Can I use 5W-20 in 1987 Plymouth or 97 Mitsubishi

[rrrrrroger]

1987 Plymouth Caravelle
1997 Dodge (Mitsubishi engine) Avenger
5W-20 Amsoil Base 4 synthetic
Currently using: Mobil Delvac 1



The manual says 5W-30 but I was wondering, since Amsoil is a strong synthetic oil, if I could use the 5W-20 in these older cars? (According to the specs, it's right on the border of being a 5W-30 anyway.)



What newer cars use the xW-20 weight?
Civic, Prius, Yaris. Any others?

 

[addyguy]

Its not going to hurt anything. If you look at the UOA's, most, if not all, 5W-30 dino, and some syn's, shear down to between 8.5 and 9.2 cst @100 C. I can provide links if you really want. Using a 9.0cst shear-stable synthetic means you are simply using the viscosity your engine ends up with for most of an OCI anyway.....

But, having said that, I will completely contradict myself, and say I 'like' the idea of a heavier oil in older, and possibly looser, engines. D1 is an excellent oil, and if you have an easy, decently-priced supply of it, I honestly would keep using that. Saves you the 'hassle' if you fell it is, of ordering Amsoil......

 

[lovcom]

I'd stick to what the owner's manual mandates. And for an older engine, perhaps the last thing you want to do is going thinner. Perhaps their are exceptions, but if it were my car, I'd stay with the suggested viscosity per the manual or go heavier, but not lighter.

 

[Johnny]

Originally Posted By: rrrrrroger
1987 Plymouth Caravelle
1997 Dodge (Mitsubishi engine) Avenger
5W-20 Amsoil Base 4 synthetic
Currently using: Mobil Delvac 1



The manual says 5W-30 but I was wondering, since Amsoil is a strong synthetic oil, if I could use the 5W-20 in these older cars? (According to the specs, it's right on the border of being a 5W-30 anyway.)

First off I agree with the other guys, stick with the weight recommended or go a little thicker, but not lighter. If the Delvac 1 is working for you continue using it, it's an extremely good oil. If you want to use Amsoil, I would use either their 5W30, 10W30, or they also make a very good 5W40.

As for as what new cars use xW-20:
Ford, some Chrysler, Honda, and some Toyota. As for as I know, the Prius still recommends 5W30.



What newer cars use the xW-20 weight?
Civic, Prius, Yaris. Any others?




I agree with the others, either use a 5W30 or go thicker. If the Delvac 1 is working for you, stick with it. It's an extremely good oil. If you want to use Amsoil, I would use either their 5W30, 10W30, or they make a very good 5W40.

As for as new cars and xW20:
Ford, some Chrysler, Honda, some Toyota. As for as I know the Prius still recommends 5W30.

 

[Pablo]

As a semi controlled experiment, sure (you are on your own though). Go with 3000 miles and do a UOA.

I agree with the others, but it's your car(s) and we (some of us) love to have more reading material.

Ford Vee engines of many sizes use XW-20, Honda of many varieties (including V6) use XW-20, etc V8 hemi uses XW-20!