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The New 5W-20 grade - Good or Bad for your engine - READ ONLY

428 messages,  Last post on Jul 28, 2003 at 6:07 PM

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Messages Page 43 of 43

#419 of 428 Honda's 5W20 by inkie

Jul 16, 2003 (10:59 pm)

Just a little more fodder for you to absorb.
 
I use Honda 5W20 in my '02 CRV to satisfy the warranty. This oil was made by Mobil.
When I purchased the new bottles they are made by Exxon apparantly Honda switched to Exxon. My observations from a chemists point of view: Oil is a few shades darker {no big deal}, oils seems much more viscous [now thats a big deal] To check I compared a part bottle of Mobil versus the Exxon 5W20. I used Gardner Holt bubble tubes. You fill the tubes with the testing media to a certain point cork the top to a specified line and compare the bubbles by turning the tubes against known samples of stable liquids at a specific temp. I used 77 degrees F. I do not have the sample liquids so I checked the two samples against each other. The Exxon is about two and a half bubbles slower which means the oil is more viscous. Two and a half bubbles is considerable so I don't believe its a + or - QC spec. Did Honda change the specs. to a heavier oil? Did some problems occur with the thinner viscosity made by Mobil? I am wondering.... but, I will definitely check the next lot I purchase.

#420 of 428 Umm... by rerenov8r

Jul 17, 2003 (9:57 am)

Isn't Mobil, Exxon and Exxon is Mobil (they merged a while ago...
 
It seems highly unusual that the two samples would have different viscosities if they have the same API rating...
 
It seems almost IMPOSSIBLE that they would change the oil in the bottle to something that is NOT what the LABEL says it is.
 
Even more unlikely is that ANY change was due to problems -- what are the odds that there are problems and none of the Honda/Acura forums here or on the wider WWW haven't noted anything unusual???

#421 of 428 inkie by tboner

Jul 17, 2003 (1:24 pm)

Remember the 5W20 numbers are at specific temps. I believe the "hot" number of 20 is measured at about 100C and the 5W is measured much lower.
 
You might check over at bobistheoilguy.com as they've got some "oil geeks" who can probably explain it to ya, but I'm pretty sure that how fast they drip at 77F doesn't mean anything.
 
Besides 2.5 bubbles slower out of how many 10, 100, 1000? I have to admit, I'm am not familiar with your test method.
 
However it is possible that two "room temp" samples behave very differently than they will at operating temps.
 
TB

#422 of 428 5w is either measured at 0 or 10 (fahrenheit) by swschrad

Jul 17, 2003 (6:15 pm)

I can't remember which.
 
yes, ExxonMobil Corporation is merged as it gets. they may have decided to cut down bottle designs. I doubt it means they have decided to cut down formulations, they probably have four times as many SKUs now as when they were two different companies that's just how it works, like leaving coathangers in a dark closet and they multiply.

#423 of 428 rerenov8r,tboner,swschrad by inkie

Jul 17, 2003 (10:16 pm)

As I wrote in my last message I will check again for sure. I have used the bubble tubes in R&D labs for many years in conjunction with sophisticated equip. and its a very good tool for judgeing viscosity. I will admit I never checked motor oil but I have checked many petroleum products that were more viscous and also less viscous. It could be a difference in reology at the temp. I checked them at and when checking at the proper temps. they may fall in line. Perhaps the newer Exxon oil has more detergent or wetting agents and at 77degrees wets better or its just that this test is meaningless as you say. I dunno. But thanks for your input and I probably will go to bobistheoilguy .

#424 of 428 I don't question the test, nor you... by rerenov8r

Jul 18, 2003 (12:05 pm)

It is just that I doubt that Honda would make a change due to "oil related problems" and I similarly doubt that if both products says it is API 5W20, ExxonMobil is not going to put something that doesn't meet the standard (at the appropriate test temp/condtions...)

#425 of 428 Re: temperature measurement of motor oils by dustyk

Jul 22, 2003 (4:27 pm)

The SAE standard is the lower limit weight specification at 0 (zero) degrees F only if the motor oil has a "W" after the number.
 
The standard for the upper range is 212 degrees F.
 
The lone exception is any oil that is "0W" (zero-W). Obviously oil cannot be zero weight (no viscosity). Even water has viscosity. In the case of "0W" motor oils, the lower limit is actually that of 5W, but the pour point is considerably lower.
 
Regards,
Dusty

#426 of 428 5w20 weight by swordfish555

Jul 23, 2003 (4:42 pm)

I have a 2003 Civic & correct me if I'm wrong, but the owners manual only "recommends" the 5w20 oil. It also "recommends" Honda wax & Honda vinyl protectant etc....I take this to read I can use other than the 5w20 with absolutely no fear of warranty problems.

#427 of 428 swordfish by bottgers

Jul 23, 2003 (7:47 pm)

Wax and oil viscosities are two absolutely different issues. I'd say if your engine blows and you were using 10W-40, this may cause a problem with your warranty.

#428 of 428 by according2me

Jul 28, 2003 (6:07 pm)

I've used M1 5w30 and 10w30 since 10K miles in my 01 Accord. I'm well out of warranty now at 101k miles and can report that I still have no leaks and use no oil between 6K changes. Use 5w20 if you are expecting problems with your warranty, but I'm in this for the long-haul (300K miles). BTW, I'm still getting better than 35mpg at 70mph cruising the interstate with the AC on, as of my last road trip a month ago.
 
I believe any synth 30w product would be able to duplicate these figures. But, M1 is very available over the counter.

Messages Page 43 of 43

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