Oil for 1996 Suzuki X90 - reading manual

[ArtDecoWorld]

The vehicle is a 1996 X90 (Geo Tracker with a different body). Engine is the 1.6 version.

Photos from the owner's manual are below. It states in no uncertain terms that 10w-30 is preferred. However, the chart would seem to indicate that it's not useful above 86 degrees. If true, that doesn't seem like a very hot temperature for a default oil recommendation? Thoughts?

Also, would this engine need ZDDP above what's currently in normal oil?

Thanks.

 

[blupupher]

I would use 10w-30 all day long in that thing. That chart is nonsense.
5w-30 and 10w-30 are good up to the same high temp, no reason 5w-30 is good only to 50°F and 10w-30 on 86°F. They are both fine up to pretty much any temp that water cooled engine will get to. A xw-40 oil may be a little better if the engine is a little "tired", but again, any multi-grade 30 weight will work fine.

I almost bought one of those a few years ago, I still like them.

 

[aquariuscsm]

Were/are 10W30s maybe more stable than 5W30s? Same verbiage in my Z32 fsm. It said to only use 5W30 in freezing temps but to use 10W30 to 100F+.

 

[slacktide_bitog]

Wow you have an X90? Those are awesome

A modern SN or SP 5w30 or 10w30 is better than any SH oil. You can use 10w30 or even 5w30 above 86F.

You could also use a 5w40 or even the popular M1 0w40, but I would have no problem using a modern 5w30.

 

[supton]

Were/are 10W30s maybe more stable than 5W30s? Same verbiage in my Z32 fsm. It said to only use 5W30 in freezing temps but to use 10W30 to 100F+.

That's what I'm thinking. Only they have the ill-fated 10W40 on it too? That seems odd. Plus... 1996 was a long time ago.

I'm guessing xW30 is fine. Might be interesting to run an xW40 just to see if it can be felt. Maybe the manual is correct. This engine likely doesn't have an engine oil cooler and perhaps the engine oil truly runs hotter in hot temps, regardless of coolant temp.

 

[ka9mnx]

That chart is old. Back then 5w-30 was considered "thin". It's strange the chart stops at 30C for 10w-30?

I had the same year and vehicle in 2000. Loved it and wish I still had it. 30mpg all day city or highway. Short wheel base makes it feel squirrely on the highway but you get used to it.

10w-30 is all you need.