[Amc-list] Motor Oil & Filter Confusion (where do I start)

[Frank Swygert <farna@xxxxxxx>]

At the Kenosha show last summer the Mopar engine plant (former AMC engine plant) had a tent set up with a couple of the V-6 engines displayed. One was a cut-away. The Mopar technician was having a discussion with a local mechanic after the mech stated to another by-stander that he'd replaced more of those engines than any others. The tech said he understood -- but it was mostly due to owner ignorance. The dealers didn't stress to the new owners that the engines required 5W-xx oil. By running Wal-Mart/Jiffy Lube/quick lube generic 10W30 or 10W40 on special they inadvertently shortened the life of the engines dramatically -- from 100K+ to about 50-60K, depending on driving habits. It wasn't bearing lube problems, it was smaller passages in the engine to carry the thinner oil. Not enough of the thicker stuff was flowing through. The tighter clearances were probably part of the problem also though. 

I'd think the same would happen to older engines -- looser fit with thin oil would likely shorten bearing life for them. They'd certainly use more oil due to leakage and pulling around valve stem seals and guides. 

---------------------------
Date: Mon, 17 Mar 2008 12:48:20 -0700 (PDT)
From: Davis Martin <martin-davis@xxxxxxxxxxxxx>

Tom,
   I have no experience with the new thin oils. I have always used the old Dino style 20-50 or 10W 40. But I too have read that the new light weight oils are for the new tighter engines of today. I would tend to agree. 
   Ways to cut down on the drag of suspended oil is to use 5w 40 or 10W40 and using a crank scraper really helps as well.  The serious racers (drag) use the lightest oil possible to get every last bit of power. But they also tear the whole engine down after every run and freshen the motor.
   Davis 

-- 
Frank Swygert
Publisher, "American Motors Cars" 
Magazine (AMC)
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