Looing at the chart for my 92 MBZ, 5W/20 is for cold weather...yet the SAME oil is rated as good for any temperature in our 2003 Honda CRV.
Even as an engineer, I don't understand this.
Please explain if someone could. Thanks!
2006-08-13 12:00:54 · 8 answers · asked by Anonymous in Cars & Transportation ➔ Maintenance & Repairs
By the way, the engine on the Benz is a I-6 DOHC that turns a true 7000RPM. It also is a spinner...
2006-08-13 12:48:01 · update #1
plainly put 5w20, starts like a 5 wieght oil and runs like a 20 wieght oil. the honda has a small hi reving engine that needs a light oil to allow it to run properly as well as the vtec to operate. now the MBZ has a bigger and slower motor that needs a lighter oil in the winter to allow it to circulate as soon as possible and a heavier oil in the summer as a 20 weight oil is like WD40 in the summer for a big motor and wouldnt add the needed protection. your lawn mower requires a straight 30w for the summer and a 10w30 for the cooler months because the oiling system couldnt circulate the 30w oil in the cooler months and then you would have an air conditioned block. not an engineer
2006-08-13 12:14:55 · answer #1 · answered by Christian 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
My guess is that the thinner oil in the Honda is a gas saving measure. As for what's different, I think it may be three changes.
1. Honda may have specified unusual materials for high wear surfaces so they can survive in thinner oil. I know they often use things other than the usual iron for cylinder liners; they may have done the same for valve guides.
2. The oil pump may be slightly larger, as thinner oil circulates faster.
3. Motor oil specs have improved a bit since 1992.
I don't think that Honda would have set the bearing clearances to be narrower than Mercedes - I suppose this might reduce vibration a little bit, but it also costs horsepower and makes the engine more vulnerable to particles in the oil. But you can check what the clearances are if you have repair manuals for both.
2006-08-14 08:34:31 · answer #2 · answered by Mad Scientist Matt 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
well 5w = the viscosity of the oil when measured at 0'F(the "W" means winter grade) 20=the viscosity of the oil when measured at 212F so that means an SAE 5W-20 has a base rating of 5 when cold. it will flow freely at temperature as low as -20F. oil normally thins out when heated. because it becomes thinner, its viscosity number becomes lower. as for the honda crv, it could run with almost any engine oil. now the benz, its enternal parts are more complex and needs more care of. and so goes for the antifreeze/coolant.
2006-08-13 19:30:59 · answer #3 · answered by ISRAEL R 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It has to do with the tolerance given between two parts. The closer the parts the thinner the oil (0 or 5). This allows the oil to flow to those parts quicker upon start up. Another example are cars with turbos, they require oil to get to those parts quicker. Otherwise you would have premature wear.
2006-08-13 19:10:41 · answer #4 · answered by Michael K 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
5w-20 is used all the time in your honda (and soon many, many other brands) not just because of the tight clearances in the engine (which it being a small engine is not why 5w-20 is used either) its due to fuel mileage!!!!!, they can sqeeze a little more mpg's out of 5w-20 vs. 5w-30.
2006-08-14 01:17:38 · answer #5 · answered by 572ci. 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Your Honda has that VTEC system that works on oil pressure, I suppose that has something to do with the type of oil used.
2006-08-13 19:07:03 · answer #6 · answered by svthech 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It is because the Europeans are about 15 years advanced on auto technology. Honda and other auto makers probably should have been using 5w20 for years now and they just started
2006-08-13 19:47:09 · answer #7 · answered by rwings8215 5 · 0⤊ 1⤋
the simple way to understand this is that a single weighted oil such as 30w is only good for one specific oat as with a dual weighted such as 10w30w is good for multiple temperatures
2006-08-13 19:53:58 · answer #8 · answered by Iknow 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋