[grinnin]

I just took dhg#5320 in for 1st oil change. dealer put in 5w/30. I questioned this because the owners manual calls for 5w/20. Dealer says not to worry. This will not affect engine or warranty. According to dealer the manual calls for 20wt. because they don't know what type of climate the car will be shipped to. Should I be concerned? Is the dealer blowing smoke up my ...uh.. "tailpipe"? I love this car and want it to be serviced correctly. Was the dealer right or was he just trying to cover his ...uh..tailpipe?
I would appreciate any feedback.

 

[Bullitt4542]

There has been a lot of posts here in the past on this topic. Try doing a search on 5w20 and you'll see what I mean. In the end, most of us agree 5w30 will not hurt your engine.... I for one use Mobil 1 5w30, I have no worries and I plan on sticking with the Mobil 1 for as long as I own this car.

 

[grinnin]

thanks for the info. the suggestion to do a search helped alot. i'll keep that in mind on future questions.

 

[Blakwing]

Personally.. I've seen a couple horror stories about Dealers voiding the engine warranty due to "Improper" oil weight being used. I'd get it in writing from the dealer and service Mgr. stating that they changed your oil and will gaurantee the work and cover any and all warranty issues.
Granted 30wt probably won't do anything at all to your engine but if it gives them an out to not honor warranty work I'd make sure it was covered.
Just my .02

 

[grinnin]

thanks blakwing. i did talk to the dealer about my concerns and he did give a written and signed letter stating that this oil change would not affect my warranty.

 

[bobistheoilguy]

Grinning,

aside from dealer warr issues which you have covered by the letter, using a 5w30 is very acceptable for your car. atleast until warr is out. the difference between 5w20 and 5w30 is both start out as a base oil of 5weight then with viscosity improvers, one will "thicken" to the flow properties of a 20wt, the other to a 30wt when warmed up to operating temps.

the main reason these cars are starting to use a thinner oil is for the purpose of CAFE or coporate agv fuel economy. in my opinion they are sacrificing some wear protection for fuel gain. especially if you're a heavy foot person. so by him putting in a 5w30, it actually is a better choice between the 2 options u have.

bob
Member STLE
Lubricant Specialist
http://www.bobistheoilguy.com

 

[Bullitt5049]

I'm new to this forum, and really find it valuable. Not trying to add to the confusion.

Regarding oil viscosity. I was given a different story. My '94 TBird used 5w-30 for its 4.6L V8. When I spoke with the shop foreman at the dealer he told me that the current issue 4.6L has tighter tolerances, and that the 5w-30 could cause some bearing starvation in the motor. So he said to stick with the 5w-20.

Also speaking with my relative, who is an aircraft mechanic. He tells me that oils are totally different from years ago. So you have to change your mind set from what was once true.

_________________
Bullitt5049

<font size=-1>[ This Message was edited by: Bullitt5049 on 2001-12-08 12:10 ]</font>

 

[bobistheoilguy]

<TABLE BORDER=0 ALIGN=CENTER WIDTH=85%><TR><TD><font size=-1>Quote:</font><HR></TD></TR><TR><TD><FONT SIZE=-1><BLOCKQUOTE>
On 2001-12-08 12:07, Bullitt5049 wrote:
I'm new to this forum, and really find it valuable. Not trying to add to the confusion.

Regarding oil viscosity. I was given a different story. My '94 TBird used 5w-30 for its 4.6L V8. When I spoke with the shop foreman at the dealer he told me that the current issue 4.6L has tighter tolerances, and that the 5w-30 could cause some bearing starvation in the motor. So he said to stick with the 5w-20.

Also speaking with my relative, who is an aircraft mechanic. He tells me that oils are totally different from years ago. So you have to change your mind set from what was once true.

_________________
Bullitt5049

<font size=-1>[ This Message was edited by: Bullitt5049 on 2001-12-08 12:10 ]</font>
</BLOCKQUOTE></FONT></TD></TR><TR><TD><HR></TD></TR></TABLE>

as the previous post pointed out, they both start out 5wt. and both are going to get to all parts of your engine as well..

what most people don't understand is that in the area's where oil is in a high shear zone, bearings,ring area and such, the oil will momentaryly squeeze down to its base oil so if your running a 5w it will go from the 30wt down to the 5wt or 10w, will shear down back to the 10w. this is after it has warmed up.

this is one of the main reasons a muti viscosity oil has been a great improvement over the old oils. thinner oil is now able to increase with heat, but then also lubricate when under extreme shear in the tight areas.

bob
Member STLE
Lubricant Specialist
http://www.bobistheoilguy.com