Using different weight oil than in owner's manual-ok to do?
I drive a 2005 CR-V EX AWD, original owner, 102k miles and have performed regularly scheduled maintenance. My question is about using a different oil viscosity than recommended in the Honda owner's manual. My CR-V owner's lists 5W-20 as the only acceptable weight to use. I bought a stock of about 30 quarts of oil recently on a closeoout and got a great deal. Most of the oil is Sunoco 5W-30 dino, and there's some Castrol GTX, Pennzoil, and Valvoline in the mix also, either 5W-30, 10W-40 or 10W-30.
I haven't been able to determine yet if these oils are safe to use in my CR-V, and I haven't found much on-line. I know that some of the push to lower weight oils is part of the push from CAFE standards to improve fuel mileage. But I also heard on a "car-talk" radio show a while back that because modern engines are manufactured to much higher tolerances than in the past, that higher viscosity oils may too thick to get into tighter clearances between components-bearings, etc. Does anyone really have a definitive answer on this? Would it be safe to use the 10W-30 in summer, and stick to the recommended 5W-20 in the fall and winter? |
Re: Using different weight oil than in owner's manual-ok to do?
"bob is the oil guy". this is where you'll get the best info on this subject.
personally i'm more concerned/focused on how clean (light) and fresh the oil is and less on the grade/weight. for your CR-V a 5W-30 won't likely do any harm. this was spec'ed in the older hondas and the clearances are not too different. you may see a slight drop in mileage, nothing dramatic and possibly more valve train noise when it's cold. the thought of using 10W's makes me cringe... but i don't have any empirical data to offer. check the forums and Bobistheoilguy. they'll be able to give you a straight answer. |
Re: Using different weight oil than in owner's manual-ok to do?
Originally Posted by Collsj
(Post 51170317)
But I also heard on a "car-talk" radio show a while back that because modern engines are manufactured to much higher tolerances than in the past, that higher viscosity oils may too thick to get into tighter clearances between components-bearings, etc.
Of course even a broken clock is right twice a day and in this case Cartalk is correct. The biggest harm will come during cold starts. While the damage will not be immediately appearant, it IS occurring with the incorrect oil viscosity. Additionally you will in all likely hood set a variable valve timing code because the proper weight is required for the actuation of the solenoids and variable gears(if applicable)...... (BTW Bob is The Oil Guy used to have actual engineers and chemists from the various oil companies on the site. Now its mostly just a bunch of internet know -it- alls. Id take the current info with a grain of salt. But the info found in the archives is gold and mostly still holds true.) |
Re: Using different weight oil than in owner's manual-ok to do?
This link will take you to the most informative cache of oil knowledge on the internet: https://540ratblog.wordpress.com
I run Rotella T6 5w40 in every internal combustion engine I own. |
Re: Using different weight oil than in owner's manual-ok to do?
Originally Posted by testify
(Post 51170581)
This link will take you to the most informative cache of oil knowledge on the internet: https://540ratblog.wordpress.com
Originally Posted by testify
(Post 51170581)
I run Rotella T6 5w40 in every internal combustion engine I own.
Its all good until its not...... |
Re: Using different weight oil than in owner's manual-ok to do?
The guy is a consultant for several leading NASCAR teams.
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Re: Using different weight oil than in owner's manual-ok to do?
:popcorn:
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Re: Using different weight oil than in owner's manual-ok to do?
Dcceiver: After reading bobistheoilguy I get what you're saying about the start-up lubrication. That said, shouldn't the start-up lubrication/viscosity be the same with a 5W-30 as with the Honda recommended 5W-20, as they both have the same flow characteristics at startup-the 5W in the grading?
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Re: Using different weight oil than in owner's manual-ok to do?
Originally Posted by testify
(Post 51170641)
The guy is a consultant for several leading NASCAR teams.
API certification considered the minimum standard. Every vehicle manufacture has test sequences and oil specifications for every engine they build, and their sequences far exceed traditional ASTM testing. The guys blog is grandiose and self serving..... |
Re: Using different weight oil than in owner's manual-ok to do?
Originally Posted by Collsj
(Post 51171097)
Dcceiver: After reading bobistheoilguy I get what you're saying about the start-up lubrication. That said, shouldn't the start-up lubrication/viscosity be the same with a 5W-30 as with the Honda recommended 5W-20, as they both have the same flow characteristics at startup-the 5W in the grading?
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Re: Using different weight oil than in owner's manual-ok to do?
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