Problems with using heavier wt oil

[Panzerman]

Too many people now consider 10w30 to be the same as gear oil now that 5w20 appeared on the scene. 10w30 is not that thick and I would consider it nothing more than the heavy duty version of 5w30 oil. That said,I dont think the wear difference in 5w20, 5w30 and 10w30 are even measurable. when I hear thick oil, I think 20w50 or straight 50 wt oil, even the 15w40 oil is quite flowable in cold weather. I have never seen oil freeze and dont let my current address fool you, I spent 30+ years in the sub zero mountains of PA. Therefore I would rack my OPINION on what I personaly saw and not anything I read or statistics, as some who never seen oil in below zero weather, in bulk. a bottle in your freezer is not the same. That would be the only reason that one would even want a thin oil, in a warm to hot climate such as Texas or Florida, I can see no benefit from a thin oil except gas milelage. The reason I dont like thin oil is that it does not leave you any leavage if the engine over heats or mechanical problems arise. The oil will heat up, rupture and fail to protect the engine parts and when this happens warranty wont cover it, because the irony is that it wasnt the oils fault.

 

[Dyoel182]

Exactly right. 10w30 used to be thin (even too thin to some) but it might as well be sludge to some folks running 0w20 in a car that recommended 5w20 or 5w30. The difference is minimal in the bottles of 10w30 and 15w40 with all sorts of additives thrown in so I can shake them and watch them settle and coat the bottle.

 

[FZ1]

Don't go 20w-50. It's too heavy. I won't even use that stuff in my bikes.

 

[Panzerman]

I wouldnt use 20w50 in any modern car engines, although I have seen people use it in 2000 and newer Ford trucks without any side effects, too thick for me. 10w30 is my favorite choice and I would not hesitate to use it in any make or model of gasoline engine, regardless of the manufactors manual. Its a good middle of the road oil in my opinion and not to thick and provides overkill protection.

 

[Oilgal]

Originally Posted By: mjoekingz28
you're very wise oilgal.

"I am just not well informed enough to try it on my engine."


I see the owner's manual like I do speed limits. They are a great baseline and should be followed if you don't know the ropes. But once you learn what you're doing and what to expect, you can stir things up a bit.



Thank you mjoekingz28. Maybe someday I will be up to the task.

 

[sprintman]

40W70 is a good all round choice imo.