Posted by Charlie (IP: 209.253.9.4) on December 24, 1999 at 19:45:53:
In Reply to: Questions posted by Michael Haertel on December 24, 1999 at 01:50:46:
Mike-
Unfortunately, a lot of people use 20W50 down here. This is not good for newer cars like your friends Eclipse. He should go down to 5W30 or 10W30, but it may be too late. If his car leaks oil or burns oil with 20W50, he can't really step down without bad oil consumption. Once 20W50 is run for a long time (especially during the winter), the car cant really be put back.
Dan made a goos point about 20w50 used in the summer for Craig's car, this shouldn't be a problem in the summer, considering the wear on that engine. 20W50 should never be used in a new car.
Here's a horror story for you about 20W50:
The Munford AL police dept got 10 new 4.6L Crown Vic's in 1991. They had always run 20W50 in the old 5.0L's, and so they ran it in the new cars. In 10 months 8 of the 4.6L's had locked up, and Ford would NOT warranty. NO manufacturer will warranty an engine that has seen anything but 5W30 or 10W30 oil. That is a fact.
As for the Maverick engines, most were designed for 30W oil. 10W30 is still the best choice for either 6 or 8, unless they are worn, then they can safely be thicker. -CP
: You made alot of good points. I live down in Texas, the coldest it usually gets is about 30, and too us, that is extremely cold, and it get's in the high 90's and 100's in the summer. My friend has a '93 Eclipse, and he always uses Gastrol GTX 20W50. From what you have said, that sounds like a bad idea. Should he use 10w30 from now on? And should he stick with that year round, or use a 5w30 in the winter? And since you seem to have so much oil knowledge. What about the little I-6's and the 302's and 351's we are all running in our mavs?
: Thanks for the info.
: -Mike