masiroc566

Hi on a new crated motor, what is the best weight of oil to use? I keep getting different results from everyone. I need a clear answer cause I dont want to harm the motor at all!! I live in west Tx so if you all have answers I would really apreciate it....Thx!!

Black305RS

depend where you live GM recommends 5W30 but 10W30 is good. never use a straight weight.
the ratings are read like this:
exmple: 5W30: this oil flows like a 5 weight oil at 0 degrees F and like a 30 weight oil at 210 degrees F.
when getting oil check the back of the bottle for the API donut. and make sure you get the proper rating. ex:SJ type. i forget what year range that oil is good for. you can check the owners manual or google it.

masiroc566

well the guys at pepboys told me to use 5w-20...which I am currently...is that good?

LameRandomName

If it was my engine, then once I'd gotten past the break-in period I would use 0w-30 Amsoil. (Or any other fully synthetic oil.)

You might also consider getting a remote filter setup, especially one of those bypass setups that have a regular filter AND a bypass filter. Amsoil sells those too.

Oh and, for the record; I'm not pimping Amsoil because I sell it. I don't.
I use it and I like it a lot, so I tend to tell people about it.

Black305RS

its not bad its just a thicker oil.
oh and from my experience people at auto parts stores generally dont know what they are talking about.
i once asked someone at one what a VSS was(before i knew) and i was told it was a vacuum starter solonoid. when it is a vehical speed sensor. and another time i asked where a radiator flush kit was and they handed me a a/c flush kit.

masiroc566

Okay...so what would you use to break in your motor and could the fact that the oil is so thick be the reason why I dont get a reading on the dipstick?...

Black305RS

i agree
and no the thicker oil has nothing to do with it not reading.

brians96Z

5w20 is not thicker oil that 5w30. 40 would be thicker than 30.

87DJP2001

Since you live in Texas where the climate is not to extreme just go with a good brand of 10W30. Also I suggest getting a 2qt A/C Delco oil filter (p/n PF-932)for that extra capacity for a total of Six quarts.

Black305RS

no you are wrong. lower numbers are thicker. higher are thinner.

masiroc566

well I settled with breaking it in with 5w-30.

92RS305#2

you can use a really crappy store brand oil for break in since its really heavy and will stick to parts during the critical break in, also use crappy store brand filter or fram filter since they flow bad but have good filtration. after 500 miles or so stick in 10w30 of a good brand like mobil one syn or non-syn depending on which way you want to go. and use a good filter too.

89TramsAmGTA

I would use the 5W-30. It's what the factory used to break in your engine when new. Allen

92BLKL98

Sorry Partner but the lower the number the thinner the oil. On a cold start the oil operates like a 0, 5, or 10 weight after the oil reaches operating temp. it acts like a 20, 30, 40, or 50 weight. You want a thin pourable oil that flows easy on start up hense the low weight number and thicker oil after warm up for its protective properties.

Oil has 5 duties inside an engine:
1 to cool
2 to clean
3 to seal
4 corrosion prevention
5 to lubricate

I would recommend 5W30 as does GM but 10W30 is OK. At the 500 mile mark I would do a first oil change to Amsoil 5W30 or 10W30. 0W30 is a good oil but I live in Georgia and I prefer the heavier oils.

cc89formula

look at the numbers on gear lube and compare it to motor oil...that will tell you he is right