Ok, I don't mean for this to become a 20-weight bash fest, but I do have some questions.
Many on here have stated that new OHC engines from Honda and Ford actually NEED the "newer" lower-viscosity oils for ideal lubrication...I guess in regards to the overhead cam and establishing a fluid film (?).
Anyways, my question is this: If the 5w-20's are absolutely needed, and running anything thicker will result in engine damage (yes, some on here say running a thicker oil will result in engine damage or, at the minimum, shorter engine life), then why do other markets, such as Europe and Australia, spec. 10w-30 oils as the primary recommendation for engines that are, by all means, at least oil-system wise, IDENTICAL to engines that operate here?
Once again, I don't mean for this to sound like I'm trying to start an argument...and I fully understand that the 5w-20's are turning in good wear numbers in these super-smooth running modern engines.
I just don't understand where, unless you are operating in cold temps, where you need to run a 5w-20, unless you just want .1mpg better fuel economy.
And to me, at least in modern, smooth running, computer controled engines, I'm not sold on thick or thin oils. We see good wear results using both high-quality thin oils and high-quality thicker oils.
Many on here have stated that new OHC engines from Honda and Ford actually NEED the "newer" lower-viscosity oils for ideal lubrication...I guess in regards to the overhead cam and establishing a fluid film (?).
Anyways, my question is this: If the 5w-20's are absolutely needed, and running anything thicker will result in engine damage (yes, some on here say running a thicker oil will result in engine damage or, at the minimum, shorter engine life), then why do other markets, such as Europe and Australia, spec. 10w-30 oils as the primary recommendation for engines that are, by all means, at least oil-system wise, IDENTICAL to engines that operate here?
Once again, I don't mean for this to sound like I'm trying to start an argument...and I fully understand that the 5w-20's are turning in good wear numbers in these super-smooth running modern engines.
I just don't understand where, unless you are operating in cold temps, where you need to run a 5w-20, unless you just want .1mpg better fuel economy.
And to me, at least in modern, smooth running, computer controled engines, I'm not sold on thick or thin oils. We see good wear results using both high-quality thin oils and high-quality thicker oils.