5W-20 too thin?
Fleet Mechanic
Joined: Jul 2013
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From: NE Ohio
Or be prepared to run a zinc additive if you want to run something other than diesel oil.
Fleet Owner
Joined: May 2015
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From: Near Salmon Arm BC
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Senior User
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Add a bottle of STP additive to thicken it up a bit and add zinc at the same time.
STP Oil Treatment, 15oz - Walmart.com
Run it and Keep an eye on it..
STP Oil Treatment, 15oz - Walmart.com
Run it and Keep an eye on it..
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Tuned
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From: Northern Michigan
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Junior User
Joined: May 2016
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Yeah I read through quite a few oil pages on this subject and most devolved quickly into additive arguments. My main concern right now was the weight of oil. I did not see anyone else using 5w-20 in these engines. I will probably run it with some additive for a bit and see how she does.
Postmaster
Joined: Nov 2011
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The oil pressure gauge will tell you if it likes the viscosity. How is oil pressure at idle when hot? I like to see at least 20 psi on a fresh engine.
Agree as many have mentioned, you need some zinc if running a flat tappet cam. 5W20 would be a modern car oil which does not have enough zinc. You could add some ZDPP. My solution would be to change the oil and filter pronto and use 15W40 Rotella T.
Agree as many have mentioned, you need some zinc if running a flat tappet cam. 5W20 would be a modern car oil which does not have enough zinc. You could add some ZDPP. My solution would be to change the oil and filter pronto and use 15W40 Rotella T.
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Junior User
Joined: May 2016
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The oil pressure gauge will tell you if it likes the viscosity. How is oil pressure at idle when hot? I like to see at least 20 psi on a fresh engine.
Agree as many have mentioned, you need some zinc if running a flat tappet cam. 5W20 would be a modern car oil which does not have enough zinc. You could add some ZDPP. My solution would be to change the oil and filter pronto and use 15W40 Rotella T.
Agree as many have mentioned, you need some zinc if running a flat tappet cam. 5W20 would be a modern car oil which does not have enough zinc. You could add some ZDPP. My solution would be to change the oil and filter pronto and use 15W40 Rotella T.
Cross-Country
Joined: Dec 2013
Posts: 86
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I'd just like to say shame on the shop you took it to for putting such a light weight oil in your truck. I'd imagine most lube places would know nothing lighter than a 10W30 in an older vehicle. Me personally I would change the filter and oil and use 10W40 or 30. 15W40 is also very popular amongst the guys in this forum. Myself, I run Mobil 1 10W40 full synthetic with the Mobil 1 filter which will be part number M1-301 and I use the Lucas Synthetic Oil Stabilizer. Turns out to be a fairly expensive oil change for me but hey I like the stuff and more importantly so does my truck. I use the same stuff in my 85 Stang