Motor oil question

[Hud]

Hey guys, finished reading an article that expiained very well why our engines needed a oil with high zinc to work the way they were meant to. One of the oils recomended was Valviline VR-1 race oil. Found it at local parts store because In big highlighted letters it said High In Zinc. In my haste I grabed six quarts and left.

This oil is going in a 85 semi fresh motor, but its been sitting for 12 years at least. Tossed in some gas, a battery and and engine cleaner in the old oil and she started right up.

Drained the old oil and added the new. Then noticed that i bouht and used 20W-50 and not 5W-30. this oil was slow and thich as syrup. Pressure guage sits around 60# in park and drops to 40# in gear. do you think I should drain, so not to blow gaskets and what not, or am i ok leving the Hevy Weight oil alone? Thanks in advance.

[Hud]

Could a mod please delete two of these post? somehow I posted three of the same posts? Thanks!

[will e]

If you are not in a super cold climate it should be fine. I looked at a few on line charts and it shows it flows as cold as zero degrees Fahrenheit. It wouldn't hurt to let it warm up for a minute or so before driving. I ran the same oil in my Jeep for a while and then found that 'The amazon' sells the 10w-30w of the same type. You can get a six pack case delivered to your door.
Also, get a good filter.

[candymancan]

I use the european brand oil from valvoline. Its 0-40 for winter. In summer i use 10-40

I would never put 20-50 in my jeep though.

[Stuka]

I would switch to a 10w30 in place for 20w50. The thicker oil (especially in winter) that you are using is going to result in more oil being pushed out the pressure relief spring that is just past the oil pump. But I do agree with the type of oil that you got, just not the weight.

[Hud]

Thanks for the help and advise! It will be summer before its road ready, but doesnt seem to be worth the risk to leave it in.

[mx71]

It isn't a risk if you fall in the temperature guideline for 20w-50.

[Hud]

Well thats the trick! In Tx. we were sitting pretty in the upper 60's today but the temp will drop to 15* tomorrow night! SMH

[candymancan]

Its the lower nunber that denotes how thick it is for cold weather. 20w is like molassus at really low temps.. 0w is like normal oil at freezing temps.. Thats why i use 0w in the winter.. better flow for oil during startup. And 40w since well it just seems to run better with 40 then 30 for me.

Take 20-50 put it in the fridge at 36-40f and let it sit for few hours..take it out snd pour it ina cup... youll see how thick it is lol.


Watcj this video. This is why i would drsin that molassus out if your jeep... note the 0-30 ? Thats why i use 0-40 see how easily it moves ? I want that when i start my engine so it goes to all the bearings quickly when its cold out

Watch "Compare engine oil" on YouTube
https://youtu.be/aMr7XxitOkg

[rocklaurence]

My understanding is that the Weight rating pertains to the oils ability to keep its viscosity stable between a temperature range. Meaning its centipoise stays close to the same between the cold and hot temperatre range. Notice how the lighter/newer-5/20 etc seem to be the same thickness regardless of cold or hot..

[sonoraed]

Two major things are in play bearing gap and ambient temp, old engine built to spec's will do just fine here in central california with 10/30 or 20/50, would be nice if everybody would say where their located and what kind of vehicle they have!