Never ending debate - best oil weight

[PPV_2018]

I have been wanting to ask this question, but was hoping someone else would so i would not have to. But if was, i probably missed it.

When i first got the ppv, the first thing i did was change the oil with the factory spec 0w20. That was before i knew the reasoning behind the change was purely for CAFE / saving half a drip of fuel economy. I was caught off guard because I always keep extra 5w30 around that i would have used, but ended up going to the store to buy the 0w20.

Anyways, ppv is about due for another change and i am curious on the thoughts of the forum to go with 0w30 or 5w30 oil, OR even 5w20. The climate the truck lives in is pretty much hot year round with only a month or two of “cold”..

General consensus seems to be that 0w20 is not the best for our engines despite what GM says. So then , what is.. ?

Thoughts?

 

[Rygrego]

I can't say why scientifically but I have used 5W-30 since I did the first oil change and change it twice a year even if I'm below the mileage. I am one who thinks 0W-20 is a little too slight especially for Southern California and Arizona. I also use Pennzoil (GTL) because of the lower volatility so as to minimize valve deposits.

 

[blondie70]

I am using Euro 5w-40 here in S MS.

 

[PPV_2018]

I am using Euro 5w-40 here in S MS.

Interesting. Curious to know why, what is the benefit ?

 

[strutaeng]

"Anything"W-30 would basically meet spec in your climate, and most southern States' climates as well.

Unless you are like in the Dakotas or Alaska or somewhere like that, I really wouldn't matter what the first number on the "W" is.

20 wt. I guess is what they spec. for slightly increased fuel economy (but remember: less friction= more wear, right? And the opposite is also true, so...)

40 wt. would be like if you have bearing wear and low oil pressure. Increase in viscosity increases pressure...I ran "something"W-50 on the 4.3 on my 99 Silverado for over a year and probably 10k miles. Switched because I had low oil pressure and I'd seen the "forbidden" glitter on the last oil change, so I saw the writing on the wall. Bearing clearances were around 4-5 thousands after the engine was replaced and did a teardown just to see...

 

[OR VietVet]

I posted this 2 ways, just in case. This video was recommended to me by my shop owner friend. I used to run 5w-30 Mobil 1 and now I run Valvoline 5w-30 Restore & Protect.

Please watch the video and anything Lake Speed Junior puts out.

 

[OR VietVet]

Another video.

 

[OR VietVet]

Lake Speed Junior also has a set up for doing oil analysis that you send in.

SPEEDiagnostix

www.speediagnostix.com