

 

[ThirdeYe]

5w20 won't cause you any trouble what-so-ever and could potentially give you a little boost in MPG. It will protect you just as good as the 5w30.

 

[Seth]

Quote:

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5w20 won't cause you any trouble what-so-ever and could potentially give you a little boost in MPG. It will protect you just as good as the 5w30.

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Synlube doesnt agree.. but I have no idea if this is true or not.
http://www.synlube.com/sae5w-20.htm

I personally would use 0w30 during summer and 0/5w20 synthetic in winter.

I got shell 5w20 and noticed its 8 cSt @ 100c. Thats too thin while hot. I will not use it in summer. GTX 5w20 otoh is 9 cSt @100 so gtx is probably a better choice for that grade. However, noack is usually low for dino which means it might evaporate more.

I would use 0w30 which has to pass a tougher cold cranking/MRV tests than 5w20 while maintaining good film strength at hot summer temps. 5w20 or 0w20? Save it for winter. Okay now I will duck for cover

 

[lawfirmdenny]

The Honda J32A2 requires premium fuel, runs a little hotter and revs a little more than the rest of the fleet. That said, I would stay with the factory recommended 5w30 unless you NEVER open it up.

Basically, I'm saying 5w20 has my blessing if you drive like my grandma.

 

[ThirdeYe]

Oh, this car isn't recommended for 5w20? I thought newer Acuras were.. In that case, use 5w30 by all means.

 

[RAMEX]

Quote:

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Quote:

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5w20 won't cause you any trouble what-so-ever and could potentially give you a little boost in MPG. It will protect you just as good as the 5w30.

---

Synlube doesnt agree.. but I have no idea if this is true or not.
http://www.synlube.com/sae5w-20.htm

I personally would use 0w30 during summer and 0/5w20 synthetic in winter.

I got shell 5w20 and noticed its 8 cSt @ 100c. Thats too thin while hot. I will not use it in summer. GTX 5w20 otoh is 9 cSt @100 so gtx is probably a better choice for that grade. However, noack is usually low for dino which means it might evaporate more.

I would use 0w30 which has to pass a tougher cold cranking/MRV tests than 5w20 while maintaining good film strength at hot summer temps. 5w20 or 0w20? Save it for winter. Okay now I will duck for cover

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I am currently using 5w20 but as soon as I'm out of warranty I will be using 5w 30 myself or 0w 30. I just think xw 30 gives you better protection but I have been wrong before.

 

[Blokey]

Yeah, 5W-20 is spec'ed for his '03. My '00 3.2TL specs. 5W-30 so I've been running approximately that weight although I may run some 5W-20 this winter. I don't think these engines are particularly tough on oil.

 

[Auto-Union]

If it's a Type-S RSX, it takes 30 weight.

 

[FCobra94]

Quote:

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If it's a Type-S RSX, it takes 30 weight.

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^^^^
What he said.

 

[Blokey]

True dat.
My bad! I assumed he was talking about an '03 3.2TL Type-S.

 

[Snowflaque]

I am sorry not to be clear, it is a CL type S, coupe version of TL, and I believe 20 wt oil is specified

John

 

[Gordo2001]

Whoaa!
I thought engines ran at the same operating temp in winter and summer, so the only consideration was the 5W for cold starts. What difference would the -20 or -30 make whether it is winter or summer?
Second, the referenced Synlube "Anti 5W20" article does not seem to address the source of most engine wear: Cold starts.
Please enlighten me, I'm very confused as all this is contrary to much of what I have read from knowledgeable posters on this forum...

 

[302Xplorer]

Wow.
So accorrding to synlube the use of a 5w-20 in place of a 5w-30 will result in a 30% reduction in engine life (from 100,000 miles or 10 years to 70,000 miles or 7 years.

They go on to state, if you own your vehicle for the long haul, or indefinitely, then SAE 5W-50 is absolute must!

Synlube sure has a way with B-O-L-O-G-N-A.

 

[mechtech2]

Put in half and half 5-20 and 5-30 and be done with it.

BTW, that Synlube site recommends 5-50 and is full of errors.
It may be a fine oil, but it is wrong to overstate your case, and they do in Spades.

 

[Auto-Union]

Ignore SynLube, but in any Type-S, I'd go with the 30 weight. As far as Mobil 1 goes, another skip. Run dino 5w-20 in winter, and 5w-30 in summer at 6000 miles or 2 to 3 times a year intervals and you are set.

 

[ThirdeYe]

I'll second what Auto-Union says