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5W,10W or Something Else for Fuel Economy?


renechua
04-04-2005, 12:32 PM
Hi guys & gals. Just need anybody's opinion on oil viscosities & fuel economy. I've a 1998 Venture with 65K miles, good running condition, but with a little lifter noise upon startup. It does die down a bit but not totally after driving. Anyway, which is better to use... 5W,10W or something else during oil change? I religiously change oil & filter every 3K-4K miles. Though I did notice on top of the oil filler cap a 5W-30 recommendation, I still would like get others' opinion on this. Thanks.

shogunl
04-04-2005, 12:42 PM
I would stick with 5W30. I been told that reason GM went to thin viscosity oil is because they want more oil flow through engine components hence thinner oil.

'97ventureowner
04-04-2005, 01:17 PM
I would stick with 5W30. I been told that reason GM went to thin viscosity oil is because they want more oil flow through engine components hence thinner oil.
I echo that statement and would like to add that with the closer tolerances used in engines these days, it is reccomended to use the 5W-30 oils. The oil flows freely through all the passages, especially in colder climates.

jhong1226
04-04-2005, 07:36 PM
5w30 flows at 5 weight in cold climate but protects like a 30w when hot, 10w30 flows at 10w at cold and protects 30w when hot.
5w30 has a wider range of protection.

KJRich
04-04-2005, 09:24 PM
5w30 or 10w30.
The owners manual says 10w30 is OK if outside temps are above 0 degrees fahrenheit. 5w30 is the preferred, all around oil, which I use now. I might go to 10w30 in the summer after I get over 100,000 miles. I wouldn't use any other weights.

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