Anyone else running a 20w-50 oil in the winter time?

Question

I just did an an oil change on my 1987 Gm 350 motor with 3000 miles on it.I put 20w-50 Castrol in it.I know 20w-50 isnt made for the winter but my motor sounds and runs better with it.Any opinions of running 20w-50 oil in the winter??Anyone?Any unforseen problems with running this heavy oil in the winter?

The truck is old--the motor was just rebuilt last year.Smarta$$.

Winter temperature is usually around 10-35 degrees farenheit here.

Answer 1

that is a terrible oil to use in any temp especially in winter. It will take so long to get to the top of the motor that you will do major damage over time to the top half of the engine. I am curious as to why you would want to use 20w50. You say it runs better. That is kind of wierd since you say it is a brand new engine. It should run perfect using a 10w30 oil. Even though it is too thick your statement that 20w50 isnt made for winter is false though. The W in any oil stands for winter. So even though it is not a good oil for cold temps it is approved for winter. But anyway I would suggest that you not use it nad wish your engine the best of luck if you continue to use it.

Answer 2

Amazing is this the first oil change for your 20 year old car?3000 miles in 20 years? Why own a car? I live in Florida and I go down to Society of automotive engineers 10w30 With the Heavy oil I would give it more time to warm up. But why bother are you just going to drive it to the mail box. lol.

Answer 3

The oil is heavier and could cause excessive engine wear because it won't circulate as well as a lighter oil. You may want to go with a lighter oil for the winter then the heavier one in the summer.

Answer 4

wow that's thick , that puppy wouldn't start up here, how cold does it get where you live ? i would not dare to use that thick of an oil unless it were mid summer