Is Pennzoil Ultra 0W-40 a "thin" 40wt?

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I'm not sure how to tell but I've heard it mentioned on the boards here how some weights come off as on the thin or thick side of their rating. Like German Castrol 0W-30 is a "thick" 30wt where oil like Mobil 1 5W-30 is on the "thin" side of the spectrum. So where does Ultra 0W-40 stand? I'm only asking because I'm thinking about switching my Tacoma over to it next oil change since we started carrying it at my work. Ultra is extremely difficult to find and even though my truck calls for and currently runs PP 5W-30, I don't think switching to 0W-40 would cause issues being that this same engine calls for 10W-40 and 5W-40 in other countries outside of the US. Any input on this would be greatly appreciated!
 
There was one VOA from early 2013 that showed viscosity thinner than a 40, squarely in the SAE30 range. This was before Pennzoil's GTL reformulation, and I don't think I've seen a VOA of the newer PUPP 0w40.

Though thicker than the Mobil 1 FS at 12.9, an oil fulfilling the 13.7 cSt@100C specified on the PU PDS would make it more or less average for a 0W-40 oil.

It would work fine in your truck, but in my opinion, may not worth considering unless you can find it for $2 per quart at Autozone like last year.
 
Originally Posted By: jongies3
SRT

From personal experience I can say that this is quite good oil. If we set all lab results aside, then just going by the throttle response, fuel economy, and engine cleanliness - this is my favorite 0w40 oil. Mobil 1 0w40 seemed to burn off quicker in my 2.7L Tacoma, Scion xB, Lexus IS300, and AWD Pontiac Vibe with the 1zz Toyota engine.. Castrol 0w40 made all cars listed feel quite a bit more sluggish, most noticeable was Tacoma, and all vehicles took an MPG hit. And Pennzoil 0w40 feels and act the same way as Mobil 1 AFE 0w30 and seems less viscous than Castrol 0w30. None of this is scientific and all are my personal opinions based on my personal results in the vehicles listed. I trully believe that it would be an almost perfect match for your Tacoma. Again just my opinion, based on real world performance, rather than theories based on various VOAs/UOAs.
 
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Alright well, I guess I'll just have to give it a whirl and see what happens. Thanks for the input everyone!
 
I have 4 oil changes on this oil with my RAM 6.4 using a 5K mile OCI. In two out of the four changes, it sheared down to a heavy 30 weight and marginally stayed in grade for the two other. Had I gone to a factory 8K mile OCI, I do not think the other two would have stayed in grade.

That being said, I still think it is a good oil, just not shear stable for the grade called out.
 
Originally Posted By: Triple_Se7en
Does your RAM 6.4 call for 0W-40? Does the manual state the engine could endure damage, if it shears to a high 30-weight?


The RAM 6.4 Hemi owners manual calls out a 0W-40 meeting the FCA spec of MS-12633. That spec has limited applicability and is basically regulated to the RAM 6.4 Hemi and the SRT 6.4.

PUP 0W-40 and Mopar 0W-40 (relabeled PUP) have licensing meeting the MS-12633 spec with maybe AMSOIL 0W-40 saying they meet it but are not licensed for it. That being said, I am using the proper oil called out in the manual.

I am not worried about it as RAM engineers have made comment at launch of the RAM 6.4 engine that all durability testing was done with conventional 5w-30 oil. So I am not worried if it shears to a 30 weight.

RAM%20OIL.jpg
 
Originally Posted By: Triple_Se7en
You have more copper than the Penny Mint in Washington D.C.


Copper oil cooler fins perhaps.
 
Originally Posted By: Triple_Se7en
You have more copper than the Penny Mint in Washington D.C.


I am not worried about it because it is trending down. Most late model 5.7 and 6.4 Hemi's run high copper numbers compared to most and usually level off in the 30-40 PPM range. It is from the oil cooler lines and cooler radiator.
 
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