Okay to run 15W50...

[The_Oz]

...for an engine recommended to run 5W30? This of course during summer conditions only. I'm thinking of suggesting this type of oil for people in the Integra boards that are having slight oil burning issues. OR how about 15W40 rather than 5W40 or 10W40?

Thanks,

Oz

 

[UncleS2]

It sounds like a good plan to me, at least for hot weather.

 

[Patman]

I don't think it's a good idea to go quite that much thicker. Generally speaking it's only good to go up one grade from the recommendations (unless that recommendation is 5w20)

If the manual says 5w30 or 10w30, go with a 0w40, 5w40, 10w40 or 15w40. That thick 15w50 will just take away horsepower. Especially in that small 4 cylinder. Leave the 50wt oils to the larger engines with looser clearances.

 

[widman]

I'd go first to the 10w30, then 15w40. A lot of the time the loss is at the cold temp and you don't have to get as high as 50.

 

[The_Oz]

So, I guess if the person is still losing oil when using 15W40, then it would be moot to use 5W50 or 15W50, right? This is of course, apart from what you guys are trying to say.

Thanks,

Oz

 

[Patman]

If they still burn oil with a 40wt, then yes, there really is no point going to the 50wt, as it's something mechanical there. It's the same with the LS1 guys that I talk with. If they burn a lot of oil with 5w30 and 10w30, the higher viscosity oils will help a little bit but are really just a band aid fix. What they really need is a new engine.

 

[The_Oz]

Thanks Patman,

After talking to him a bit more, he ended up telling me that his spark plugs are full of oil deposits. The #1 suspect in this case is the Spark plug grommets. Seems to be a big problem with high mileage Honda engines.

Regards,

Oz

 

[satterfi]

My Honda Civic has 195k miles and has run M1 15w50 for the last 192k.

My spark plugs look too clean. If I had carbs on it I'd raise the needles.

[ August 22, 2002, 11:20 AM: Message edited by: satterfi ]

 

[MolaKule]

Glad to hear that Satterfi,

I am currently running the M1 SS 14W50 in my Farmall, and a friend's JD, the engines seem to love it.