What is considered a respectable HTHS?

Is HTHS stated in an oil's datasheet or calculated from VOA & UOA? How do you know what the HTHS of an oil is?
Measured on new oil by a special test machine. Some manufactures list a HTHS viscosity in the specs and some don't. If they don't you can typically call them for the info.

HTHS viscosity measurement was basically invented to simulate what the oil does inside a fast rotating journal bearing in an engine. If the dynamic viscosity gets to low (MOFT goes to zero) in a journal bearing it could cause wear and damage.
 
… but the most important factor is the dynamic viscosity at 150 C and zero shear rate.
Can't measure dynamic viscosity in a dynamic viscosity test machine without shearing it to some degree. Guess you could calculate the dynamic viscosity due to the super low level of slight motion and shear in a kinematic test rig. cSt x SG = cP. But need to use the cSt and SG at 150C to get an accurate cP calculation.
 
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>3.5 and never worry about it for any stock vehicle sold today in the US.
I hear variations on this theme here often. Just xyz and you'll never have issues. And that probably works for a lot of people. But issues like this one where the Q7s turn into oil burning monsters even running Castrol Euro at good intervals. Lots of examples of Subarus like Glenda's burning oil even with religious high quality oil changes at 5k intervals. (I know in this example, an oil with HTHS <3.5 was used, but it's just a broader point about oils meeting the spec and beyond and still falling short.) Anyway, I'm slowly beginning to wonder if Amsoil or HPL are really the only options if you want to never worry about having an oil related issue.
 
^^^ Those cars probably had stuck rings for some reason. YouTuber "I Do Cars" showed an engine that looked spotless inside, but the rings were all gummed up and the spark plugs showed big signs of oil burning - so it can happen even when someone thinks they are using good oil and doing good maintenance. Probably has more to do with the oil ring design and drain holes than the oil being used. @Glenda W. said Valvoline R&P helped reduce the oil consumption, so that's an indication it was caused by stuck rings. I doubt the HTHS viscosity had anything to do with it.
 
If dilution is significant and OCI <5k mi:

2.6 adequate
3.0 respectable
3 5 optimal

Gross generalization based strictly on viscosity and not taking into consideration, application or additive technology which may or may not make a difference*
 
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What is a respectable HTHS for 5w20 & 5w30 oils?

Do thicker grade oils have better HTHS or just a higher starting viscosity?

My understanding of HTHS is it tells us how much viscosity loss will occur due to shear. Is that correct?
HTHS loosely correlates with viscosity. For example a 20 grade can't have a HTHS below 2.6cP and a 40 grade can't have a HTHS below 3.5cP.
A 30 grade has a min HTHS of 2.9cP. There are some practical limitations for increasing the HTHS well above the viscosity of the oil.
https://enginelearner.com/understanding-oil-viscosity-ratings/

People incorrectly presume lower.HTHS equals more wear. This is inaccurate because engineering (oil coolers, bearing design, oil pump strategy and application(commuter car vs race.track) matter by a lot. However, we like simple answers to complex questions so what feels good along with confirmation bias rules the day.

Here's more info on hths.
https://www.stle.org/files/TLTArchives/2023/04_April/Lubrication_Fundamentals.aspx
 
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HTHS loosely correlates with viscosity. For example a 20 grade can't have a HTHS below 2.6cP and a 40 grade can't have a HTHS below 3.5cP.
A 30 grade has a min HTHS of 2.9cP. There are some practical limitations for increasing the HTHS well above the viscosity of the oil used.
https://enginelearner.com/understanding-oil-viscosity-ratings/

People incorrectly presume lower.HTHS equals more wear. This is inaccurate because engineering (oil coolers, bearing design, oil pump strategy and application(commuter car vs race.track) matter by a lot. However, we like simple answers to complex questions so what feels good along with confirmation bias rules the day.

Here's more info on hths.
https://www.stle.org/files/TLTArchives/2023/04_April/Lubrication_Fundamentals.aspx
What is "oil pump strategy"?
 
Do you want better gas mileage or better engine protection?
How are you driving this car?
What oil are you using?
What are your OCI's?
What are your Oil temperatures like under your driving conditions?

If you drive like a normal person and obey the speed limit and drive the car like Grandma, the HTHS thing or thicker grade does not matter. If you drive your car hard, that is when we need to look at the HTHS Number or maybe going to a different oil viscosity.
This isnt at all what he asked. Just answer the guys questions instead of acting like you hold all the knowledge and dont believe the answer will help him
 
This isnt at all what he asked. Just answer the guys questions instead of acting like you hold all the knowledge and dont believe the answer will help him
Thank you for pointing this out to me, normally I am an Ohio State Fan when they play Michigan, this year I will be cheering for Michigan to Win.
 
I like nice oils, or at least the idea of them, but only if they're affordably priced. If it's available at Wallyworld, I'm willing to consider it.
I meant Wallyworld online sold by Walmart (not 3rd party resellers). If it costs over $30 for 5 quarts, then I'm out. I generally look for $26, $25, or lower. I occasionally buy at NAPA or Oreilly online when on sale. I like bargains that perform well. Bargain hunting is half the fun.

As you can see above, I quoted myself. That means I'm either cool or a jerk! You decide which. 🤔 🤣
 
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I meant Wallyworld online sold by Walmart (not 3rd party resellers). If it costs over $30 for 5 quarts, then I'm out. I generally look for $26, $25, or lower. I occasionally buy at NAPA or Oreilly online when on sale. I like bargains that perform well. Bargain hunting is half the fun.

As you can see above, I quoted myself. That means I'm either cool or a jerk! You decide which. 🤔 🤣
Hard to beat Quaker State Euro 5W-40 sold at Walmart. $23 not on sale. Or M1 ESP 0W-30 for usually $27.
 
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Continuously variable displacement oil pump. For example it has been reported that BMW will modify the flow of oil through the bearings with the B-series engines and their new ultra low viscosity oils (0w8/12/16).
Variable oil pumps decrease power requirements and subsequently reduce fuel consumption. They don't enhance the engine's ability to tolerate low HT/HS oils. Film thickness keeps parts separated, and all those other things you mentioned such as oil coolers are meant to do just that - keep the oil from becoming too thin. They essentially "prop up" the deficiency.
 
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