using Amsoil 5W-40 in a new motor???

[Seven1]

I've been lurking here a for a while and I've done quite a bit of research on oil, but I just don't know if using the 5W-40 is the right choice for my car. I drive a 2005 dodge SRT-4, it's not a daily driver and I drive it like I stole it.

I just hit 1300 miles on my new ride and I changed the break in oil out and put Amsoil Euro 5W-40 in. The motor is a 2.4L turbo (the turbo is water and oil cooled) and owners manual suggests using 5W-30 mobil 1 but through other channels I've learned the designers of the car actually recommend Mobil 1 0W-40.

I just don't feel comfortable using a thin 5W-30 in a turbo car that is driven aggressively on a regular basis, but at the same time is the Amsoil 5W-40 overkill and is it detrimental to a brand new motor?

Although it's a turbo engine the temps rarely rise over 210 F(99 C) and this is only at idle, but since my temps are not extremely high is it neccessary to have a thicker oil?

I've used Mobil 1 0W-40 before, but the Amsoil 5W-40 seems a lot "thicker" and I'm kind of concerned that I'm losing a little flowability in the valvetrain because of this.

I'm just looking for some opinions on my choice and if someone has a better suggestion for the right oil for my motor. Thanks

 

[Steve S]

what do you mean by flowability in the valve train?

 

[Gary Allan]

Well, you'll get plenty of opinions ...heck, I'm waiting for someone to say that you need 5w-20 ..and should thin it out with some agent.

The only liability that I can see with a 5w-40 over a 5w-30 is short trip fuel economy. I've never used the Amsoil 5w-40, so I will leave that part to others. The weight is just fine, IMHO. Others may not agree. Can I assume that this won't be doing too many "Frostbite Falls" -30 starts?? If so, then perhaps winter would call for an alternative oil.

 

[Seven1]

quote:

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Originally posted by Steve S:
what do you mean by flowability in the valve train?

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I've been told that thicker oils don't flow as easy and lube the valvetrain components properly/enough, but I'm not sure that I subscribe to that school of thought.

The car will not see temps below 30 F it's a summer car, and I don't care about gas mileage so much, I just want good protection for my motor for my driving style.

I've seen others with the same car using Amsoil S2K 0W-30 and swearing by it, I just don't know what to do, I love my car and want it to last forever lol.

 

[Gary Allan]

Do they offer the SRT in some other country? Check the spec'd oil anywhere else but North America. You'll probably see a 40 weight spec'd. I wouldn't worry at all about it.

 

[Craig]

The Amsoil Euro 5W-40 is an excellent oil, has a HTHS of 4.2 and is designed to go the longer OCI that is now recommended by alot of
Euro cars. Currently I use it in my wife's '01 1.8T VW Bug.
The cars seems to run better with this oil with no start up probs at below 0 starts here in Michigan.

I use the Amsoil 0W30 in my new "04 Acura TL with similar positive results.
Craig

 

[haley10]

I'm surprized that none of our Amsoil reps have commented.

 

[Pablo]

The oil will do fine, but I do question the uncomfortableness with a XW-30 in a turbo motor. If the car is spec'd for a 30 then it will do fine.....but what are the other channels that say to use a 0W-40?

The 5W-40 will pump up fast enough to protect your valve train, so that shouldn't be a worry either. Just stick with the recommended OCI and make sure you do a UOA for us to see!

 

[haley10]

Amsoil has good products, but I'm not sure the 5W-40 Euro is best for you. I think you will still get excellent wear protection, better gas mileage, and snappier throttle response with one of their "thinner" 30 wts.

No worries, but you might want to consider a lighter shear stable synthetic.