0W-40 in a GM 3800

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Any reason not to? The climate over here averages around 105 F (40 C) six months out of the year. Factory spec is 10W-30.
 
Yes there is a big reason not to, you change your oil way too often as is and a 0w40 is probably going to be a LL01 type long drain oil and you're wasting your money. Keep dumping conventional 10w30 like you do.
 
Originally Posted By: 901Memphis
Yes there is a big reason not to, you change your oil way too often as is and a 0w40 is probably going to be a LL01 type long drain oil and you're wasting your money. Keep dumping conventional 10w30 like you do.


He's got a point merk. If perhaps you were planning on extended drains there is no real benefit. If you want thicker use a conventional 15w-40. Your gonna dump it early regardless.
Heck a conventional hdeo in the 10w-30 would be fine for well in excess of 5000 mile intervals.
However it's your money. Spend it however you like
 
Yes, if you claim to like thicker oils, you can use 10w-30 without your ILSAC stuff. A 10w-30 HDEO would be just fine. M1 0w-40 or GC 0w-40 would be absolutely fine, but a bit of a waste given your short intervals. Those engines aren't particularly hard on oil, and a 30 grade of some sort, even with elevated HTHS, is pretty much ideal.
 
Not a bad choice, but as stated, pretty pointless if you are going to throw it out early.

I've got 5W40 in mine (factory spec for the S/C 3.8 in 1997 was 20W50 with 15W40 in long periods of snow)...will have 5W30 or 10W30 (either in) A3/B4 next time.
 
I'm sure it will be fine. I used to run 15 year old 20W-50 Pennzoil in my 94 Pontiac and it didn't care. I've used 5W-30, 10W-30 and 10W-40 as well without problems.
 
0w!? Merk, you're coming to the thin side!?

welcome2.gif
 
I ran GTX 20W50 in my 3800 Olds for 300k+ flawless miles. These engines will last forever with any oil it seems.
 
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