Thicker better?

[Trucker J]

I was reading about someone using a 5W-30 as opposed to a 5W-20 in his older 2500 with the 5.7. I have also read that using 5W-30 is recommended in 2500 & 3500 trucks. Can anyone help me with this? I've been using Penzoil Ultra 5W-20, but think it may be a bit thin. I had a much older Dodge Ram 1500 and I started using 10W-40 on it when it hit 200K on the odometer. I got 338K out of him before selling. Never had any major issues with the engine.

 

[NJMOPAR]

I always use 5w30 in a Hemi.
Year round in NJ, so it's worked in +95 and -5 without issues.
I think the 5w20 is more for EPA than the real world.

 

[Dodge 1500 4X4]

X2 on oil, and royal purple oil filter.

 

[Burla]

So oil psi is a gauge of film strength, and the oil pump is an equalizer between oil weights. I do like using 30 weight, but it only has marginal gains over 20 weight due to the oil pump. These hemi's are more finicky then you older one. Look at oil filter thread, oem size filters have issues, go rp-20-820. If you get dry lifter tick, look at the hemi tick lubrication strategies. Look into AW/EP additives, those are much more effective at protecting the things that plague hemi's, especially molybdenum, the right type and amount.

 

[Burla]

5 gen oil filter choice, guys like the 20-820. If you read the oil filter thread, you will also like this filter based on facts.

 

[NJMOPAR]

I like the Purolator Boss, 24652 I think is the number.

 

[Musky Mike]

I like the Purolator Boss, 24652 I think is the number.

Is that the oversized filter?

 

[NJMOPAR]

Is that the oversized filter?

No, just a very good design.

 

[GTyankee]

If the outside temperature never dropped below 50°F
We could all use 10W all the time
5W is for times that the temperature gets close to freezing & even colder yet
0W means that that oil mix should flow when the outside temperature gets down to 0°F


As soon as the engine temperature reaches normal operating temperature, it does not matter if you run 20 weight or 30 weight
except in the case of the very small ports used in a MDS engine

 

[gfh77665]

If the outside temperature never dropped below 50°F
We could all use 10W all the time

A few years ago, I used an abundance of straight SAE 30wt. in my Chevy truck. It never knew a bit of difference in hot Texas from the normal 5w-30 or 10w-30 I used.

 

[GTyankee]

Speaking of Hot weather
Expect to feel some 110 F temps moving East from the California/Mexican desert, sometime in the next week