0w40 oil too thin for a tuned 1.8k?
Discussion
Without any specific R-500 knowledge, I will jump in with some of that valuable free Internet advice...
In general, too thick an oil is likely to be more concern than too thin. Maybe it's a guy thing, but we tend to think of "more" in this case, pressure equates to "better". But it's flow that lubricates, not pressure.
When a car is cool oil pressure is at its highest, but so is engine wear.
On that basis, a 0-Something allows for better lubrication at start-up than a 10-something.
I can't imagine that a modern engine would need a something-50 oil unless it was being raced in hot weather, so I would be surprised if a 0W40 is too thin for a tuned K-series. Remember, it's the 40 that applies to the engine when hot; the 0 just means that the oil does not turn to molasses when the engine is cold. A 20w40 and a 0W40 have the same viscosity at operating temperature.
Disclaimers and stuff: I do not claim any special expertise, but this is a topic that I find interesting and I have tried to gather information and discard gumpf as I have learned. Apologies if I have told you stuff that you already know.
FWIW - I run Shell Helix 10w40 fully synth in a Toyota-powered Birkin 7, which I race in Cape Town, and have had no apparent problems. Usual caveats about anecdotal evidence and sample size = 1 apply!
ETA - Opinions on the subject of oil are usually held with the same force of conviction, and willingness to consider alternatives as opinions on religion. For all I know, I am guilty of this too, but I try not to be.
In general, too thick an oil is likely to be more concern than too thin. Maybe it's a guy thing, but we tend to think of "more" in this case, pressure equates to "better". But it's flow that lubricates, not pressure.
When a car is cool oil pressure is at its highest, but so is engine wear.
On that basis, a 0-Something allows for better lubrication at start-up than a 10-something.
I can't imagine that a modern engine would need a something-50 oil unless it was being raced in hot weather, so I would be surprised if a 0W40 is too thin for a tuned K-series. Remember, it's the 40 that applies to the engine when hot; the 0 just means that the oil does not turn to molasses when the engine is cold. A 20w40 and a 0W40 have the same viscosity at operating temperature.
Disclaimers and stuff: I do not claim any special expertise, but this is a topic that I find interesting and I have tried to gather information and discard gumpf as I have learned. Apologies if I have told you stuff that you already know.
FWIW - I run Shell Helix 10w40 fully synth in a Toyota-powered Birkin 7, which I race in Cape Town, and have had no apparent problems. Usual caveats about anecdotal evidence and sample size = 1 apply!
ETA - Opinions on the subject of oil are usually held with the same force of conviction, and willingness to consider alternatives as opinions on religion. For all I know, I am guilty of this too, but I try not to be.
Edited by bikemonster on Tuesday 2nd June 12:56
Edited by bikemonster on Tuesday 2nd June 12:57
Piers917 said:
slight500 said:
I use Halfords 5w50 motorsport oil in my R500.Car is solely used for sprints / hillclimbs.Depending on when you go to buy you can sometimes get it 1/3rd off.
I use the same in my Superlight. It's the same as the Comma 5w/50 that Caterham sell.bikemonster said:
Without any specific R-500 knowledge, I will jump in with some of that valuable free Internet advice...
In general, too thick an oil is likely to be more concern than too thin. Maybe it's a guy thing, but we tend to think of "more" in this case, pressure equates to "better". But it's flow that lubricates, not pressure.
This is good advice. Also: the pressure relief in the oil filters is usually quite low and so the thicker the oil the more likely that oil is not being filtered, particularly when cold. It also means than any crap on the dirty side can find its was into the engine. If you want a fright, then cut an old oil filter open and have a look!In general, too thick an oil is likely to be more concern than too thin. Maybe it's a guy thing, but we tend to think of "more" in this case, pressure equates to "better". But it's flow that lubricates, not pressure.
Edited by bikemonster on Tuesday 2nd June 12:56
Edited by bikemonster on Tuesday 2nd June 12:57
Having said that I use a the Halfords 5W50 at it's what Caterham spec for my car.
Dave Andrews suggested a 5-40 will be fine, as the hot viscosity will be OK at 40W, but 0W may be slightly thin.
thanks for the replies chaps. Halfrauds may get a visit. If I can find some suitable oil in Costco with the relevant API or SAE code (SL, SM, etc) then I'll bang some of that in (means 500 mile oil changes don't become so prohibitive).
thanks for the replies chaps. Halfrauds may get a visit. If I can find some suitable oil in Costco with the relevant API or SAE code (SL, SM, etc) then I'll bang some of that in (means 500 mile oil changes don't become so prohibitive).
bikemonster said:
I know that Dave Andrews is revered as being godlike among Caterham circles, and with good reason, whereas I am some anonymous forum guy, but a 0w40 and a 5w40 have exactly the same viscosity at high temperature.
At cold temperatures (i.e., startup), a 0w40 is slightly thinner.
Thanks. Aware of the heat ranges. Dave built my engine, that's why I asked him!At cold temperatures (i.e., startup), a 0w40 is slightly thinner.
fergus said:
bikemonster said:
I know that Dave Andrews is revered as being godlike among Caterham circles, and with good reason, whereas I am some anonymous forum guy, but a 0w40 and a 5w40 have exactly the same viscosity at high temperature.
At cold temperatures (i.e., startup), a 0w40 is slightly thinner.
Thanks. Aware of the heat ranges. Dave built my engine, that's why I asked him!At cold temperatures (i.e., startup), a 0w40 is slightly thinner.
James
Caterham had the 50 oil developed for them by Comma and then it was sold under the Halford banner later (I think Comma make all their own brand oil).
The Elise never had an engine as powerful as the R500 (230 bhp). They did a limited number of VHPD engined cars with 190bhp that were SVA only, the fully production ones only had 177bhp after being strangled to meet emissions regs.
The Elise never had an engine as powerful as the R500 (230 bhp). They did a limited number of VHPD engined cars with 190bhp that were SVA only, the fully production ones only had 177bhp after being strangled to meet emissions regs.
For road use in warmer climates of South France I use Caterham's 5w50 Fully Synthetic in my R500. Its first oil change was at 500 miles + plugs and second oil change recently completed at 2,700 miles. Plan for another oil change at approximately 4,000 miles. Is that too extreme? I really don't know. Filter changes everytime of course. That oil was recommended by the guy who sold me the car, by caterham and Minster, sorry I don't know why though to answer the original question.
James.
James.
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