So, I've been lurking here for a few years and reading up on the thick vs. thin debate and I had a thought (unusual for me...I almost didn't recognize it.)
What if the reason for different specs is oil temps? I mean, people always point out that the Honda S2000 specs a 30 wt, while most other Honda 4cyl engines spec a 20 wt. What if the proper viscosity for ALL Honda 4 bangers is 20wt, but given the higher power output from the smaller engine, the engineers planned for higher temps and therefore the 30wt in an S2000 is actually the same thickness as the 20wt in a Civic at operating temp?
Same idea with the Ford guys and the Mustang 5w-20 vs. the high performance models which spec a 40 weight. High power and/or track time means higher temps, which mean oil thins more. Is it possible that a Shelby Mustang typically runs higher oil temps than a stock GT?
Applying the same logic to trucks - 5w-20 unless you tow a heavy trailer, then 5w-30. Trailer = higher oil temp = more oil thinning.
Am I making sense? Severe service requires heavier oil, but maybe not for the reasons we assume. Maybe the oil thickness required remains the same, but you just need a thicker oil to get the required thin-ness.
Just a thought, and I am no expert, but that was what I thought about the other night when the power went out and I was alone in the house.
What if the reason for different specs is oil temps? I mean, people always point out that the Honda S2000 specs a 30 wt, while most other Honda 4cyl engines spec a 20 wt. What if the proper viscosity for ALL Honda 4 bangers is 20wt, but given the higher power output from the smaller engine, the engineers planned for higher temps and therefore the 30wt in an S2000 is actually the same thickness as the 20wt in a Civic at operating temp?
Same idea with the Ford guys and the Mustang 5w-20 vs. the high performance models which spec a 40 weight. High power and/or track time means higher temps, which mean oil thins more. Is it possible that a Shelby Mustang typically runs higher oil temps than a stock GT?
Applying the same logic to trucks - 5w-20 unless you tow a heavy trailer, then 5w-30. Trailer = higher oil temp = more oil thinning.
Am I making sense? Severe service requires heavier oil, but maybe not for the reasons we assume. Maybe the oil thickness required remains the same, but you just need a thicker oil to get the required thin-ness.
Just a thought, and I am no expert, but that was what I thought about the other night when the power went out and I was alone in the house.
