20w-50 to 10w-30 ?????

[brien4787]

I just had my tire guy change my oil for me, since A) I had to go to my tire guy already, B)I was due , and C) too much going on to do anything right now.

When either I or my normal mechanic do my oil, we both use 20w-50. My tire guy put in 10w-30.

I have an m42 engine, with about 151k. I am concerned mainly because I am going on a long time next weekend. I am driving from Southern California to Tucson Arizon, about 470 miles each way.

What's the deal? Should I be okay?

[Dudesky]

I wouldn't sweat it, especially because you'll be doing mostly highway driving. Even if you weren't, I doubt the viscosity change will really do any damage. It's not like you threw in 5W in there during hot weather- now that I would worry about.

[RSF5]

yeah that kind of a change shouldn't effect it to any noticeable point

[brien4787]

alright.... it will be hot driving..
well, at least for the drive there, i will be driving from 10pm-4am.

[xsperf]

yea i wouldnt sweat it either, and if you really wanna be safe, just replace it yourself, and you dont need to replace the oil filter

[Numark318i]

Originally Posted by brien4787

I just had my tire guy change my oil for me, since A) I had to go to my tire guy already, B)I was due , and C) too much going on to do anything right now.

When either I or my normal mechanic do my oil, we both use 20w-50. My tire guy put in 10w-30.

I have an m42 engine, with about 151k. I am concerned mainly because I am going on a long time next weekend. I am driving from Southern California to Tucson Arizon, about 470 miles each way.

What's the deal? Should I be okay?

...change it.
I know.
I also have an M42, and took a 400 mile trip with 5-30(was just changed) and by the end of the trip my valves where making noise. Not sure how much of a difference it would make.....5-30 to 10-30.

Either way...watch out.


On another note i got a 4.10 diff so my RPms are up at 4 grand around 85...so 8 hours of that with 100 degrees and 5-30 lead to no oil to valves.

*Edit* just read dudeskys response..maybe it was the 5 w.

[94bmw325i]

20w-50? I've never heard of using that does it work pretty well man?

[xsperf]

i think 20w-50 is really thick meaning it wont seep through the seals on an old engine

[Numark318i]

Originally Posted by xsperf

i think 20w-50 is really thick meaning it wont seep through the seals on an old engine

yup lol.

although aprently my cars booklet says to use it.

[c1apton]

You might want to keep an eye on your level over the trip. Maybe bring an extra qt or two. 10w-30 is thinner than the 20w-50 she's used to so it might use a little. Just a precaution.

[3050rpm]

Great, so now I come along and more or less muck up the consensus. I just looked in the owner's manual, and it has a graph showing 10W-30 being suitable in the temp. range of about -20 to +40 F. I also quote: "For limited periods, you may continue to drive with a particular oil even when the outside temperature extends beyond the indicated range for this SAE grade."

Seems to be you'll be well outside that temp. range. I'd change the stuff and spend $15-$20 for some peace of mind.

[Rooz]

I used 0w-40 on my E36...

http://www.unitedbimmer.com/forums/p...1-0w-40-a.html

[c1apton]

I wouldn't fear using 10w-30 but on high mileage vehicles (especially ones that have been using 20w-50) I'd be concerned about oil consumption. Each different oil creates a different wear pattern and thinner oil gets pushed out the exhaust a little easier through breathers & pcv. Do the trip, bring a couple of extras with you and enjoy the ride.

[Numark318i]

Originally Posted by Rooz

I used 0w-40 on my E36...

http://www.unitedbimmer.com/forums/p...1-0w-40-a.html

dam.

yea how much was that?

I think i paid a ridiculous price of 6 dollars a quart for my 20-50w Castrol Synthetic.

[defkon99]

so what oil is everyone using? Like for me it dont snow out here the lowest probably 55F ?? 20w50?

let me know! or hit me up on aim so i can buy this today!

Defkon99