Not another oil thread....maybe

[Jobofly]

hey guys i have read a bunch of topics posted on here about oil but none specific to this. Why run 0w-20 instead of 5w-30? I know that the manual states to run the first one but wont 5w-30 protect the engine better?

Sponsored

 

[Renegade]

hey guys i have read a bunch of topics posted on here about oil but none specific to this. Why run 0w-20 instead of 5w-30? I know that the manual states to run the first one but wont 5w-30 protect the engine better?

The website bobistheoilguy.com has LOTS of info about why 0w-20 is frequently recommended these days vs. one of the more traditional weights, and whether one of the more traditional weights offer better protection.

 

[Riccochet]

Bean counters trying to squeeze an extra fraction of a MPG to meet growing fleet fuel efficiency standards.

That's about it. Since there is no difference in the 3.6 Pentastar from 9-10 years ago to today other than ESS. None. Same block. Same heads. Same crank. Same pistons. Same rings. The 3.6 in my '12 JKR calls for 5W30. Want less fluid resistance? Use a thinner oil to slightly increase efficiency.

Whether it provides similar protection is debatable. My JT will be running Redline 5W30 after break in.

 

[LostWoods]

Cold starts are the worst possible wear scenario for a vehicle so you want to make sure you have an oil designed for cold starts. These engines are fairly tight on clearances (as are any in the last 20 years) but there is some truth to them using lighter oil to improve economy. However, 0w20 is going to give better protection for super cold starts than something like 5w20 or 5w30 because it's going to flow easier.

Upstate NY I'd be running the recommended 0w20 because you will see some damn cold temps and summer isn't unbearable hot to your truck. I just moved to satan's asshole so I'll be switching to 5w30 on the next oil change beacuse I generally won't see cold and well... it was 106F today to kick off October so... yeah.

So the answer to the question of which oil other than using quality oil is it depends.

 

[MrZappo]

I bet if you put in what is recommended on a reasonable schedule and do that for the life of the truck, you will do fine.

No sense see debating any of it. It aint a race engine.

Clean oil in schedule is far more important than 0w20 vs 5w30.

20 years ago every one had a heart attack about 5w30 being too thin and a bunch of people ran 10w40 or even 20w50.

I get the fuel economy bean counter argument and yeah, I can see that happening.

But if anyone thinks that clean fresh 0w20 is gonna hurt anything, I say meh. I'll take that bet.

Throw a dart at the wall and pick ANY name brand synthetic 0w20 and be happy.

And I fully expect a (insert brand here) fanboy to chime in with some "facts" from "somewhere" admonishing me but I don't care much.

 

[Jason Oliver]

I tried - I really tried NOT to click on this thread thinking that maybe someone had a new question on a subject that has been debated to death?

Nothing new here.

 

[Renegade]

This article will answer your question...
https://540ratblog.wordpress.com/2013/06/20/motor-oil-wear-test-ranking/
It was written by a mechanical engineer who personally tested hundreds of motor oils.

HOLY CRAP, that blog has a LOT of analysis and data!

 

[Jay Gatsby]

HOLY CRAP, that blog has a LOT of analysis and data!

Never knew it existed until @ShadowsPapa posted it awhile back on another thread. IMO it's the go-to motor oil resource guide.

Sponsored