Observations Using a 5w40 in the Corolla

[panthermike]

I changed the oil in the Corolla 1,600 or so miles ago and used Schaeffer 5w40. I was originally going to use Amsoil OE, but I noticed one of the Schaeffer bottles leaking, so I said what the heck.

Wasn't expecting anything different but have been pleasantly surprised thus far. First of all, mpg has taken no discernible hit. I wasn't expecting mpg to suffer honestly.

However, the VVT-I related noises of this engine are noticeably quieter with the 5w40. Startup noise is reduced as well(very minimal before). Lastly, in 1600 miles the varnish on the dipstick from a previous OCI is nearly gone.

Before:

After 1,400 miles:

Anyways, just sharing my experiences. I know many here are not advocates of running a 5w40 in a gasoline engine that calls for a 30 weight, but my experience has been positive.

 

[RiceCake]

I think a lot of what you're experiencing could be hugely placebo, the cleaning could be just because of a different oil with a different addpack doing more cleaning.

I will however say that if its working for you, awesome! Never hurts to try.

 

[volk06]

Originally Posted By: RiceCake
I think a lot of what you're experiencing could be hugely placebo, the cleaning could be just because of a different oil with a different addpack doing more cleaning.

I will however say that if its working for you, awesome! Never hurts to try.


If it is cleaning what the previous oil left and couldn't clean, how is that a placebo effect? There obviously is something going on when looking at the dipstick, placebo would be if there was no difference or nothing happening.

 

[HTSS_TR]

Not many people know this: Honda recommends conventional 10W30 for S2000 in warmer climate and 5W40 if temperature is below 0F since around 2004. Back then 5W40 was available only in synthetic and probably now too.

 

[panthermike]

I honestly don't think it's because of a different add-pack. I switch oils relatively often. I've used PP, PU, Edge, Napa Syn, Schaeffer, MC5K, Redline and probably a couple of others.

 

[Umibozu]

Originally Posted By: RiceCake
I think a lot of what you're experiencing could be hugely placebo, the cleaning could be just because of a different oil with a different addpack doing more cleaning.

I will however say that if its working for you, awesome! Never hurts to try.


How is this a placebo effect? He changed one variable and noticed an observation. While it might not be totally conclusive it is safe to say the 5w40 is doing something better than the previous oil.

 

[RiceCake]

Originally Posted By: volk06
If it is cleaning what the previous oil left and couldn't clean, how is that a placebo effect? There obviously is something going on when looking at the dipstick, placebo would be if there was no difference or nothing happening.


Originally Posted By: Umibozu
How is this a placebo effect? He changed one variable and noticed an observation. While it might not be totally conclusive it is safe to say the 5w40 is doing something better than the previous oil.


Quote:
, the cleaning could be just because of a different oil with a different addpack doing more cleaning.


Figure out how a comma works and read everything that's after it next time. His claims the engine is quieter is likely a placebo effect.

Seriously, I clearly say a different oil with a different addpack doing more cleaning and I get people saying "But RiceCake, the oil cleaned better, he's not making that up."

But that has nothing to do with it being a 40 weight anyhow.

 

[volk06]

Originally Posted By: RiceCake
Originally Posted By: volk06
If it is cleaning what the previous oil left and couldn't clean, how is that a placebo effect? There obviously is something going on when looking at the dipstick, placebo would be if there was no difference or nothing happening.


Originally Posted By: Umibozu
How is this a placebo effect? He changed one variable and noticed an observation. While it might not be totally conclusive it is safe to say the 5w40 is doing something better than the previous oil.


Quote:
, the cleaning could be just because of a different oil with a different addpack doing more cleaning.


Figure out how a comma works and read everything that's after it next time. His claims the engine is quieter is likely a placebo effect.

Seriously, I clearly say a different oil with a different addpack doing more cleaning and I get people saying "But RiceCake, the oil cleaned better, he's not making that up."

But that has nothing to do with it being a 40 weight anyhow.


I know how to read and use commas, your wording was just poor in explaining what you were trying to say. It could be interpreted a few different ways. The cleaning, which, is what he was experiencing could be a placebo or due to a different additive package is how we interpreted it since you mention nothing about the noise in the sentence.

 

[ArtDart]

John Browning would be proud of you

I am running some thin-downed M1 0w40
in the Accent, and it's doing great.

 

[Capa]

I've run 0W-40, 0W-30 and 0W-20 in my Lexus V8, which also has VVT-I. I saw a definite loss in mileage going from 0W-30 to 0W-40. The MPG difference between the 20 and 30 weight was negligible. Was the vehicle quiter with the 40 weight. A little, but it also was less peppy. I, personally, would never go back to the 0W-40.

 

[bmwtechguy]

I have noticed similar effects on the engines I use Schaeffers series 9000 5W-40 in. No doubt it is a good oil and has lowered consumption as much as Maxlife 10W-40 was able to for me. I don't have it in a VVT engine, but I have noticed how quiet it is in the noisy Isuzu Trooper 3.5 V6 and no hit in fuel economy vs previous 10W-30 oil. I have noticed some cleaning on the dipstick of vehicles that were switched to Schaeffers or other synthetics such as M1 HM or Ultra/Platinum from conventional oils.

 

[panthermike]

I understand what you're saying about the add pack Ricecake but with so many oils used, I don't think that's why the Schaeffer cleaned the varnish. Plus, I've never been a proponent of that theory, especially if using synthetics. As for the quieter operation, it makes sense to me with the thicker viscosity, and possibly the Moly?

 

[RiceCake]

Originally Posted By: panthermike
I understand what you're saying about the add pack Ricecake but with so many oils used, I don't think that's why the Schaeffer cleaned the varnish. Plus, I've never been a proponent of that theory, especially if using synthetics. As for the quieter operation, it makes sense to me with the thicker viscosity, and possibly the Moly?



The thicker oil is almost a blanket guarantee. GC for instance was touted for making engines just seem quieter, because its nearly a 40 weight with plenty of great additives.

As for the oils well, thats a highly variable science. The thicker oil won't clean it though. That basically defies physics all things considered.

 

[jfking106]

Where did he infer, at all, that the weight of the oil had anything to do with cleaning?

Reading comprehension is a useful skill.

 

[ottotheclown]

With or without commas I thought it strange that the group of oils used were not suppose to create varnish?Weird a bit.

 

[Rob_Roy]

That 9000 5w-40 is an outstanding product. I have used a couple hundred gallons of it in everything from lawn mowers to large diesels...I also observed some impressive cleaning in older engines.

 

[panthermike]

Originally Posted By: jfking106
Where did he infer, at all, that the weight of the oil had anything to do with cleaning?

Reading comprehension is a useful skill.


Bingo, it would be absurd for me to say that 5w40 has magical cleaning abilities.

 

[crinkles]

I am quite happy running 15w40 in my 05 camry. Definitely quieter, smoother and calmed down what I thought was valve clutter.