Oil Change Mishap/Question '98 T5

echase76 · Post by **echase76** » 24 Aug 2012, 10:28

So I just finished my oil change and noticed that most of the oil that ended up in my engine was 5w20. Apparently the same shelf that had 5w30 in the front also had 5w20 and I didn't notice that i had grabbed some and didn't check before throwing it in assuming I had 5W30.

Anyway, is this a problem with a T5 engine? My understanding is it is a bit thin and may not have the shear viscosity that is needed. I don't beat on the car and cooler weather is on the way.

Just run with it and change it out in 3k? Drain and refill? Thoughts?

Post by **jblackburn** » 24 Aug 2012, 10:30

Based on how you said you drive, it should be just fine. It's not going to do any damage to an already-old engine.

Run it 3K and change it out.

echase76 · Post by **echase76** » 24 Aug 2012, 10:35

I should add that it was 4 qts 5w20 and 2 qts 5w30.

Post by **rmmagow** » 24 Aug 2012, 11:15

You'll be fine but for peace of mind check you oil level more frequently than you generally would. I ran 5w20 in my 177K V70 for the same reason, didn't notice what I was picking up and I even drive my car a little hard, 75 to 80 mph. Used a little bit more between changes, but I didn't have to add.

Post by **cn90** » 24 Aug 2012, 12:19

FYI,

Honda Odyssey van spec is 5W20.

Post by **jblackburn** » 24 Aug 2012, 12:23

cn90 wrote:FYI,

Honda Odyssey van spec is 5W20.

Yeah, but it's not a turbo. Turbos = lots of heat. Our Camry runs 0W-20; the Cruze with a turbo runs 5W-30. You'll find similar requirements among most new turbo engines. Older engines that get hotter, say old small-block V8's have lower tolerances and get HOT - hence the use of a thicker-weight oil in those.

OP, you should be fine running that combination. Of course, if you need to add oil, go with a 5W-30.

If it's a synthetic oil, I wouldn't worry at all and just change it out when you normally do. Synthetics provide great protection. If not, just don't go hill-climbing up a mountain at full boost, and you should still be fine

Post by **tjts1** » 24 Aug 2012, 12:31

cn90 wrote:FYI,

Honda Odyssey van spec is 5W20.

So does an F250 pickup and most new cars but it doesn't mean anything for our cars.

echase76 · Post by **echase76** » 24 Aug 2012, 12:44

Don't plan to hill climb or tow any time soon. I put on roughy 150 miles a week, mostly commuter miles.

I was using Dino GTX.

Post by **cn90** » 24 Aug 2012, 12:48

What I am trying to get to is:

- Engine oil recommendation changes because of C.A.F.E. politics, and not scientific.

- Many years ago, typical cars manual says: 5W30 for winter, then 10W30 or 15W40 for summer and all that jazz.

- Open the new owners manual now (whether it is Honda, Volvo, BMW) and all you see is 5W20 or 0W40 and all that jazz.

Engine metallurgical design has not changed much, this is why synthetic 5W30 and 10W30 are the most popular grades sold.

For 99% cars out there, 5W30 and 10W30 will do just fine.

I agree that for Turbo: go with synthetic and probably thicker grade like 10W30 or higher to prevent shear stress.