Honda Odyssey and 5W20

[Vijay Kumar]

I just purchased a new 2007 Odyssey (first new car in over 10 years) and noticed that it calls for 5W20 motor oil.

Is this some gimmick to improve the fuel economy or is there something special about this engine that it will self destruct if you use 5W30 or 10W30.

On more practical considerations will there be any warranty issues if 5W20 is not used. And where do you find 5W20 oil --frankly I have never run across it but maybe I wasnt looking for it.

 

[ACAR]

I just purchased a new 2007 Odyssey (first new car in over 10 years) and noticed that it calls for 5W20 motor oil.

Is this some gimmick to improve the fuel economy or is there something special about this engine that it will self destruct if you use 5W30 or 10W30.

On more practical considerations will there be any warranty issues if 5W20 is not used. And where do you find 5W20 oil --frankly I have never run across it but maybe I wasnt looking for it.

5W20 is readily available at any auto store.
Your engine won't blow up if you use 5W30 or 10W30.

bobistheoilguy web site has some interesting information regarding how viscosity changes with miles. Short story; 5W20 isn't 5W20 after 7500 miles in your engine, it's considerably "thicker." Whereas synthetic 5W30 stays closer to spec. However, as Honda suggests, don't use synthetics until the engine is worn-in (after a few oil changes under the "severe" schedule in the owner's manual). Just for grins, ask your Honda service manager what viscosity oil they use.

 

[Elmo P. Shagnasty]

I just purchased a new 2007 Odyssey (first new car in over 10 years) and noticed that it calls for 5W20 motor oil.

Is this some gimmick to improve the fuel economy or is there something special about this engine that it will self destruct if you use 5W30 or 10W30.

On more practical considerations will there be any warranty issues if 5W20 is not used. And where do you find 5W20 oil --frankly I have never run across it but maybe I wasnt looking for it.

http://www.odyclub.com

Beaten to death over there.

Many have such ingrained practices with respect to motor oil that they are absolutely sure they know more than the engineers who designed and built the thing from scratch.

 

[Vijay Kumar]

http://www.odyclub.com

Beaten to death over there.

Many have such ingrained practices with respect to motor oil that they are absolutely sure they know more than the engineers who designed and built the thing from scratch.

Well thanks for pointing out the forum.

(As are as ingrained practices yes it is--I had never heard of this oil but it is my first new car in over 8 years, the last car called for 5W30 or 10W30. And I have been changing oil in my cars for over 30 years)