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5W20 Alternative

37K views 96 replies 34 participants last post by  Pilot Owner  
#1 ·
In the absence of Mobil1 making a 5W20 oil, does anyone see an issue with using 5W30 instead?
 
#2 ·
Plenty

I think it just a matter of time that Mobil comes out with a synth in 5w20. Ford & Honda are leading the way in the quest for MARGINALLY improved CAFE numbers through the use of oils with the 5w20 viscosity.

I have seen RoyalPurple, RedLine & Amsoil in the "high performance/boutique" category & Esso in its "Superflow" line.

Realistically, I would not expect very much difference between a high quality mineral based oil and the synths -- and at considerable savings. I've seen data suggesting Pennzoil 5w20 is thisclose to the synths...

Links:

http://www.synthetic1.com/amsoil-5w20-synthetic-motor-oil.htm

http://www.imperialoil.com/pds/superflo5w20.htm

http://www.crestindustriesinc.com/products/royalpurple/royalproduct.htm#MOTOR

http://www.racerpartswholesale.com/redtech1.htm

Good Shopping!
 
#3 ·
I've heard some minor gripes from owners of Civics, CRVs, etc that use oil other than 5W-20. Rough idle, rough startup, lower gas milage, etc. I would reccomend using Castrol GTW 5W20 if you use petro oil or Amsoil 5W20 for synthetics.
 
#4 ·
If you are going to change the fluids at the recommended intervals, why use synthetics? They are expensive and for regular duty vehicles the cost doesn't justify the expense.

I use synthetics in my other car (VW Golf TDI), but its a diesel and it calls for sythetics because of the soot carrying capacity and 10,000 mile oil change intervals.
 
#6 ·
bgeraldo said:
I've been reading a lot of posts saying that Mobil doesn't make a 5W20 oil, but I just saw one and a local Mobil gas station over the weekend. I'm in Mass. What is everyone talking about?
Mobil makes a petro-based 5w20. A full-syn Mobil1 will be here late Fall.
 
#7 ·
That's why I use a syntetic blend. Its cheaper than a full syntetic, yet gives me better protection than a standard oil. I want the extra protection since I tow a boat, yet I change the oil every 5000 miles to get rid of the impurities.

Joe:rolleyes:
 
#8 ·
I emailed Mobile a few weeks ago about this issue. They are currently working on a Mobil 1 5W-20 and claim it will be out this Fall (about October).

Honda and Ford have both gone to 5W-20 in all their engines, but the engines were not all necessarily specifically designed to use 5W-20. They want to increase fleet mpg averages to meet federal guidelines (without doing too much redesigning of vehicles).

Manufacturers originally went to 5W-30 for the same reasons.

5W-20 leaves a much thinner protective layer on engine parts.

Here is a reply Amsoil emailed me:
"Yes, The 5W20 recommendations (Honda and Ford) are for energy conservation only, and does not necessarily have engine longevity in mind. The Pilot is a well engineered SUV and any of our 5W30 oils are an excellent choice for this application."

So, even though Amsoil makes a 5W-20 (which, by the way, is only a 7500 mile oil), they recommend their 5W-30 oil if you're looking for engine protection and longevity.

Honda even states in the manual that 5W-30 can be used if 5W-20 is not available (and they don't tell you to change it as soon as 5W-20 is available.....The ATF is another story....)
 
#9 ·
I’m sure Honda was under enormous pressure to get the EPA numbers as high as possible, to compete with the Highlander and others, thus the 5W-20 recommendation and the car tires. Personally I'll be using the 5w-30!
 
#10 ·
jfrano said:
I?m sure Honda was under enormous pressure to get the EPA numbers as high as possible, to compete with the Highlander and others, thus the 5W-20 recommendation and the car tires. Personally I'll be using the 5w-30!
I'm with you. I'll also be using 5W-30 in my Pilot.

I doubt I'll see any difference in mpg, since I use synthetic oil.
 
#11 ·
Anyone know if full synth Mobil1 5W20 is available now?

I went to both Costco and Walmart (I'm up in Canada) and they only carried 5W30 and 10W30 full synth Mobil1 and not 5W20. I wish to start using Mobil1 in my Pilot, but this is now causing a dilemma for me.

I also called up my dealer and told the service advisor that I can only find 5W30 Mobil1 and was wondering if I can use that instead and was told to stick with Honda's own 5W20 oil since that's what's recommended. As well, he went on to say that "Honda's 5W20 is as close to a full synthetic as an oil can get without it actually being one."

What should I do? Keep on using Honda's 5W20 until Mobil1 comes out with their own or start using Mobil1's 5W30 and switch over to 5W20 when it becomes available?
 
#12 ·
I'm thinking of staying with 5w20 oil until 8500 miles or so then switch to synth. With my driving habits, Mobil should be out with the old long before then.

When I had my Rav4, the newsgroups for it recommended waiting until 8K or more miles to allow a proper break in before switching to synth oil.
 
#13 ·
Question Fellows,

Can you give me some reasons why syntheic oil is better than regular oil? I have never used it.

PilotCrazy
 
#14 ·
Mobil1 5W30 vs. 0W20

I just tt Mobil and they are introducing a Mobil1 0W20 in May. I've been using Mobil1 5W30 and am wondering if you guys think I should switch to the 0W20 when it's introduced???

The Pilot and other new Hondas call for 5W20. Mobil1 does not make a 5W20 application and will be releasing the 0W20 instead.

Thoughts???
 
#15 ·
0W20 should be a acceptable substitute for 5W20, as it will (should) be in the apropriate viscosity range over the same temperature range.
 
#16 ·
N_Jay said:
0W20 should be a acceptable substitute for 5W20, as it will (should) be in the apropriate viscosity range over the same temperature range.
Do you think that 5W30 is an acceptable alternative to 5W20?
 
#17 ·
MG Pilot said:


Do you think that 5W30 is an acceptable alternative to 5W20?
Honda says it is acceptable if 5W20 is not available.

I would say it is less acceptable that 0W20, as it will always be higher viscosity at opperation temp than the recommended 5W20, where as 0W20 should be the same (or very close)
 
#18 ·
JungleJim said:
So, even though Amsoil makes a 5W-20 (which, by the way, is only a 7500 mile oil), they recommend their 5W-30 oil if you're looking for engine protection and longevity.

Honda even states in the manual that 5W-30 can be used if 5W-20 is not available (and they don't tell you to change it as soon as 5W-20 is available.....The ATF is another story....) [/B]
Hi,

I remember when car manufacturer first recommended the 5W30 oil in the mid-80s,
some people at that time thought they are simply not thick enough for proper engine protection.

I later read from the Honda msg board that Honda engine might not get proper lubrication if grade 40 oil is used instead of grade 30.
Honda designed the engine to use 30 oil, so the space between engine parts are not really enough for grade 40 oil to properly
flow though to form a protective layer. The use of thicker engine oil actually shorten the life of the Honda engines.

I try to find the section in the Pilot manual saying that it is OK to use 5W30 grade oil but I can't.
Can some one tell me which page in the manual mentions "it is OK to use 5W30 when 5W20 is not available" ?
I will use 5W30 only if Honda said it is OK... but I can not find it in the temperature/oil chart in the manual.

Thanks
Tat
03 Pilot EXL-RES sandstone
91 Legend coupe 5-speed
 
#19 ·
tatng said:

I try to find the section in the Pilot manual saying that it is OK to use 5W30 grade oil but I can't.
Can some one tell me which page in the manual mentions "it is OK to use 5W30 when 5W20 is not available" ?
I will use 5W30 only if Honda said it is OK... but I can not find it in the temperature/oil chart in the manual.
The chart only shows 5W20.

I think it is in the text, but maybe not.
I do know it is in the text in the '02 CR-V manual.

I had a conversation about this with Honda (not the dealer) when I first got my CR-V.
 
#20 ·
You can bet that most Honda dealers don't adhere to their own recommendations. The ones I called, all use 5W30.
 
#21 ·
PilotCrazy said:
Can you give me some reasons why syntheic oil is better than regular oil? I have never used it.
Synthetic oil is better because:

1. It is developed in a controlled environment as opposed to a petroleum product that has been refined from crude oil.

2. It is pure. Petroleum contains parrafin and other contaminants that can lead to deposits.

3. It is slicker. Imagine a bottle full of BB's. Every molecule is consistent in size and shape and flow in and around engine parts very easily. Petroleum, imagine a bottle full of gravel. Every molecule is of a different size and shape and creates heat and friction when flowing.

4. Reduces operating temps. See above.

5. Lasts longer. Synthetics are able to hold engine combustion byproducts is suspension better and will not cause deposits to form.

6. Keeps operating components clean. Synthetics have a natural detergent action that is inherent with their chemical properties.

Just like beer, not all synthetics are alike. Be sure the basestock is an extremely high quality Group III or is a Group IV basestock.

And stay away from semi-synthetics. There are no rules in the marketplace dictating what percentage of synthetic there has to be in the product. Most are 5% or less synthetic. You'll be paying extra for not much value.
 
#22 ·
Synthetic oil is better because:

Great discriptin Aggie.

Two things to remember;
1) Good enough is good enough,
2) Better may be no better!

For most people good quality conventional oil is 'good enough',
For most people better quality synthetic oil is 'no better'!

:2: :2: :2: :2: :2: :2:
 
#23 ·
for those who use 5w-30

Do you noticed a change in you MPG?
 
#24 ·
Do you guys think that Mobil1 5W30 is actually "slicker" than a petro-based 5W20???