Motor Oil U - makes me wonder...

[vtb]

Mr. Haas has got me thinking. I have a 2001 Chrysler Sebring with the 2.7L V6. It calls for 5w30, and that's what it has always gotten.

Would using a 0w-20 negatively affect the engine? It has no mechanical issues, and has 112K on it. Runs well. According to the article, I will experience better flow, cooling, and mileage with the 20 weight.

Is this bunk (I'll hurt the engine?), or should I try it (benefits as listed above)?

 

[VRAY]

Dont change anything you are doing.People tend to over think things if they read too much here,myself included. You wont get any noticable benefit by going to lighter oil.Your 30 wt is fine.

 

[PontiacFan]

Why not stick with the 5w30 during the warmer months, and maybe go to a thinner oil during the winter months.

Do you do short trip driving, and how cold does it get where you live.

What are your OCI's like, do you change your oil every 5000 miles or so.

I see you are using PYB 5w30, if you went to a 0W-20 you would be spending more money, since most if not all 0W-20 oil's are synthetic.

 

[RiotGrip]

I wouldn't change a thing. That engine is prone to sludge, but you seem to be doing well. Stay with the 5w30 dino for a short OCI (<5000mi). A 0w-20 would only benefit you in -10F or colder, and it would probably cost about twice what you are paying now.

 

[hate2work]

Originally Posted By: VRAY
Dont change anything you are doing.People tend to over think things if they read too much here,myself included. You wont get any noticable benefit by going to lighter oil.Your 30 wt is fine.


This^^ There is no magic oil or magic weight. Keep on keepin' on

 

[dparm]

You've got a relatively generic motor with no special requirements. I wouldn't overthink it.

Not raced, not driven in -60 weather, doesn't idle for 3 straight hours, etc.

 

[aquariuscsm]

I say don`t go lighter than what your manual specs.

 

[vtb]

Usually not short-tripped (the minivan gets those). The Sebring is my commuter. Typically 45 min to and from work, not a lot of stop and go, about 2/3 country roads, 1/3 highway.

Central PA weather.

OCI's are between 5-6K, but I ran the last one a little over 7k (it was PP 5w30).

I don't mind a little extra money for the 0w-20. I would do 0w-20 in the Caravan, but I am being anal about following the owners manual because I want to preserve the Lifetime Powertrain Warranty.

 

[dparm]

Yeah man, you've got a very easy scenario to cope with.

It's those of us with crazy manufacturer approvals (read: the Germans) or weekend racers that have to do more of our homework.

 

[PontiacFan]

Originally Posted By: vtb
Usually not short-tripped (the minivan gets those). The Sebring is my commuter. Typically 45 min to and from work, not a lot of stop and go, about 2/3 country roads, 1/3 highway.

Central PA weather.

OCI's are between 5-6K, but I ran the last one a little over 7k (it was PP 5w30).

I don't mind a little extra money for the 0w-20. I would do 0w-20 in the Caravan, but I am being anal about following the owners manual because I want to preserve the Lifetime Powertrain Warranty.


Just stick with PP 5w30, no need for the 0W-20 motor oil.

Your engine will not notice the difference, meaning something else on your car will wear out and you will then decide to get rid of it. JMO

 

[chubbs1]

Dr. Haas can afford to replace his engine more easily than most I presume. I have nothing against lighter wgt. oils, but I say stick with the specs. You could use 0w30 with no problems but I would stick to earlier OCI's with conventional.

 

[Steve S]

Call it bunk !!! Big time. The article lowers this website.

 

[RamFan]

Originally Posted By: vtb
Usually not short-tripped (the minivan gets those). The Sebring is my commuter. Typically 45 min to and from work, not a lot of stop and go, about 2/3 country roads, 1/3 highway.

Central PA weather.

OCI's are between 5-6K, but I ran the last one a little over 7k (it was PP 5w30).

I don't mind a little extra money for the 0w-20. I would do 0w-20 in the Caravan, but I am being anal about following the owners manual because I want to preserve the Lifetime Powertrain Warranty.


With the horrible sludge reputation that engine has, I would do OCIs of 3k dino, 5k synthetic. Even with the 5k synthetic I would be hesitant and certainly follow it with a UOA just to double check.

 

[D189379]

I don't think you'd see any benefit from the 20 weight oil.

 

[D189379]

Originally Posted By: Steve S
Call it bunk !!! Big time. The article lowers this website.


I think opinions not based on fact lower this website. They seem to be everywhere around here.

 

[rg200amp]

I am a fan of following what the engine/car maker says to use.

 

[CATERHAM]

Originally Posted By: chubbs1
Dr. Haas can afford to replace his engine more easily than most I presume. I have nothing against lighter wgt. oils, but I say stick with the specs. You could use 0w30 with no problems but I would stick to earlier OCI's with conventional.

Ali Haas is not taking any chances running RLI 0W-20 and 0w30 in his expensive toys.
Firstly he has oil pressure and oil temp' gauges in his cars so at any given time he knows exactly what the operational viscosity is. That's an important point that is often over looked.
If you want to try a 20wt oil in a car spec'd for a 30wt or heavier oil and you want to eliminate all risk associated with the experiment, then one should install at least an OP gauge.
If you can maintain the minimum OP as spec'd by the mfter when the oil is as hot as it ever gets with a light 20wt oil, then you've found your oil.

Also talking generically about an oil grade such as 0W-20 can be misleading. The boutique RLI 0W-20 Dr. Haas runs has a higher HTHS viscosity (>2.9cP) than any OTC 20wt oil you're going to find at WalMart. In fact, with such a high HTHS vis', RLI 0W-20 is as heavy as many 30wt oils. In truth, the good Doctor has never run a 20wt oil in any of his toys; a light 30wt perhaps but a typical 2.6cP HTHS vis 20wt, I'm afraid not.

 

[Steve S]

The engines don't get hot driving to the mall. Myself I would use the recommended oil. But then I would get the engine hot.

 

[Steve S]

Originally Posted By: D189379
Originally Posted By: Steve S
Call it bunk !!! Big time. The article lowers this website.


I think opinions not based on fact lower this website. They seem to be everywhere around here.
Yep most think they know.

 

[Steve S]

Originally Posted By: hate2work
Originally Posted By: VRAY
Dont change anything you are doing.People tend to over think things if they read too much here,myself included. You wont get any noticable benefit by going to lighter oil.Your 30 wt is fine.


This^^ There is no magic oil or magic weight. Keep on keepin' on

'cept Amsoil