"old 10w30 oil" for 5w30

[shribe]

My neighbor has 5 quarts of old oil that is sealed. Age is unknown although is in modern plastic bottles and not cans! I run 5w30 in my Acura, would 10w30 for the rest of the summer be a good idea. I am due for an oil change and currently looking for a job..

 

[Brons2]

what year acura? what is the API classification on the oil bottle?

 

[Need4racin]

I wouldn't use any oil that is older than the car. Unless you have zero money to buy oil, and it's either use it or walk.

 

[mason1125]

On the other hand, can you use 5W30 on a car spec for 10W30?

 

[Zako2]

Originally Posted By: mason1125
On the other hand, can you use 5W30 on a car spec for 10W30?


In the past, 10W30 was viewed as a more shear stable 30-grade oil. Today, your 5W30 can be just as shear stable as 10W30 while providing better flow on cold start. If in doubt, you can always use a synthetic 5W30.

 

[bluesubie]

Originally Posted By: Zako2
Originally Posted By: mason1125
On the other hand, can you use 5W30 on a car spec for 10W30?


In the past, 10W30 was viewed as a more shear stable 30-grade oil. Today, your 5W30 can be just as shear stable as 10W30 ...

It depends in the application. Most Subaru's, even the non turbo ones, can easily shear a 5W-30 whether conventional or synthetic.

I would use it as long as the API classification is at least API SL, you're not under any warranty restrictions, and you plan to change it before your temps drop below 0F.

-Dennis

 

[Eddie]

If your concerned then use several quarts with the prefered 5w30 oil.

 

[TFB1]

Use it, no older oil back to SH is likely to cause a problem in a 3K OCI...

 

[Stephen_G]

Original Poster: http://motorcycleinfo.calsci.com/API.html this is slightly out of date but.

if yours is a 2004 or older, SL will work, if it is a 2001 and older SJ, 1996 SH, etc.

my 2003 can run SL oil all day long, i have topped off with a quart of shoprite SL 10W30 from the basement, no harm as my engine was probably inital filled on it.

another chart: not as easy to read imho but, http://www.pqiamerica.com/apiserviceclass.htm

10W30 in a car that takes 5W30 is just fine, unless you are in a part of WI that gets really really really cold, if it is a mild winter where you are, 10W30 will be fine, if it is a severely cold winter, the 10W30 will cause cold start issues, and i would not use it past november.

 

[zerosoma]

10w30 is a little thicker at start up, but won't kill your car. At -30 it's rough on the engine, but no worse than several dry starts during the rest of the year.

 

[zerosoma]

Originally Posted By: Stephen_G

my 2003 can run SL oil all day long, i have topped off with a quart of shoprite SL 10W30 from the basement, no harm as my engine was probably inital filled on it.



My 2004 Santa Fe says to run oil spec'd at SG, or higher. SG was almost obsolete then, I would think!

And to think I was scared of using SJ oil in it...

 

[4x4chevydude]

you will be fine if you need to use it...dont leave it in there too long but if its free then take it and use it...Ive got some old ATF in a can that i am waiting to find a vehicle to use it in...so far nothing but I may even hang on to it for souvenire purposes.

 

[hattaresguy]

It would be good lawnmower oil...

 

[Bgallagher]

Originally Posted By: hattaresguy
It would be good lawnmower oil...


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