ldc

For those who have used different oil grades, do you know if the oils have any effect of how the engine sounds?

Every since i switched to 0w-40 Mobil 1, i notice when eccelerating the engine growls somewhat especially in the morning, after i have warmed up the car even.

newis350

i noticed that when i switched to 5w-20 the engine did not have a pinging sound as much. i used to use 5w-30

Cleric

What oil grade is called for in the owner's manual? Is it the same between the 250 and 350?

newis350

the manual on the is350 calls for 5w-30, but a service bulletin came out recommending 5w-20

Lexmex

In my RX300, which is an noisier engine than the IS of either generation, the M1 0W40 was just as nosy as the 5W30, however, the quietest oil I have used is the green version of the German Castrol 0W30, which I am using now.

EBMCS03

Are dealers now using 5W-20 now when you go in for a oil change? If so maybe they should be telling owners. I didnt know about this.

djpheer

Does anyone have a link or copy of this bulliten? Thanks.

Joeb427

iTrader: (1)

https://www.clublexus.com/forums/sho...3&postcount=31

I still stay with 5w30 in my 250.

ldc

I would be surprised if the 250 differs to 350 in what is recommended in the manual.

Lexmex, how is it possible for 0w grades to differ at start up temp? I found the engine growls during initial running just after warm up (not 100% at running temp. yet). Could the thinness of the oil be why the engine makes more sound? if so could mean insufficient lubrications of internal parts.

llamaboiz

I'm in hawaii and it doesnt get cold enough here for 0-20w, i just stick with the 5-30.

Koz

You don't have to live in a cold climate to benefit from using 0w-20. The most engine wear damage (up to 80%) comes from the time the oil takes to get to the vitals, during start-up. The better the flow rate, the less time it takes for the oil to reach the vitals. If you look at the temp range of 0w-20 compared to 5w-30 you will see that there is a better flow rate at start-up (For the 0w-20) but the protection at operating temp is very close. Also remember, Lexus uses the motor oil to activate the VVTi systems and better cold flow should be an advantage.

Koz

kickin8

iTrader: (1)

the dealer put 5w20 for the free 5K change. I do notice the increase of gas mileage....soundwise it's about the same......

ldc

I'm of the opinion that during start-up, while the flow rate is important, the level of protection is also a factor. If you have oil running quickly thru the parts and not lubricate enough or fully, then that can be a drawback.

0w is thinner than 5w and therefore will lubricate less. But there is also the age of the engine, new engines suit thinner oils as the parts aren't worn out and therefore requires less lubrication. Older engines needs more lubrication due to the part being more worned out.

I'm going to switch to Mobil 10w-30 (as there is no Mobil 5w-x in Australia) due to too much growlings.

Lexmex

Sorry for not seeing this earlier. My RX, even with the German Castrol, makes a growl on warm-up for about minutes and then quiets down. What I was referring to was the phase after warm-up. The 0W40 and 5W30 Mobil 1 grades were noisier than the German Castrol 0W30. That Castrol is a heavy 30, but is formulated way better than Mobil 40, which I consider to be a light 30 There is a Belgian Castrol 5W40 out there that runs like a 5W50. As a result, different 0WX are not necessarily the same due to formulation.

However, I know a few people down here who have used some W20s they import andthey have Civics with Turbos and not much noise, but I know a friend with a modified Nissan truck (90s smallsize pickup) and that thing on XW20 makes noise. Thus, the engine has something to do with it also.