Is it okay to run 50 weight oil?
Thread Starter
On The Tree
Joined: May 2002
Posts: 174
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From: san jose, ca
Is it okay to run 50 weight oil? I have low oil pressure and I was wondering if anyone has run 50 weight oil for a long period of time without problems. I know long term I need to pull the motor and rebuild it. But I would like to run it like this for the summer than work on it over the winter.
Thanks
Thanks
TECH Apprentice
Joined: Nov 2001
Posts: 329
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From: SoFla
I sure wouldn't! The oil pump will suffer as will the rest of your engine. Increased wear & tear on internal parts.
Try a thinner oil to see if the pressure comes up (i.e. 0w-30). You might have a failing pump too.
Thread Starter
On The Tree
Joined: May 2002
Posts: 174
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From: san jose, ca
I change out my oil pump to a Melling high volume pump and it picked up a little but not enough. I am currently running 40 weight oil since I have installed my new oil pump I have not switch back to 30 weight oil. Do you think it would make a difference to go back to the 30 weight. I actually think I caused the problem because I ran a clutch that was not balance properly for a long time. When I changed the clutch to a balance one my oil pressure drop. So I would have to assume that I created premature wear on the bearing.
i would not run anything over a 40 weight oil in these engines. the bearing tolerances are much tighter than even a gen 1 sbc...which i definately would not run a 50 weight in, either. low oil pressure is caused by something other than the weight of oil used. a healthy engine will have good oil pressure regardless of oil weight. i'd guess your bearings to be worn. also consider that a thicker weight oil will take longer to reach the bearing on startup. if the bearings are already on their way out, this is a good way to spin one in the driveway.
Thread Starter
On The Tree
Joined: May 2002
Posts: 174
Likes: 0
From: san jose, ca
i would not run anything over a 40 weight oil in these engines. the bearing tolerances are much tighter than even a gen 1 sbc...which i definately would not run a 50 weight in, either. low oil pressure is caused by something other than the weight of oil used. a healthy engine will have good oil pressure regardless of oil weight. i'd guess your bearings to be worn. also consider that a thicker weight oil will take longer to reach the bearing on startup. if the bearings are already on their way out, this is a good way to spin one in the driveway.
TECH Apprentice
Joined: Nov 2001
Posts: 329
Likes: 0
From: SoFla
I change out my oil pump to a Melling high volume pump and it picked up a little but not enough. I am currently running 40 weight oil since I have installed my new oil pump I have not switch back to 30 weight oil. Do you think it would make a difference to go back to the 30 weight. I actually think I caused the problem because I ran a clutch that was not balance properly for a long time. When I changed the clutch to a balance one my oil pressure drop. So I would have to assume that I created premature wear on the bearing.
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