Oil type for 2014 Sierra 5.3

[Black02Silverado]

Pretty much it's like this, running a 0w-20 will probably get you to 400k with no issues and running a 5w-30 will probably get you 450k no issues.  The amount of wear between the two is minimal at best. Plenty of UOA's to show they are pretty much the same.

 

Have to remember that start up is where most wear comes from to a point, at least that is my understanding.  So the 0w-20 will protect better since it flows faster through the system, very minimally faster but it still does over a 5w-30.  Especially in the cold days of the norther winters.  Florida not so much.

 

I'm running AMSOIL SS  0w-20 in my 5.2 right now and I occasionally tow a 20' trailer that is about 5k lbs.  So my UOA coming up this spring will give some idea as to how much wear there is over the previous use of 5w-30.  Remember my 2002 has 5w-30 recommenced oil in the owners manual. 

[Grumpy Bear]

46 minutes ago, Black02Silverado said:

Pretty much it's like this, running a 0w-20 will probably get you to 400k with no issues and running a 5w-30 will probably get you 450k no issues.  The amount of wear between the two is minimal at best. Plenty of UOA's to show they are pretty much the same.

 

Have to remember that start up is where most wear comes from to a point, at least that is my understanding.  So the 0w-20 will protect better since it flows faster through the system, very minimally faster but it still does over a 5w-30.  Especially in the cold days of the norther winters.  Florida not so much.

 

I'm running AMSOIL SS  0w-20 in my 5.2 right now and I occasionally tow a 20' trailer that is about 5k lbs.  So my UOA coming up this spring will give some idea as to how much wear there is over the previous use of 5w-30.  Remember my 2002 has 5w-30 recommenced oil in the owners manual. 

I'm expecting a full report 

[Jon A]

6 hours ago, Hillwood said:

Because someone knows better?????

"Knowing something" has nothing to do with it.  It's about having different priorities.  Reducing wear on my engine is my priority.  Not getting soaked by millions of dollars in CAFE penalties is GM's priority.

 

Do you run the stock tires on your truck?  When they wear out you replace them with exactly the same tire?  I sure hope so.  Those are the best tires for your truck.  Unless you know something GM doesn't....    Not a very logical argument, is it?

[Hillwood]

"Knowing something" has nothing to do with it.  It's about having different priorities.  Reducing wear on my engine is my priority.  Not getting soaked by millions of dollars in CAFE penalties is GM's priority.
 
Do you run the stock tires on your truck?  When they wear out you replace them with exactly the same tire?  I sure hope so.  Those are the best tires for your truck.  Unless you know something GM doesn't....    Not a very logical argument, is it?

Hey, do what you want and..
Be happy !

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[mastec1970]

Hillwood is correct on this topic, The AFM L-83 requires the 0-20 for a reason, the AFM lifters and the VVT systems have very small orifices that the oil must pass through and the timing of these systems are calibrated for this viscosity oil or expected application command of the systems will cause an error for the PCM and will "see" a delayed application... Use what the application calls for, why is this so hard to understand for some people?

(I am a 30 Year ASE Master, L-1 technician) and I see the results of people who want to go against the grain on a daily basis. Thanks and have a wonderful and blessed day!  

[Jon A]

 

The 4.3 V6 "calls for" 5W-30.  Both the Camaro and Corvette "call for" 5W-30.  All engines use the exact same lifters.  If the "orifices were too small" for 5W-30 in an L83 truck, they'd be too small in a LV3 truck, LT1 Camaro or Corvette.  Use that certificate to look up ACDELCO 12645725 and re-think your statement please.

[Nitrousbird]

12 hours ago, mastec1970 said:

Hillwood is correct on this topic, The AFM L-83 requires the 0-20 for a reason, the AFM lifters and the VVT systems have very small orifices that the oil must pass through and the timing of these systems are calibrated for this viscosity oil or expected application command of the systems will cause an error for the PCM and will "see" a delayed application... Use what the application calls for, why is this so hard to understand for some people?

(I am a 30 Year ASE Master, L-1 technician) and I see the results of people who want to go against the grain on a daily basis. Thanks and have a wonderful and blessed day!  

 

4 hours ago, Jon A said:

 

The 4.3 V6 "calls for" 5W-30.  Both the Camaro and Corvette "call for" 5W-30.  All engines use the exact same lifters.  If the "orifices were too small" for 5W-30 in an L83 truck, they'd be too small in a LV3 truck, LT1 Camaro or Corvette.  Use that certificate to look up ACDELCO 12645725 and re-think your statement please.

I would sure like to hear this explanation as well.

[gone_fishing]

I don't think the VVT/AFM systems are all that picky about oil viscosity.  There has to be some wiggle room. Just too many variables to control. The oil is naturally thicker at cold temps and these systems still operate fine. Even operating temps will vary. I've seen as low as 183°F (winter not towing) to 230°F (hot summer towing in 5th gear). 

[Hillwood]

Who cares what the manufacturer says...
Let's hear what oil you use...
Please state the advantages of your choice..
Anyone have an engine failure caused by the oil you use?

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[KARNUT]

I remember when Ford came out with the 4.6 for their p/u in the 90s. It called for different oil. People were saying BS on that I’m running what I’m use to. Soon after the over head timing chains were stretched and noisy from heavy oil. I would pay attention to manufacturer on this one.


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[diyer2]

I run the recommended oil.

No problems I keep using it.

If oil consumption goes up, I change.

Then up the viscosity.

5W30 to 10W40

 

Currently using Quaker State Semi Syn.

Going to Castrol Magnetec full syn.

 

[VdellaV]

I have been using 0w20 on my 5.3 L83 truck since day 1 and now it has 40k miles.

 

I live in Mexico, temperatures always stay around 70 deg F and rarely rarely do i go places under 32 deg (Mountains, etc)

 

My truck has always burnt about about a quart of oil every 6,000 miles and i refill with 5w30,

 

I have a custom PCV system OFF the intake to avoid any Carbon Build Up

[Cowpie]

Me personally, if I had a motor that the OEM called for 0w20, I would probably use 5w20.   0w20 and 5w20 are both 20 weight oils.  Very same kinematic viscosity.  The only difference is winter cold flow, and the difference is miniscule.

 

But, the 5w20 has a significantly lower NOACK (burn off rate) than a 0w20.  Read that as meaning the risk of deposits building up in the motor is less with a 5w20 than a 0w20.    That can be a very good thing with these VVT and AFM controlled engines.   That is primarily because it takes more polymeric viscosity modifiers in the oil blend for a 0w20 to reach the winter cold flow it is rated for.  And while the base oil doesn't break down, under certain conditions the polymeric viscosity modifiers can break down.  In the case of 0w20, the cold flow rating is -35c.   5w20, the winter cold flow is -30c.   That is lower than most folks will encounter consistently in the winter.

 

Also, there is not a dealer or OEM on the planet that can tell the difference between a 0w20 and 5w20 if they pulled a sample from the engine.  It just isn't possible to determine the difference in used motor oil.    Next off, while dexos1 gen 2 does not have a 5w20 on the "approved" list, there were a batch of them on the dexos1 gen 1 list.  GM just decided to make the Gen 2 spec to mean only 0w20 and not include the 5w20.

 

In almost every case, the same type of motor oil from a blender will have the same level of additives in the mix for all the oils in that class.   0w20, 5w20, 0w30, 5w30, 10w30 in the same product line almost always has the very same add pack in the blend. 

 

GM is required to recommend the 0w20 since that is what they use for their EPA testing.  And Federal regulations require that the same oil range used in testing be recommended to the vehicle owners.

 

I might want to stick with a 20 weight over a 30 weight, but I would certainly use a 5w20 instead of a 0w20.

 

That anyone would see 1 qt of oil used in 6000 miles probably makes the case.   I have a factory remanned 12.7L Detroit engine in a heavy truck that now has 920,000 miles on the reman.   It uses 1 qt every 12,000 miles.  It uses a 10w30.  Again, significantly lower polymeric viscosity modifiers in the mix.  If one doesn't need a 0wXX cold flow rating, it really makes not appreciable sense to use it.

 

My 2015 2500 6.0 gets a 10w30 oil also, instead of the 5w30 that GM recommends for the same reason.  It uses about 1/8 of a quart in 6000 miles at most.   I would be willing to bet that many folks with the Ecotec engines would see a lower oil consumption by using a 5w20 compared to a 0w20 unless the motor has other issues.

Edited January 1, 2019 by Cowpie

[Malibu SS]

I have a question.  On a ZR-1 Corvette,,,what material is the rods made out of??   Full floating or press fit pins??  How about the ring package?   As compared to a pickup truck.  Just asking.

[Cowpie]

Many modern engines have low friction/pressure piston rings.  While reducing the level of friction due to lower ring tension, it also can allow more blowby to get past the rings.  That can have a detrimental effect on oil.