Is putting the wrong oil grade on my engine harmful?
(2011-11-28 15:20:07) 1. Says: I have an '84 Mercedes with 400 000 km's with 6 sylinders and 200 hp. The manual recommends 10W-40, 10W-50, 15W-40 or 15W-50 as all season oil.I have 30 singlegrade oil on it, is that bad?
Whats the worst that can happen?
|---> I heard the worst that can happen is that it'll be hard to get started when the winter strikes with a cold engine, and ill have to ride my polar bear to school (at tempreatures at about -10 degrees C, expecting temps. at about -30C).
Thanks in advance2. Says: In your climate, yes, it can harm the engine. Just as someone told you that when it gets very cold the start up will be difficult..that is when you will damage your engine. Multi-viscosity oil allows for the oil to not be too thick on start up in cold temperatures and not be too thin on start up in hot temperatures. When you start your engine in the winter, your oil doesn't have that ability so the friction is increased, the oil is a tad slower to be pumped up into the top part of the engine..all that metal on metal...yep, I would change the oil now.3. Says: The single weight oil you used, won't even to be able to "flow" when the temperature is cold, especially the temperatures you mentioned! That's why single weight oil is used in lawnmowers. They are only used in warm weather. Snow blowers use the multi weight oils like 10W 30 or 10W 40, because they are used at 35 degrees F, down to -10 degrees F. You may be replacing your engine if it gets no oil circulation on a cold day. The best thing for you to do is to replace the 30 weight oil with the proper multi viscosity oil for your Mercedes.4. Says: You will find your best results with a European spec oil. If you want a premium oil, try Royal Purple or Amsoil. Amsoil is only available through a dealer network or online.
If you want 40 weight, try the 0W40. It will give you the best cold start protection of any 40 weight oil. Most of the European cars specify a 40 weight oil. The other key is that you use an oil that has the correct API spec per the engine manufacturer. It likely wants an SE or SJ oil. These engines need an oil that has ZDDP in it. Newer oils do not, as the EPA has mandated it be removed. It's simply planned obsolescence.5. Says: Yeah you definitely want to drain the straight 30 weight oil out of it and put some 10w40 in it for winter. That 30 weight oil has a viscosity resembling cold maple syrup at sub zero temperatures so you definitely don't want to be starting an engine cold on that straight 30w oil in the winter.6. Says: it all depends mate but it can be harmful to your engine as these number refer to the viscosity of the oil at cold startup tempreture and at operating tempreture so to be on the safe side especially with older cars i would put the correct grade of oil in7. Says: Would probably be ok in the summer. In the winter you need a variable viscosity to allow the oil to flow when it is cold. Tag: Is putting the wrong oil grade on my engine harmful?