Oily stuff - 5W20

[John Larson]

On 12/3/2014 2:32 PM, Tihol Tiholov wrote:
> To keep list traffic going, here's a general question. Anyone with
> thoughts, experience, etc. re: this oil? Isn't it too narrow a temp. range,
> esp. for the Graet White North? I don't, nor intend to use it, just
> curious, since it's taking over the shelves at FLAPS.
>
> Tihol
>
It's important to remember that modern "thin" oils are required for use 
in modern engines.  Tolerances are tighter, oil passages are smaller, 
and the engines are designed to utilize thinner oils to aid in fuel 
economy.  Older designs, such as all the I5 engines and nearly all their 
contemporaries don't do well with thinner oils because the passages are 
relatively large and clearances are loose. The results of using oils 
made for the newer designs are lowered oil pressure, and most likely 
increased oil consumption.  Porsche, as well as Mercedes, use 0w20 as a 
factory fill.  Scary, huh? Knowledgeable techs and shops put 5w20 in 'em ...

John