Oil question

Ok, i'm pretty new to hondas. I changed my oil yesterday and realised i put 5-20 instead of 5-30. Is that a problem? I wouldn't think so, but i'd like to make sure. Thanks

The newer hondas actually call for 5w-20.  You should be fine.  Just be sure to check for leaks and check the oil level regularly to make sure it's not leaking anywhere.

Just wanted to be sure, thanks.

It shouldn't be a problem, but thicker is better in the summer.  If you notice that your oil temp is more than a tick or 2 higher, get it changed.  If there's no problem, use what you are supposed to on the next change.

I've heard that Honda has retroactively changed the oil spec to 5w-20 for Accords back to '98 (maybe even earlier).
 

quote:

ORIGINAL: JimBlake

I've heard that Honda has retroactively changed the oil spec to 5w-20 for Accords back to '98 (maybe even earlier).

 
Me too.  I still use 10W30 though since I live in "hell on earth" Mississippi.  It's about to start getting HOT and HUMID here now that summer is coming.  And the CEO of my company still makes us wear suits (with tie) every day!

I have heard Honda's switch to 5W20 is just to increase the MPG a bit, and in reality 5W30 is what most Honda engines are/were designed to use. 
 
 

quote:

ORIGINAL: JimBlake

I've heard that Honda has retroactively changed the oil spec to 5w-20 for Accords back to '98 (maybe even earlier).

Seems strange.  What would you expect that the bearings were designed for?  I'd use what is printed in the original owner's manual.

I believe crvone has it right.  So back when I still had the '98 Accord I continued to use 5w-30.  But for a one-time mistake, it can't be too bad.
 

I agree about it not hurting for 1 change.  I also agree that the change was to help MPG, but I think that the engines since the change have tighter clearances in the bearings since they are intended to have thinner oil.

Seems odd that Honda would care about past owners' MPG enough to retroactively change oil recommendations.

you can use 5w-20,, 5w-30,, it really it is no big deal...car will run good and for at least 300,000 miles assuming one takes care of it ..  Heck i got cars that we service  with over 300,000 on the engine using 10w-30 than 5w-30  and do not burn any oil or have any bearing wear ..

if you reside in a cooooold climate state,, use 5w-20 in the winter and 5w-30 in the summer
if you reside in a warm state ,, you can use 5w-30 all year around..
It will not do any damage to switch between the 2 ..

5W-30 keeps me ridin' dirty.

quote:

ORIGINAL: falkore24

I agree about it not hurting for 1 change.  I also agree that the change was to help MPG, but I think that the engines since the change have tighter clearances in the bearings since they are intended to have thinner oil.

I gotta go look up some ancient fluids homework.  I think I remember in hydrostatic bearing operation, the viscosity drops out of the lift calculation completely.  It only remains in the drag term.
 

HAHAHA ..... come to think of it, I think I owe Chio a little research from the textbooks that I told him I'd look up when I was in Chicago!