Found this while doing a bit of research after a visit with my dealer today. While at the dealership I was at the service department asking about specifics of the oil filter for SkyActiv engines since there is some confusion. Interesting enough he pointed behind me at a box with a brand new 2L SkyActiv engine in it that was going into a Mazda3 because Sears put on a filter for the regular 2L instead of the SkyActiv specific one. Long story short, while the filter for the standard 2L fits, it doesn't fit quite properly enough, it is more narrow and the gaskets don't line up quite right which causes a slow leak.
Back to the oil, I asked how much Mazda 0w20. His response surprised me, they don't stock Mazda 0w20. Instead they've got 55 gallon drums of GTX SynBlend 0w20. I was confused, 0w20 can only come from synthetic basestocks and as far as I was aware only full synthetic oils could achieve requirements for 0w20 certification. After coming home I decided to do a little research and sure enough Castrol does indeed make an 0w20 GTX SynBlend . However, they only sell it in 6 gallon boxes or 55 gallon drums. So here is the question regarding all of this, Mazda does not specify that synthetic oil must be used. Rather they specify 0w20 with an API starburst. I wonder though, given that Mazda formulates their Ow20 as a full synthetic is that what these engines are really expected to use? I would assume not since their dealers are given the green light to use the GTX SynBlend, and the PDS doesn't look bad. It is still a question that I feel should be properly addressed though.
Back to the oil, I asked how much Mazda 0w20. His response surprised me, they don't stock Mazda 0w20. Instead they've got 55 gallon drums of GTX SynBlend 0w20. I was confused, 0w20 can only come from synthetic basestocks and as far as I was aware only full synthetic oils could achieve requirements for 0w20 certification. After coming home I decided to do a little research and sure enough Castrol does indeed make an 0w20 GTX SynBlend . However, they only sell it in 6 gallon boxes or 55 gallon drums. So here is the question regarding all of this, Mazda does not specify that synthetic oil must be used. Rather they specify 0w20 with an API starburst. I wonder though, given that Mazda formulates their Ow20 as a full synthetic is that what these engines are really expected to use? I would assume not since their dealers are given the green light to use the GTX SynBlend, and the PDS doesn't look bad. It is still a question that I feel should be properly addressed though.
