Is 5w40 too thin
09 June 2007, 05:06 PM
#1
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Is 5w40 too thin
I got some fully synthetic 5w40 from a local motor factor that was recommended for subaru impreza turbo's. Mine is a MY98 UK and suffers a little piston slap when cold. Is this going to be too thin and would i be better swapping for 10w40. Not sure if they have this though and i need to change it a.s.a.p as the MOT is tuesday.
Cheers
Andy.
Cheers
Andy.
Last edited by andy_s37; 10 June 2007 at 02:14 AM.
09 June 2007, 05:29 PM
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In a word, yes!
Don't go lower than 10w40 on My93-My00 Imprezas. Piston slap is common problem on MY97/98 and can only really be cured with an engine rebuild. But, if the noise goes away when its warmed up, don't worry about it. Some imprezas with this problem are still going now on the original engine.
Also, you don't need to change your oil just to pass an MOT. I'd recommend Motul, silkolene, mobil 1 (15w50). Spend a bit more time finding the correct oil rather than chucking the first thing your local halfrauds recommends!
This (although expensive) would be perfect for your scooby.
eBay.co.uk: Motul 300V 10w-40 Race Engine Oil 3x2L Cans (6L total) (item 170111631198 end time 12-Jun-07 12:49:04 BST)
Don't go lower than 10w40 on My93-My00 Imprezas. Piston slap is common problem on MY97/98 and can only really be cured with an engine rebuild. But, if the noise goes away when its warmed up, don't worry about it. Some imprezas with this problem are still going now on the original engine.
Also, you don't need to change your oil just to pass an MOT. I'd recommend Motul, silkolene, mobil 1 (15w50). Spend a bit more time finding the correct oil rather than chucking the first thing your local halfrauds recommends!
This (although expensive) would be perfect for your scooby.
eBay.co.uk: Motul 300V 10w-40 Race Engine Oil 3x2L Cans (6L total) (item 170111631198 end time 12-Jun-07 12:49:04 BST)
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09 June 2007, 10:32 PM
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09 June 2007, 11:49 PM
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In an oil specification the first figure refers to the cold viscosity and the second figure refers to the hot viscosity. So a 5W-40 is viscosity '5W' when cold and thins out to '40' when hot.
The difference between a 5W-40 and 10W-40 is therefore only in the 'cold' viscosity. When they are hot they are both 40-weight oils.
A 5W will give easier oil circulation when the engine is cold, particuarly in winter. In practise either a 5W- or a 10W- will be fine in the British climate. Not worth worrying about the difference. So long as you buy an oil with the latest API/SAE spec (e.g. an API 'SL' grade) and change it regularly using an OEM filter then you'll be absolutely fine for all normal road driving.
Buying expensive and exotic oils is only needed if you are hammering the car around a race track...
The difference between a 5W-40 and 10W-40 is therefore only in the 'cold' viscosity. When they are hot they are both 40-weight oils.
A 5W will give easier oil circulation when the engine is cold, particuarly in winter. In practise either a 5W- or a 10W- will be fine in the British climate. Not worth worrying about the difference. So long as you buy an oil with the latest API/SAE spec (e.g. an API 'SL' grade) and change it regularly using an OEM filter then you'll be absolutely fine for all normal road driving.
Buying expensive and exotic oils is only needed if you are hammering the car around a race track...
10 June 2007, 02:13 AM
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Cheers for the input guys. I knew when i posted up that i would probably get a range of answers, now i dunno what to do for the best. Think i will go and see if they have any 10w40 tomorrow and if they don't i'll throw in the 5w40 and wait with baited breath to see how it runs.
Andy.
Andy.
10 June 2007, 11:47 AM
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you must be sick to put in those grades of oil, like 10-60,15-WW...., or at least know what you are doing.
just read those jap comics. It says 10w-30 or 5w-30 depending on your temperatures.
Just use the quality oil.
I myself use Castrol TXT 10w-30 full syntethic oil, which is 100% percent pure synthetic, not that mineral hydracracking refined oil.
No matter what abuse I put on my Throttle.
just read those jap comics. It says 10w-30 or 5w-30 depending on your temperatures.
Just use the quality oil.
I myself use Castrol TXT 10w-30 full syntethic oil, which is 100% percent pure synthetic, not that mineral hydracracking refined oil.
No matter what abuse I put on my Throttle.
10 June 2007, 02:51 PM
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10 June 2007, 04:27 PM
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10 June 2007, 04:33 PM
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STi also do a range of oils for the car (think they are a 5/40 a 15/50 and a 10/60), the fact being though is that people sell oil/exhausts/tyres etc and are making money out of it, its not always the best for the car, that is what you have to understand, its money in their pocket
The manufacturer has tested the oils it shows (both semi and fully synthetic) on the standard car, run them for 200k miles+ and they normally give you an equivelant oil/lubricant code. I ran my last scoob on Motul 300v, mainly because thats what STi uses as their branded oil
Tony
10 June 2007, 04:45 PM
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STi also do a range of oils for the car (think they are a 5/40 a 15/50 and a 10/60), the fact being though is that people sell oil/exhausts/tyres etc and are making money out of it, its not always the best for the car, that is what you have to understand, its money in their pocket
The manufacturer has tested the oils it shows (both semi and fully synthetic) on the standard car, run them for 200k miles+ and they normally give you an equivelant oil/lubricant code. I ran my last scoob on Motul 300v, mainly because thats what STi uses as their branded oil
Tony
The manufacturer has tested the oils it shows (both semi and fully synthetic) on the standard car, run them for 200k miles+ and they normally give you an equivelant oil/lubricant code. I ran my last scoob on Motul 300v, mainly because thats what STi uses as their branded oil
Tony
10 June 2007, 09:25 PM
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If its Motul or a good make the 5W 40 would be just about ok as its a very high quality oil which is thin but more suited to winter or lots of short journeys , but this viscosity only good for all year round if the grade of oil is first class the high quality would make it last in the high temps of the Impreza engine during summer.A good high quality Motul oil would maintain its quality.
A low quality oil would deteriate quicker so would need replacing very often.
10w 40 better for all year round use .
15w 40 good for summer use only in a car for every day use.
I trust oilmans advice.
Quality costs but is worth it.
A low quality oil would deteriate quicker so would need replacing very often.
10w 40 better for all year round use .
15w 40 good for summer use only in a car for every day use.
I trust oilmans advice.
Quality costs but is worth it.