Oil for better MPG?

[tenorGJ]

I'm narrowing down my search for the perfect oil for my 2000 Odyssey Ex-Nav. 100k miles, recent Auto-Rx treatment, mostly city driving with some highway thrown in. Dino 5W-30 and 5k OCI thus far...Atlanta climate--rarely in single digits, often into the high 90s.

Since Honda recently started touting 5W-20 oil in their new engines for CAFE requirements, would it be suicide to run a high quality synthetic
5W-20 in my Honda to squeeze out a few more MPG?

I was thinking perhaps M1. Would I be setting myself up for high engine wear and possible leaks with 100k already on the clock?

I'll probably dump the van at around 175k miles anyway to take advantage of newer safety features such as side/head/torso airbags, etc...

TIA

 

[haley10]

You might be over estimating the potential fuel economy gains, especially in all the Atlanta traffic.

I have a totally diffent vehicle, but the gas mileage difference between Motorcraft 5W-30 and 5W-20 in mine is negligible.

 

[ToyotaNSaturn]

quote:

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Originally posted by tenorGJ:
Since Honda recently started touting 5W-20 oil in their new engines for CAFE requirements, would it be suicide to run a high quality synthetic 5W-20 in my Honda to squeeze out a few more MPG? I was thinking perhaps M1.

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No, not at all. With 100K, I'd suggest either M1 0w-20, 0w-30, or 5w-30. I sincerely doubt they will be any difference in MPG between the 3 oils since you drive in the city alot. I'd go with either 30wt suggestion, especially in Atlanta's heat. Not using the A/C will provide better MPG than switching to a lighter, 20wt oil. But that may not be an option when it's 94F outside!

quote:

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Would I be setting myself up for high engine wear and possible leaks with 100k already on the clock?

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I really doubt it since you recently performed an Auto-Rx treatment.

 

[Ugly3]

Mobil 1 10w30 in Atlanta.

 

[Gary Allan]

quote:

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If the idea is to save money by squeezing out better MPG then I give Motorcraft 5w20 a try. $1.42/qt at Walmart. With winter months approaching, now is the perfect time to test thinner oil.

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I just bought all that they had on the shelf while I picked my typical 2 gallon purchase of Rotella synth. Decent value if you have an engine that can use it (I have several).

quote:

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Although, it has been my experience that the MPG gain will be barely noticeable. Others may have different experiences.

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I think the gains are favored by smaller engines. That is, AC taxes a smaller engine a greater % than a larger engine (simple enough to reason for me) ..one would therefore tend to think that any hp savings would show up more. Naturally most people drive with time being the most valued comodity ..and not their wallet.

 

[jmlangeveld]

One Cheaper alternative that has produced great results for me...

Just keep using the 5w30 / 10w30 you have been using and then add one bottle of Valvoline Synpower Synthetic oil additive (the small silver bottle available at autoparts stores for about $3). This product has gotten positive reviews on this board. In my two GM V6s I have gotten about 3MPG overall increase. It suppossedly has a lot of POA and Moly--both great for engine wear and MPG.

 

[Steve S]

I have never noticed a difference in gas mileage due to changing oil types and brands syn or petro.

 

[Blue99]

Based on the various fuel economy ratings for API & ILSAC rated oils, at best you may realize a 2-3% gain.

Checking the tire pressures every week will probably net the same result.

 

[427Z06]

If the idea is to save money by squeezing out better MPG then I give Motorcraft 5w20 a try. $1.42/qt at Walmart. With winter months approaching, now is the perfect time to test thinner oil.

Although, it has been my experience that the MPG gain will be barely noticeable. Others may have different experiences.

 

[jorton]

I thought MPG was lowest during engine warm up so your MPG also depends on how many times you cold start each day/week....

So starburst oil that's thinner when it's cold will perform best and the hot viscosity number doesn't matter.

 

[Bobert]

quote:

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Originally posted by jmlangeveld:
One Cheaper alternative that has produced great results for me...

Just keep using the 5w30 / 10w30 you have been using and then add one bottle of Valvoline Synpower Synthetic oil additive (the small silver bottle available at autoparts stores for about $3). This product has gotten positive reviews on this board. In my two GM V6s I have gotten about 3MPG overall increase. It suppossedly has a lot of POA and Moly--both great for engine wear and MPG.

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jmlangeveld is this the Valvoline product your referring to? I might pick some of this up and give it a shot.

http://www.valvoline.com/pages/products/product_detail.asp?product=21

 

[Ugly3]

Motor oil is a minor factor in getting greater fuel efficiency. If I wanted max MPG I would address:

Clean the engine with Auto RX
Use a fuel cleaner / conditioner like FP
Tire pressure to the high side
EGR and PCV are clean and working properly
Engine sensors are in good working order

Driving habits are the major factor.

 

[tenorGJ]

Anyone see the article in the recent "Car and Driver" regarding mpg vs. gallons per 100 miles? Check it out if not.

I need to reread it (late last night plus 2 beers) but me thinks there are many more factors in fuel economy I've been overlooking...

 

[jmlangeveld]

Bobert,

That's the one... For the few dollars, give it a try and see if it works. Like I said, I noticed a difference in fuel economy in my GM V6s.

Also, as a synthetic additive, it has gotten praise from those who've tried it on this board.

 

[427Z06]

quote:

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Originally posted by Bobert:

quote:

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Originally posted by jmlangeveld:
One Cheaper alternative that has produced great results for me...

Just keep using the 5w30 / 10w30 you have been using and then add one bottle of Valvoline Synpower Synthetic oil additive (the small silver bottle available at autoparts stores for about $3). This product has gotten positive reviews on this board. In my two GM V6s I have gotten about 3MPG overall increase. It suppossedly has a lot of POA and Moly--both great for engine wear and MPG.

---

jmlangeveld is this the Valvoline product your referring to? I might pick some of this up and give it a shot.

http://www.valvoline.com/pages/products/product_detail.asp?product=21

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To quote the website:

"SynPower Oil Treatment's multi-functional, synthetic anti-oxidative formula helps maintain cleaner engines to maximize engine performance for all vehicles. SynPower Oil Treatment contains the most effective friction modifier and a proven and tested anti-wear system. It is also compatible with all engine oils."

Sounds just like the claims made by LC. How do the two compare on price?

 

[Gene K]

quote:

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Originally posted by jorton:
I thought MPG was lowest during engine warm up so your MPG also depends on how many times you cold start each day/week....

So starburst oil that's thinner when it's cold will perform best and the hot viscosity number doesn't matter.

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I see where you are going with this but you dont want to pay to much attention to the Winter Rating. 5W-20 will average better fuel mileage than 0W-30 in most cases.

Why? Check the 40&#176C (104&#176F) viscosity and I think you will be able to figure it out.

Gene

 

[Bobert]

quote:

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Originally posted by jmlangeveld:
Bobert,

That's the one... For the few dollars, give it a try and see if it works. Like I said, I noticed a difference in fuel economy in my GM V6s.

Also, as a synthetic additive, it has gotten praise from those who've tried it on this board.

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I finally found some SynPower Oil Treatment at NAPA today. This stuff is hard to find around here, as Walmart, Advanced Auto and Autozone only carry the Maxlife Engine Protector. Even at NAPA there was only one bottle of the Synpower Oil Treatment left on the shelf, and was quite dusty. Where did you find yours?

Did you add the whole 15oz. bottle in your GM V6? I might add half a bottle in my Jetta and see how that goes. If I feel the need for more moly then I'll dump the rest in there.

 

[dropitby]

I found a checklist that effects mileage. http://www.advanceautoparts.com/english/rtsg/checklist.asp