Amsoil Signature Series 0W-20 vs 5W-20???

gonefishing · Jul 8, 2012

I have a 2005 Honda Accord with the 2.4L 4cyl. I bought the car used with 101,500 miles in March. I changed over to Amsoil Signature 0W-20 at 103,200 and their Ea Oil Filter. I was looking at the specs between the 0W-20 and 5W-20 on their website and they are pretty similar to each other:

0W-20: http://www.amsoil.com/storefront/asm.aspx

5W-20: http://www.amsoil.com/storefront/alm.aspx

I don't know much about oil properties but noticed the NOACK volatility was lower in the 5W-20. I live in North Dakota and drive the car year around (mostly highway). Honda manual calls for 5W-20. After about 7500 miles the car was maybe a half quart low. What are your opinions on choosing between these two oils? Should I just stay with the 0 weight? I plan to send a sample into Blackstone at 10,000 miles when I change oil and filter. I will be getting a TBN report also to see about going further on OCI. This will be my first analysis.

Thanks!

simple_gifts · Jul 8, 2012

ND, 0W-20, JMO

dparm · Jul 8, 2012

The 0w20 would be preferable, though either would work well.

ottotheclown · Jul 8, 2012

Check with the 5-20 Pennzoil Ultra oil I think we are talking around 5% if that is true!!

CMMeadAM · Jul 8, 2012

OP is not talking about PU.....and PU NOACK as has been discussed many times here, isn't even close to being "true."

CATERHAM · Jul 8, 2012

Just so you know both these oils are among the heaviest 20wt oils on the market with a HTHSV of 2.8cP. The 0W-20 would be preferable being a 0W oil and with it's higher 166 VI although that's nothing to brag about.
I actually prefer the cheaper and somewhat lighter GP III based OEZ 0W-20 (HTHSV 2.7cP) if long drains aren't on your agenda.

ottotheclown · Jul 8, 2012

Thats why I said if it is true,

the discussion I read here were guess stuff you can find in a diner. Pu might be the answer just as always GUESSING.
Originally Posted By: CMMeadAM
OP is not talking about PU.....and PU NOACK as has been discussed many times here, isn't even close to being "true."

CATERHAM · Jul 8, 2012

NOACK gives an indication of base oil quality and how heavy the the base oils used are (heavier the oil the lower the NOACK %).
That said, from a performance perspective NOACK is probabily the least important characteristic of a 20wt oil since oil temp's are so low.

BTW, regarding PU, I personally prefer PP for their lighter viscosity spec's; much better for winter use.

yonyon · Jul 8, 2012

They certainly do look awfully similar. Assuming you aren't planning to bring it along when you get a job in the Antarctic and you don't plan to add a turbocharger it's a tough choice. My gut says stick with the 0W in hopes it will better protect the timing chain.

buster · Jul 8, 2012

Quote:
That said, from a performance perspective NOACK is probabily the least important characteristic of a 20wt oil since oil temp's are so low.

That is a good point.

The new PDS on ASM 0w20 shows a NOACK of 9.3%.

gonefishing · Jul 8, 2012

Originally Posted By: buster
Quote:
That said, from a performance perspective NOACK is probabily the least important characteristic of a 20wt oil since oil temp's are so low.

That is a good point.

The new PDS on ASM 0w20 shows a NOACK of 9.3%.

Thanks everyone for the good information.

Buster: What is a PDS?

buster · Jul 8, 2012

Product data sheet.

steve20 · Jul 8, 2012

I have the same car. I use conventional PYB in the summer and PP in the winter. That stash will be running out soon and it will be GB in the summer and QSUD in the winter.
What I am trying to get at, is Amsoil may be over doing (paying) it for the Honda. I would choose an easily obtainable common syn in 0-20 like QSUD, PP, Edge, etc...you should be able to get 200K miles running any approved SN/GF5 oil

Pablo · Jul 8, 2012

Either is fine. In a Honda you want a "heavy" XW-20.

ltslimjim · Jul 9, 2012

My BIL's fit still got awesome gas mileage with ASM 0w-20. I'd use that if I had a Fit, TBH. Plus, the TBN was still over 2 after 14,000 miles. (with over 150k on the engine)

PS: Biggest 'little' thing you can is make sure the PCV valve is removed, inspected, and determined if replacement is needed. This will hurt oil performance a lot if the crankcase emissions arne't ventilated properly and it causes more blow-by due to negative pressure building up during operation(IIRC).

gonefishing · Jul 9, 2012

Originally Posted By: ltslimjim
My BIL's fit still got awesome gas mileage with ASM 0w-20. I'd use that if I had a Fit, TBH. Plus, the TBN was still over 2 after 14,000 miles. (with over 150k on the engine)

PS: Biggest 'little' thing you can is make sure the PCV valve is removed, inspected, and determined if replacement is needed. This will hurt oil performance a lot if the crankcase emissions arne't ventilated properly and it causes more blow-by due to negative pressure building up during operation(IIRC).

Hey thanks for the info! I've been trying to go through everything on the car for the 100k maintenance. The PCV valve is something I never thought off. I'm gonna look into that.

I think I will stick with the Amsoil 0W-20 for now.

Thanks!

CATERHAM · Jul 9, 2012

Originally Posted By: Pablo
Either is fine. In a Honda you want a "heavy" XW-20.

What?
Or are you saying that because Amsoil ONLY offers a heavy XW-20s.

Pablo · Jul 9, 2012

Originally Posted By: CATERHAM
Originally Posted By: Pablo
Either is fine. In a Honda you want a "heavy" XW-20.

What?
Or are you saying that because Amsoil ONLY offers a heavy XW-20s.

I'm saying this based on extensive knowledge of the Honda engine oil requirements. The engines do great on synthetic 5w30's. Lower wear, less build up of conventional crud.

Are you reacting this way only because of your belief system? Or some other reason?

Amsoil Signature Series 0W-20 vs 5W-20???

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