Originally Posted by Mad_Hatter
Originally Posted by demarpaint
Define too thick. Using a 5w30 in an engine calling for 5W20 is not going to cause extra wear. Using a 20W50 in it in the dead of winter could pose a problem, and might increase wear. IIIRC doesn't the Hemi used in the Ram call for 5W20 in some applications, and 0W40 in others? Is the engine calling for 0W40 totally different than the one calling for 5W20?
Define?..dunno if there's a one size fits all rule but we do know oil drag is a "thing", and I suppose the tipping point where the oil is "too thick" and actually causes undesirable effects is gonna vary from one engine to the next wouldn't it? (variables about the engine will dictate "too thick", no?)
I agree, but I don't think going from a 20 grade oil to a 30 grade oil is a tipping point. The Hemi I mentioned is just one example. The Ford Mustang comes to mind as well, when tracking the car comes into play. Now for a commuter 4 cyl eco-box, driven two miles to the train station, moving from a 20 grade to a 50 grade will be another story. Years ago we were given oil choices, pick the grade to match the climate and how the vehicle was used. Many companies moved away from that to a one size fits all mentality, some are now changing that mindset. I think savvy car enthusiasts still realize that one size doesn't fit all, and blanket statements can get you in trouble.