Just picked up a 2005 LR3 HSE from original owner. Had very extensive records back to date of sale, including the order forms. Noticed that all the dealer oil changes since first service were done with 5w50 synthetic, though the manual calls for 5w30. Anyone know why this would be the case? Is 5w50 the correct weight for this motor?
Proper Engine oil weight
- Thread starter mrdstr
- Start date
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50 is to heavy/slow/thick. I would not use that at all. Some of the clearances and such in this engine are way to small for that oil. The right oil is in the manual, on the oil filler cap, etc. There is really no reason to change from that for probably 99.5% of the vehicles in use in the US/Canada.
spoke with the dealer service rep. They utilize 5w50 for all vehicles that come in for service so that they can better achieve the 6month/7500 mile service interval. But the independents and every other source I have spoken to recommends the 5w30. I will likely switch down when I perform the next service as I can't find a good reason not to or a compelling reason to stay on the 5w50 blend.
That does not make sense. I would not want that maintenance dpt working on my rig. 30 or 50 has no bearing on how long the oil will last in regards to extended service intervals. In fact, I'll bet the 50 is doing more damage. At start up it will take much longer for the 50 to reach into critical places like bearing clearances for instance. Tiny passages will be eaiser clogged with 50. Until the oil is well warmed, it will act much thicker and move more slowly. That is the absolutely worst thing for the engine. Unless you are using your truck, and all the dealer's clients are, in some 100% desert location where the 5w30 temp coverage doesn't extend high enough, they are using the wrong oil and you will pay for it down the road.
The only thing I can thing of is that your dealer got some sort of killer deal on bulk 15w50 and is using it. If they wanted to extend the oil changes, or provide the most protection durring the 7500 mile oil change, why wouldn't they use the "extended mileage" versions of the right weight of oil? It is made for that exact purpose. Worst case, I wonder if this dealer does more engine failure repairs for things like bearings, cams, seals, etc.?
The only thing I can thing of is that your dealer got some sort of killer deal on bulk 15w50 and is using it. If they wanted to extend the oil changes, or provide the most protection durring the 7500 mile oil change, why wouldn't they use the "extended mileage" versions of the right weight of oil? It is made for that exact purpose. Worst case, I wonder if this dealer does more engine failure repairs for things like bearings, cams, seals, etc.?
They are using 5w50. On startup, it will behave the same as any 5wXX oil. At temp is when it will preform as a 50 vs a 30 or 40. The engine has 84600 on it and is very healthy. The oil certainly hasn't hurt anything up to this point. I will continue digging to see what I can find, but as I mentioned, I will likely be moving to 5w30 on the next service.
go to page 117. Might show where some of the 5w50 confusion comes from. I have seen other materials that did reference mulitple weights for 2005, dropping some in 2006, and now this looks like it is down to one.
http://fcsdchemicalsandlubricants.com/main/pdf/catalog.pdf
http://fcsdchemicalsandlubricants.com/main/pdf/catalog.pdf
5W30 is what my manual says. My dealer didn't use synthetic.
Welcome as well....you'll love your LR3!
Use synthetic!
