I just picked up some 5w50 Castrol Syntec for my next oil change (got a great deal, buy one get one free). I was running 10w30 Syntec, and the car seemed a little slow to get oil up to the head on startup, especially in the winter. 5w50 should act lighter when cold, getting up to the head faster and then acting like 50 weight when the engine is warmed up, right? Does anyone think this is too heavy? I think 5w30 is what the factory recommends... Thanks for the imput.
HoodooGuru
05-30-2006, 08:01 PM
Well I run 20w - 40w.
I know it doesnt get nearly as cold here.
I mainly changed cause the lighter oil would slide up past the pistons and cause a bit of smoke on initial start up. Don't do that now.
rice_eater
06-02-2006, 04:04 PM
How do you read oil weights? 5w50 acts like 5 weight (thin oil) when cold or at startup, and then switches to act like 50 weight (thick oil) when the engine reaches operating temp, right?
HoodooGuru
06-02-2006, 08:41 PM
Yep
rice_eater
06-02-2006, 10:02 PM
Ok, thats what I thought but wasnt sure. I mean, it would make sense for the oil to act thinner as temp increases... straight weight oil will do that on its own LOL.
So if 5w50 doesnt act like 50 weight until it is warmed up, logic says i really shouldnt have a problem starting the car in the winter, should i? I mean, wont it be acting like 5 weight?
HoodooGuru
06-03-2006, 03:49 AM
Yep. But its that viscous (slippery) u will lose some oil until it warms up and produce a bit of smoke aswell.
But ur cold start up will protect the engine well with a thinner oil.
rice_eater
06-03-2006, 03:03 PM
Thats what I figured. Thanks for the replies Hoodoo.
