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KJS
GenIII
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7/13/2005
22:05:50

Subject: 5 20w vs 5 30w?
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does anyone here know the difference between the two oils? i have changed my oil this time and added 5 20w full synthetic instead of 5 30w full synth.

My truck looks like it was in a knife fight, and lost! http://www.cardomain.com/ride/1275365

Rustywrenches
Dodge Dakota
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7/13/2005
23:40:32

RE: 5 20w vs 5 30w?
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5-20w means when the oil becomes hot it will be a 20 weight oil. If you are in a warm climate, the 20 weight will not be heavy enough to lubricate properly. I would go back to 5-30!



.boB
Dodge Dakota
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7/14/2005
01:37:50

RE: 5 20w vs 5 30w?
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Some of the newer smaller engines call for 5W-20. You Dakota isn't one of them. Read the owners manual and pick the correct weight for the driving you do.



KJS
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7/14/2005
05:26:10

RE: 5 20w vs 5 30w?
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just checkin because i accidently bought and changed my truck's oil with it and my wife's truck as well (03 s-10 crew cab) on the 4l container of it it say's 5 20w oil full synthetic will it harm anything if i keep this oil in it until next oil change. i believe it is mobil 1 oil

My truck looks like it was in a knife fight, and lost! http://www.cardomain.com/ride/1275365

GB2000
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7/14/2005
06:16:18

RE: 5 20w vs 5 30w?
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Depending on the conditions...it could be harmful waiting. I'd go ahead and change it just to be safe.






Josh Blackshire - Owner, Ohio Dakotas .NET
Red 98 Dakota Sport - Check it out!

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7/14/2005
06:45:20

5w-20 vs 5w-30 Amsoil Dealer Steven Roark 1061837
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I would not be concerned with a 30w vs. a 20w for one normal oil change interval. However, if you had switched to a 40w or 50w, I would suggest a shorter oil change interval (please read below for additional information).

"VISCOSITY"

All metal engine parts need to be separated from each other while moving in order to prevent friction and wear on the parts. This in done in modern production engines using a thin film of oil (usually less than 1/10,000 of an inch thick). Oil’s viscosity, in part, determines how thick a film the oil will form between moving parts, and how much friction there will be between those parts when separated by the oil.

Higher viscosity means thicker oil films and more friction within the oil. Obviously, one wants a viscosity high enough to prevent parts from grinding against each other, but no higher than that, because any more results in excessive friction within the oil, leading to excess heat and power loss. The ideal oil would provide the minimum required viscosity under all conditions.

Unfortunately, an oil’s viscosity diminishes with increasing temperature, necessitating the use of an oil which will have the minimum required viscosity at the highest expected temperature, and greater than optimal viscosity at lower temperatures.

Oil Viscosity ... the first number, preceding the ‘w’ (for Winter), is an oil’s viscosity grade, is an indication of low-temperature performance -- the lower the better. The lower winter viscosity grades will be more valuable in colder climates. 10w- generally flows and pumps fine at four degrees below zero on the Fahrenheit scale, and each grade below that buys you another nine degrees. Synthetic oil is vastly superior to conventional oil in its low-temperature pumpability, high-temperature stability, long-drain capability, and high lubricity (low friction).

The second number represents the oil’s high-temperature viscosity, but higher is not always better! One wants to choose the minimum viscosity that results in an oil film thick enough to prevent wear at the temperatures one expects to encounter. Only the engineers that designed the engine know what viscosity is required to provide adequate film thickness without unnecessary friction, so you should certainly try to remain within manufacturers guidelines. For what it’s worth, I trust the engineers.

It is almost certain that higher viscosity oils, such as Xw-40 and Xw-50, are complete wastes of energy, placing undue strain on your engine, and raising operating temperatures for no real benefit.
__________________________________________________


You can Request a FREE Amsoil Catalog by clicking below.




Steven Roark , Amsoil Dealer , Proud Sponsor of www.DodgeDakotas.com

AMSOIL Synthetic Motor Oils, Lubricants, Filtration, and Truck Care Products



KJS
GenIII
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7/14/2005
21:28:40

RE: 5 20w vs 5 30w?
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Thanks for the info Steven! i will not worry about it until my next oil change then.

My truck looks like it was in a knife fight, and lost! http://www.cardomain.com/ride/1275365

DSW
Dodge Dakota
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7/15/2005
10:37:36

RE: 5 20w vs 5 30w?
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"It is almost certain that higher viscosity oils, such as Xw-40 and Xw-50, are complete wastes of energy."

You got me a bit confused here Steve,,, I filled my 03 4.7 Dak with Amsoil 5w-40 European Blend oil since I do a lot or high speed driving in 110-120 degree weather, some towing, plus Dodge recommends an Xw-40 oil for driving in hot climates. I am not sure which European vehicles require the 5w-40 oil, but I don't see why the European car manufacturers would require this oil if it doesn't provide a benefit over 5w-30, other than using more fuel.

Certainly, most vehicles will be happy with a 5w-20 or 5w-30 oil, but when does a higher viscosity oil need to be used? I just follow what the manufacturer recommends and hope they are right.

BTW, I had an 91 Civic that I ran 5w-50 Castrol synthetic oil (the old full synthetic stuff, not the sudo-synthetic crap they are selling now) because of the exteme heat in the desert and almost hitting the rev limiter on every shift. The car would get 30-40MPG and went 360K miles before it was totalled. Who knows, I might have picked up a couple of MPG by switching to a lower viscosity oil, but would have the car lasted this long?

I think there is a trade off at some point, efficeincy / protection.



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7/15/2005
16:38:29

RE: 5 20w vs 5 30w?
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"It is almost certain that higher viscosity oils, such as Xw-40 and Xw-50, are complete wastes of energy."

... if used in an engine that requires a 5w-20 or 5w-30.




Steven Roark , Amsoil Dealer , Proud Sponsor of www.DodgeDakotas.com

AMSOIL Synthetic Motor Oils, Lubricants, Filtration, and Truck Care Products



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