Question on Honda/Acura engines

[MajorCavalry]

I am sure this topic has been beat to death on the motor oil forum, but here goes...

Are there any differences in Honda engines built for different countries? The reason I ask is this. My 2012 Acura TL has the 3.7L V6 engine and calls for 5W-20 oil (not even 0W-20). The (apparent) same 3.7L V6 engine in a Honda Legend in the UK or Germany calls for 0w30 but can use 5w30, 0W-40, 10w30, 10W-40. I gathered this information from Mobil Oil's website for the UK and Germany. The temperature ranges for these oils seem to be the same as in the good ol' US of A.

So, to my original question. Are USA sourced engines different from Euro motors and therefore require different oil viscosities? No Autobahn in the UK so no unlimited speed limits and the inherent stress on oil to deal with.

Thanks

 

[Voltmaster]

Same platform , different engine .

[censored] different trims in same country may have different engine.

 

[bepperb]

Not in your case. Availability and assumed driving style as well as oci probably have more to do with the recommendation than differences in the engines and in your case (J series v6) there really is no difference.

Keep in mind too that a J series Honda is a rare beast you might go weeks without seeing in Europe whereas they're in about one in twenty cars here (it seems). People there who buy them probably do "like driving fast" whereas here a 3.7 liter v6 is luxury, not enthusiast engine.

 

[racin4ds]

Don't forget the USA has CAFE where no one else does... We seem to care more about that .00001% better mpg by using ultra low vis oils and sacrifice engine logevity whereas other countries worry more about longevity...

 

[Coprolite]

The engine might well be the same, but many times the tune run for it is different due to different emissions, fuel economy and other regulations. Sometimes one goal is at odds with another, like running a lean burn that creates emissions.

 

[Trav]

Same engine, the model name may be different, the tune and gearing maybe different but the primary engine internals are the same. Euro norm emissions are close US ones.

Almost all the engines today recommending 20w can run on anything from 20w to 50w although that may change in the future with different bearing designs and clearances and oil pumps.


http://delphi.com/pdf/emissions/Delphi-P...e-2012-2013.pdf

 

[Hokiefyd]

I've found the same with mine. Our CR-V calls for 5W-20 here and calls for 0W/5w30 in the UK. I think our MDX calls for 0W-40 over there, but I don't recall at the moment.

The engine internals at the same as far as I know.

 

[Trav]

I went through this in Germany with a couple of Honda and Toyota engines that had spun or worn bearings.
They were owned by Americans and used oil from the PX. The part numbers for the crank and bearings, pistons and rings were the same as their German model counterparts.

 

[TTK]

How would anyone know if they are the same unless they had torn down both? One could say they are probably the same, but who knows for sure? Do the US and European engines come from the same plant? if so, that might also help to know.

Just noticed your post Trav. Good info!

 

[Smoky14]

The 99-2000 engines called for 5-30 when they came out and along about 2002 Honda came out with a bulletin which made the 99-2002 back compatible to run 5-20.
I'd assume from this that they are indeed the same.
YMMV

 

[meep]

this is not new. This same info was discussed on bitog a decade ago regarding 10-40, 10-30 and 5-30! the theory back then was CAFE as well. Foreign hondas listed thicker, US-garaged thinner. I drove a subaru back then, and I think we saw the same with that brand as well.

 

[randomhero439]

Im a firm believer in chosing an oil based on the expected usage. If you beat on your TL-S, i would use a 30 grade. If not, a 20 grade is perfectly fine.

Ive autocrossed and drag raced on my Pennzoil Ultra 5w-20 and my Honda V6 hasnt suffered a bit, however i would like a little more protection for the high rpm/high temps, so im gonna use a CATERHAM blend 0w30 for my next fill.