alexands

I know this topic has been beaten to death, but I've done a search and haven't found the exact answer I'm looking for or any data to back up.

I just rebuilt my engine less than 1500 miles ago. Still in the "break in" phase so I'm not running synthetic oil or anything. I'm currently running 20W-50. My brother thinks this is too thick and I should be running 5W-30. I'm in Texas and right now the typical daytime temp is 50-70.

It seems like the general feeling is that 30W is too thin for these cars absed on most of the posts I've read. I have an oil pan gasket leak. Could running 20W-50 be the cause of that?

What do you guys recommend?

Thanks,
Scott

David Floyd

I used 30 w non-detergent for the first 200 miles, changing oil 3 times during that time. 20W50 dino after that with a change at 1000 miles, now at 3000 miles and ready to change to Redline 10w40.

There will be many opinions on the correct way.

brad-cam

Scott, I rebuilt my motor too about 1100 miles ago. I've had 20W-50 dino oil in there since the rebuild and will be putting Mobil 1 15W-50 back in it shortly. I think the 20W-50 is fine. The temperatures out here in the bay area are also in the 50-70 range.

Funny, I also have an oil pan gasket leak. I don't think I sealed the corners at the back well enough with RTV. Oh well, live and learn I guess.

Mike S

I can't see how the heavier oil could be causing your oil leak. Most of the newer cars run on much lighter oils than our cars can use. If you ever look at the oil temps on some of the 944 owners that track their cars you'll realize that 20W-50 is barely enough high temp protection. Lighter oils would just cook.

adrial

I ran sae30 non deteregant for the first ~250miles, then changed to 10w40 till ~650-700 miles then Amsoil 20w50 synthetic.

Reason for my relatively quick changeover was that I was heading to the track... I was advised by people that have been there and done that, that it would be OK... It is... I haven't done a leakdown/compression, but it runs well.

I wouldn't run 5w30, but 10w40 would be a nice intermediate. You can't go wrong following what the manual says...