M1 0W40 in a 1ZZ-FE (Celica GT)

[WondrousBread]

I'm nearing the next oil change for my 2004 Celica GT (1ZZ-FE, 270 000km), and I'm wondering if I should change from the M1 5W30 High-Mileage that I've been using to M1 0W40.

I'm thinking that since we're heading into the colder part of the Canadian winter, and I'll be seeing -30 to -35 starting temps, the thinner start weight will be beneficial. And as for the increased running weight, I use the High-Mileage because I burn about 1 liter of oil every 2000 km. Not a concerning amount, but since the car is at 270 000 km I figure the added weight won't hurt and it may slow consumption. My only concern is that switching to an oil with less seal conditioner might cause greater consumption, despite the increased viscosity.

I'm sure there will be no noticeable difference, but before I make the change I'm wondering if anyone has any input.

 

[RooflessVW]

I don't think you'll notice much difference between the two.

 

[A_Harman]

The M1 0w40 is a good move to get cold start benefits. I don't expect you'll notice a change in oil consumption for the 4 cold months. If you do, you can go back to 5w30 HM in the spring.

 

[paoester]

Instead put in Mobil1 AFE 0w30 since we are talking about a very cold winter. Its not as thick as the 0w40. Put 0w40 in for the summer.

 

[geeman789]

Originally Posted by paoester
Instead put in Mobil1 AFE 0w30 since we are talking about a very cold winter. Its not as thick as the 0w40. Put 0w40 in for the summer.


THIS ^^^

You won't see too much difference between the two oils until it gets down to that -35*C or -40*c (-40*f ... ) range. The M1 5w30 HM is a thick 30 grade, and the M1 0w40 is a thin 40 grade, they are very close viscosity wise.

The M1 0w30 AFE is a better choice if EXTREME COLD is a reality. For comparison purposes ...

M1 0W40: 21600 cP @ -40*C

M1 0W30 AFE : 13250 cP @ -40*C

0W means that an oil does not exceed a certain " thickness ... " at the measured temperatures, -35*c and -40*c. Both these oils do that. And, an 0W20 is even less thick than the 0W30, coming in at 9200 cP @ -40*C.

So, yes, these are all 0W oils, but you can see that the 0W30 is roughly 40 %. LESS THICK at -40*C, and the 0W20 is about 60 % LESS THICK. Notice I didn't say thinner, because both oils are exponentially thicker at cold temps than they are at operating temperatures.

And, at these -40*c temps, the 5w30 would exceed the max viscosity limits, which is why it is labelled a 5w, and not an 0W.

 

[WondrousBread]

I appreciate the feedback, everyone

Originally Posted by geeman789

...
The M1 5w30 HM is a thick 30 grade, and the M1 0w40 is a thin 40 grade, they are very close viscosity wise.

The M1 0w30 AFE is a better choice if EXTREME COLD is a reality. For comparison purposes ...

M1 0W40: 21600 cP @ -40*C

M1 0W30 AFE : 13250 cP @ -40*C

...

And, at these -40*c temps, the 5w30 would exceed the max viscosity limits, which is why it is labelled a 5w, and not an 0W.



Interesting, so the 0W30 would provide much lighter starting viscosity than the 0W40. I hadn't thought it would be THAT much of a difference.

Out of curiosity, do you have the thickness data for M1 5W30 HM? I tried searching but couldn't find it.

My goal (basically) is decreased starting viscosity (hence the 0W) but similar hot viscosity to the 5W30 HM to keep oil consumption under control. If the 0W30 is going to satisfy that then I'll give it a shot, but my thinking is that it will be a lighter 30 than the 5W30.

 

[geeman789]

Originally Posted by WondrousBread


Interesting, so the 0W30 would provide much lighter starting viscosity than the 0W40. I hadn't thought it would be THAT much of a difference.

Out of curiosity, do you have the thickness data for M1 5W30 HM? I tried searching but couldn't find it.



Nope. M1 only lists the MRV viscosity for the 0w grades. However ...

Pennzoil Euro L 5w30, which is also a thicker 5W30, similar to M1 HM 5w30, is at 14500 cP , but at a slightly lower -35*c. It will exceed 60 000 cP , the max limit, at -40*c , and thus can't be labelled a 0W oil.

So, you can see that the Pennzoil Euro L 5w30 is very similar to the M1 AFE 0W30 , but at a 5*c warmer ( less cold ... ) temp.

 

[WondrousBread]

Originally Posted by geeman789

Pennzoil Euro L 5w30, which is also a thicker 5W30, similar to M1 HM 5w30, is at 14500 cP , but at a slightly lower -35*c. It will exceed 60 000 cP , the max limit, at -40*c , and thus can't be labelled a 0W oil.

So, you can see that the Pennzoil Euro L 5w30 is very similar to the M1 AFE 0W30 , but at a 5*c warmer ( less cold ... ) temp.


Interesting data, thank you.

I think I'm going to try the M1 0W30 then at my next oil change, and I'll chart consumption to see if there's any change. Then as was recommended, maybe I'll go to 0W40 in the summer months. Or if consumption increases drastically, back to the 5W30 HM for the seal conditioners (though I really doubt they make that much of a difference).

I appreciate all the feedback, thank you everyone