about viscosity of an engine oil

[general]

I always wanted to know about it and so now I am asking.
Can anyone explain the viscosity and the related idicators like SAE and stuff.

 

[bihus]

As posted in a thread that was up like one or two weeks ago:

http://auto.howstuffworks.com/question164.htm

But as always, google is your friend.

 

[general]

I read that but then I don't get it in detail.
does the lower number mean it has higher viscosity or is it vice versa??

 

[Leppy]

As posted in a thread that was up like one or two weeks ago:

http://auto.howstuffworks.com/question164.htm

But as always, google is your friend.

BY ME!

haha Hang on I'll go find you some more info. (Or you could Google it yourself)

EDIT:

http://www.autoeducation.com/autoshop101/oil-change.htm
http://www.valvoline.com/carcare/articleviewer.asp?pg=ccr20040601ov&section=hm

 

[bone]

I read that but then I don't get it in detail.
does the lower number mean it has higher viscosity or is it vice versa??

the first number is the viscosity when cold, the higher number is the viscosity when warm.
so the first number isn't realy important, caus you'll never give your engine a workout when could (or would you j/k).
so the last number you take as high as possible, but how higher the number, how more there will leak caus it'll fit through smaller openings

always use crappy oil in an old car

 

[general]

yeah my mechanic says that too.care to explain why

 

[bihus]

yeah my mechanic says that too.care to explain why

There's already a lot of small cracks, or the tolerances are all already passed, so the thicker the oil, the best chance you'll have of not having something passing through those small cracks... At least that's what I remember.

 

[general]

thanx guys for explaining.Anyone with an opinion is invited to post

 

[mgkdk]

It's also recommended (mostly in countries with high temperaturedifferences between summer and winter) to have an oil with high viscosity in the summer and low viscosity in the winter.

 

[snars]

thanx guys for explaining.Anyone with an opinion is invited to post

Sure? Ok here goes.

the first number is the viscosity when cold, the higher number is the viscosity when warm.
so the first number isn't realy important, caus you'll never give your engine a workout when could (or would you j/k).
so the last number you take as high as possible, but how higher the number, how more there will leak caus it'll fit through smaller openings

always use crappy oil in an old car

omg bone, I've seen you post some pretty useless advice on this forum but this is about the biggest piece of crap I have ever read about engine oil (and I have actually read about engine oil). Please, stay away from advising people on engine oil let alone servicing a car before you've read this website and banged your head against an oil pan repeatedly (after you've unplugged your head from your ass, that is).

Hm. That felt good