Reason to NOT use 5w-30 over 10w-30?
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on my 2001 gm 3800, it ALWAYS idles for 30-60 seconds before the first take off of the day. on 10w30, i get a faint knocking noise for the first minute or 2 of driving, no matter which oil, no matter what season. that noise doesnt exist when using any 5w30
needless to say, i run nothing but 5w30
needless to say, i run nothing but 5w30
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A 3800 V6 is easy on oil, you can run just about any weight you have on hand and it will be just fine.
Use this for your winter fill.
I really know very little about this engine, other than its being a highly developed iteration of an ancient design, but I'm guessing GM had a reason for recommending 10W-30 for it in an era when it had been recommending 5W-30 for most applications for at least the previous decade.
I don't doubt that it will do fine on the 5W-30, but why not use that oil for cold weather where there might really be some benefit?
I really know very little about this engine, other than its being a highly developed iteration of an ancient design, but I'm guessing GM had a reason for recommending 10W-30 for it in an era when it had been recommending 5W-30 for most applications for at least the previous decade.
I don't doubt that it will do fine on the 5W-30, but why not use that oil for cold weather where there might really be some benefit?
My `93 Volvo 240(w/324k mi) is spec'd the same as the OP's vehicle...no probs w/5W30 year `round in the Northeast.
Since I live in the deep south, I really don't have a need for a 5W or 0W lubricant, especially since I only use true synthetics. With that being said, I prefer the superior shear resistance and lower NOACK Volatility I get from 10W-30.
Amsoil 10W-30 is actually very close to the same viscosity @ 32*F as Mobil 1 5W-30 (non-EP). The base stock used in a formulation makes a difference, and Mobil 1 5W-30 (non-EP) does contain a percentage of group III. Amsoil 10W-30 ATM contains no group III base stocks.
Amsoil 10W-30 is actually very close to the same viscosity @ 32*F as Mobil 1 5W-30 (non-EP). The base stock used in a formulation makes a difference, and Mobil 1 5W-30 (non-EP) does contain a percentage of group III. Amsoil 10W-30 ATM contains no group III base stocks.
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Originally Posted By: chubbs1
I think 10w30 is the forgotten oil, it is still a viable option in warmer climates. That being said I have been using 0w30 5w30 and 10w30 with no problems.
Down here in texas that's all you see is 10w30. Atleast from what i've noticed. I think walmart sells 5w30 but places like autozone don't.
I think 10w30 is the forgotten oil, it is still a viable option in warmer climates. That being said I have been using 0w30 5w30 and 10w30 with no problems.
Down here in texas that's all you see is 10w30. Atleast from what i've noticed. I think walmart sells 5w30 but places like autozone don't.
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Originally Posted By: motor_oil_madman
Originally Posted By: chubbs1
I think 10w30 is the forgotten oil, it is still a viable option in warmer climates. That being said I have been using 0w30 5w30 and 10w30 with no problems.
Down here in texas that's all you see is 10w30. Atleast from what i've noticed. I think walmart sells 5w30 but places like autozone don't.
I live in Texas, don't see any more 10w30 than 5w30 or 5w20, lot of 5w20 spec'd F150s out there.
Originally Posted By: chubbs1
I think 10w30 is the forgotten oil, it is still a viable option in warmer climates. That being said I have been using 0w30 5w30 and 10w30 with no problems.
Down here in texas that's all you see is 10w30. Atleast from what i've noticed. I think walmart sells 5w30 but places like autozone don't.
I live in Texas, don't see any more 10w30 than 5w30 or 5w20, lot of 5w20 spec'd F150s out there.
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