I "recently" bought a used Acura 2003 v6 3.2 TL (183K mi when i got it); its due for its first oil change and I saw on the sticker when I bought the car that the private dealership serviced the car before it was sold (the fluids were quite clean). However, the sticker on the car said to put in 5w30, which i am going to assume is what is in my car right now, when I know from reading the owner's manual it said it actually takes 5w20. In the manual, it said that it could take 5w30 but only for a short time and only if 5w20 was not available; once you use 5w30 once change to 5w20 at the next oil change.
So great, the solution here seems to be to put in 5w20 on this next oil change. However, I remember Scotty saying that if an engine/tansmission has been running a certain fluid for a while, it's best to leave it alone and stick with that type. So because I don't know how this car has been serviced in its 183K miles that it wasn't with me, should I stick with 5w30? or switch to 5w20 as the manual recommends?
If I do switch to 5w20 as the manual recommends when it has been running on 5w30 for more than a few oil changes (assuming it was changed) what can I watch out for in sounds or other things to know that the 5w20 was the wrong switch?
I really enjoy this car and want it to last for as long as possible so any advice is appreciated 🙂
With modern engines it is best to stick with the manufacturer's recommendation. However the dealer may have used heavier oil to mask some defect in the engine.
Good point, I kinda wished i had looked at some reviews before buying my car since apparently, the dealer I went to was sketchy with more than a few lemons. Based on everything here I'll switch back to the recommended weight.
I remember Scotty saying that if an engine/tansmission has been running a certain fluid for a while, it's best to leave it alone and stick with that type
when did he say that? I kinda doubt it.
engines are nothing like transmissions.
One of the videos. However, you are probably right and he was talking about the transmission and not the engine and i am mis-remembering.
I’m also in favor of going back to the spec weight. I don’t think you’ll cause any problems.
