Question about Pilot engine oil - Honda Pilot

mfisher1967 · 01-15-2008, 05:03 PM

I have heard that Honda uses 5W-30 in the Pilot's that are sold outside of the USA. I am fine using 5W-20, but wondered if there was any truth to this? I tried doing some research online and came up empty.

P.S. the question came up after someone on another board asked whether they could use 0W-30 or 5W-30 in their Pilot instead of 5W-20. The general response was to use 5W-20, but one response stated that Honda actually recommends 5W-30 on Pilot models sold outside of the USA.

rlapid · 01-15-2008, 05:45 PM

i've never heard that. i wonder why they would recommend 5W-30 outside of the US?

mfisher1967 · 01-15-2008, 05:59 PM

I believe that the reason given was that 5W-20 is used in USA models to improve CAFE (fuel economy) ratings. If true, this would not be an issue outside the USA.

mfisher1967 · 01-15-2008, 06:00 PM

0W-30 and 5W-30 may provide better protection over the life of the engine, especially in hot climates.

N_Jay · 01-16-2008, 12:14 AM

W20 oils are not readily available in all markets around the world.

ctobio · 01-16-2008, 12:21 AM

I know I'm in for it, but how do people feel about German Castrol 0W30? I already use it in my Passat, I could have a certain economy of scale if I had bulk amounts of the stuff for all the cars in the driveway.

N_Jay · 01-16-2008, 01:20 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by ctobio
I know I'm in for it, but how do people feel about German Castrol 0W30? I already use it in my Passat, I could have a certain economy of scale if I had bulk amounts of the stuff for all the cars in the driveway.

German oil???

humanoid · 01-16-2008, 01:36 AM

Constantino, I've read on various Toyota forums as well as the bobistheoilguy.com forums that the German-made Castrol 0w-30 is one of the best oils you can buy.

ctobio · 01-16-2008, 11:01 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by N_Jay

German oil???

Yep, there is a version of Castrol Syntec 0W-30 that is made for German cars, as it conforms to several specs relevant to VW, Mercedes, Porsche, and BMW. It is also a Group IV synthetic, like Mobil 1, and is very highly regarded.

It's labeled in the back "Made in Germany", hence "German Castrol." There happens to be another Syntec 0W30 that is not made in Germany, that does not conform to the specs. So, when I go to Autozone to buy it, I read the labels.

Itchy · 01-17-2008, 09:05 AM

Yup, the German castrol is what's used in BMW's from 2000 on. BMW suggests 15000 miles between oil changes with that blend. US castrol is made of cheaper components, probably a group 3 oil.

sjlee · 01-21-2008, 05:38 PM

Related question...

Our Pilot has about 36k miles on it now. I've used nothing but 5W-20 conventional oil with 7500 mi OCIs... no problems whatsoever.

I recently sold my Integra and now have a small stockpile of 5W-30 leftover. Instead of giving it away, I'd like to use it.

I'm thinking about either using the 5W-30 until it's gone or maybe mixing 5W-20 and 5W-30 (50/50, 75/25, 25/75).

Anyone have any input on this?

My gut feeling is that I can go with any of those options and not have any problems.

ctobio · 01-21-2008, 05:58 PM

It'll be fine. If you want to hedge, I would suggest mixing it.

rocky · 01-21-2008, 06:00 PM

I would use it without hesitation.

humanoid · 01-21-2008, 06:11 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by sjlee
~snipped
My gut feeling is that I can go with any of those options and not have any problems.

That would be a correct assumption. For my Tacoma, I had some 0w-30, 5w-30 and some 10w30 leftovers and I made a witches brew out of them my last oil change and my engine's still runs so I guess that's a good thing.

A6Pilot · 01-21-2008, 08:01 PM

Kinda makes you wonder why those idiot powertrain engineers didn't just specify "any oil you have sitting around". Are they stupid, or what?

01-15-2008, 05:03 PM	#1 (permalink)
mfisher1967 Member Join Date: Jun 2007 Location: South Houston, TX Posts: 58 Feedback Score: 0 reviews	Question about Pilot engine oil I have heard that Honda uses 5W-30 in the Pilot's that are sold outside of the USA. I am fine using 5W-20, but wondered if there was any truth to this? I tried doing some research online and came up empty. P.S. the question came up after someone on another board asked whether they could use 0W-30 or 5W-30 in their Pilot instead of 5W-20. The general response was to use 5W-20, but one response stated that Honda actually recommends 5W-30 on Pilot models sold outside of the USA.

01-15-2008, 05:45 PM	#2 (permalink)
rlapid Registered User Join Date: Sep 2006 Location: West Sacramento, California Posts: 847 Feedback Score: 0 reviews	i've never heard that. i wonder why they would recommend 5W-30 outside of the US? __________________ 2006 Pilot EX-LN 4WD \| Taffeta White \| "Amelia" OEM accessories: chrome side steps, crossbars, cargo tray, cargo cover, wheel locks, rear splash guards, door edge guards, full-size spare Aftermarket accessories: Yakima Big Powderhound, LED license plate and door bulbs, Infinity 6012i speakers, 4300k HID, 35% tint, Nokya yellow fogs + yellow Lamin-X

01-16-2008, 12:14 AM	#5 (permalink)
N_Jay Registered User Join Date: May 2002 Location: Chicago, NW Burbs Posts: 13,545 Feedback Score: 0 reviews	W20 oils are not readily available in all markets around the world. __________________ However beautiful the strategy, you should occasionally look at the results. Sir Winston Churchill

01-16-2008, 12:21 AM	#6 (permalink)
ctobio Registered User Join Date: Feb 2006 Location: Central Connecticut Posts: 737 Feedback Score: 0 reviews	I know I'm in for it, but how do people feel about German Castrol 0W30? I already use it in my Passat, I could have a certain economy of scale if I had bulk amounts of the stuff for all the cars in the driveway. __________________ Constantino Tobio Vehicles in the driveway: '06 Honda Pilot EX-L w/RES, Redrock Pearl '03 VW Passat Wagon GLX V6, Blue Anthracite '73 VW Fastback, Marina Blue '94 John Deere LX176

01-16-2008, 01:36 AM	#8 (permalink)
humanoid Super Senior Member Join Date: Sep 2004 Location: Sunny SoCal Posts: 2,970 Feedback Score: 0 reviews	Constantino, I've read on various Toyota forums as well as the bobistheoilguy.com forums that the German-made Castrol 0w-30 is one of the best oils you can buy. __________________ 2005 EX-L Sage Brush Pearl -->OEM Running Boards, OEM rear mud guards, OEM crossbars, AVS bug deflector, 5000K HIDs, OEM Accord EX emblem, full sized spare, Hella FF 75 driving lamps, Nifty CatchAll Mats <------------ click here first, n0oB!!!

01-15-2008, 05:59 PM	#3 (permalink)
mfisher1967 Member Join Date: Jun 2007 Location: South Houston, TX Posts: 58 Feedback Score: 0 reviews	I believe that the reason given was that 5W-20 is used in USA models to improve CAFE (fuel economy) ratings. If true, this would not be an issue outside the USA.

01-15-2008, 06:00 PM	#4 (permalink)
mfisher1967 Member Join Date: Jun 2007 Location: South Houston, TX Posts: 58 Feedback Score: 0 reviews	0W-30 and 5W-30 may provide better protection over the life of the engine, especially in hot climates.

01-17-2008, 09:05 AM	#10 (permalink)
Itchy Super Senior Member Join Date: Jul 2004 Location: Chicago, IL Posts: 476 Feedback Score: 0 reviews	Yup, the German castrol is what's used in BMW's from 2000 on. BMW suggests 15000 miles between oil changes with that blend. US castrol is made of cheaper components, probably a group 3 oil. __________________ 08 Toyota Tundra Crewmax LTD Retired: 6/14 w/ 57k 2004 Honda Pilot LX - white

01-21-2008, 05:38 PM	#11 (permalink)
sjlee Registered User Join Date: Nov 2005 Location: Pewaukee WI Posts: 1,605 Feedback Score: 0 reviews	Related question... Our Pilot has about 36k miles on it now. I've used nothing but 5W-20 conventional oil with 7500 mi OCIs... no problems whatsoever. I recently sold my Integra and now have a small stockpile of 5W-30 leftover. Instead of giving it away, I'd like to use it. I'm thinking about either using the 5W-30 until it's gone or maybe mixing 5W-20 and 5W-30 (50/50, 75/25, 25/75). Anyone have any input on this? My gut feeling is that I can go with any of those options and not have any problems. __________________ 1995 Yamaha FZR600 2005 Honda Pilot EX-L (Desert Rock Metallic, side steps, crossbars, rear splash guards, wheel locks, towing package, full-size spare on EX rim) 2007 Honda Accord EX-L V6 sedan (Alabaster Silver Metallic, splash guards, wheel locks)

01-21-2008, 05:58 PM	#12 (permalink)
ctobio Registered User Join Date: Feb 2006 Location: Central Connecticut Posts: 737 Feedback Score: 0 reviews	It'll be fine. If you want to hedge, I would suggest mixing it. __________________ Constantino Tobio Vehicles in the driveway: '06 Honda Pilot EX-L w/RES, Redrock Pearl '03 VW Passat Wagon GLX V6, Blue Anthracite '73 VW Fastback, Marina Blue '94 John Deere LX176

01-21-2008, 06:00 PM	#13 (permalink)
rocky Super Senior Member Join Date: Jul 2004 Location: Red Sox Nation Posts: 7,173 Feedback Score: 0 reviews	I would use it without hesitation.

01-21-2008, 08:01 PM	#15 (permalink)
A6Pilot Registered User Join Date: May 2005 Location: Evergreen, CO Posts: 418 Feedback Score: 0 reviews	Kinda makes you wonder why those idiot powertrain engineers didn't just specify "any oil you have sitting around". Are they stupid, or what?

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