5W-30 motor oil

[henke]

This is an interesting point.

If the oil pump is programmed to output a given pressure, and you increase the viscosity without increasing the output pressure, that must mean you are decreasing the flow rate of the oil.

Does that mean that if you just go from 0w20 to 5w30 without changing anything else, you will get less oil delivered to and cycled through your engine?

 

[Joe T]

Its a mechanical pump. This was covered in this or another thread.

You also have to remember at cold temps the 20 is much thicker than a 30 weight at operating temp. It can handle that range.

 

[bj70bc]

ya

 

[henke]

Its a mechanical pump. This was covered in this or another thread.

You also have to remember at cold temps the 20 is much thicker than a 30 weight at operating temp. It can handle that range.

Doesn't it mean that it is definitely a constant pressure delivery pump if it is a purely mechanical pump which hasn't got an electronic control unit adjusting the valve PID for constant flow?

I'm not worried about a cold 20 vs a warm 30, I'm worried about a cold 20 vs a cold 30, during startup, when you'd want as much coverage as fast as possible. If the pump ends up delivering a lower flow rate of oil because it's set to a pressure which was designed for a oil with lower viscosity, isn't that bad during the period with most wear?

 

[bj70bc]

no, 0w is 0w, whether its 0w20 or 0w30 on startup... 30 is hot viscosity

 

[henke]

no, 0w is 0w, whether its 0w20 or 0w30 on startup... 30 is hot viscosity

Oh yeah sorry, should have clarified. I'm talking about 0w20 to 5w30.

 

[bj70bc]

ya run a 0w (30) if youre in 5deg f winter weather or colder, run a 5w (30) if your in the summer there
you can swap viscosity summer to winter

 

[gerryvz]

Well, I did it. 5w30. Dealer didn't object and even said many have been doing this to prevent against engine failure.

Can't tell a difference in smoothness.

Yep, I just did the same with my dealer. Told the service advisor I wanted 5W-30. He said absolutely no problem, and I confirmed it on the invoice at check-out.