Years ago, oils came in single weights (viscosities). You changed your oil
weights with the seasons due to difficulty of starting in cold climates.
Starting systems and batteries were not as advanced as today. Soon
multi-weight, or multi-grade, oils were developed. They had the viscosity
of a light weight oil, say 20W, but provided the lubricity of a heavier
weight oil, say 50W. The reason they were developed probably has more to do
with modern engine design requirements than consumer convenience...not sure
though. BTW, my '98 Ford truck, 5.4 liter V8, requires 5W30. If I run out
of that, I just pour a few quarts of Log Cabin pancake syrup in. Talk about
thin ;-)
Terrence N. Banbury
1967 SPITFIRE MK III
1988 Honda Accord lX
1998 Ford Expedition EB
2000 Ford Mustang GT
1973 Honda CB350G
> ----------
> From: Graham Stretch[SMTP:technical@iwnet.screaming.net]
> Reply To: Graham Stretch
> Sent: Wednesday, May 10, 2000 3:00 PM
> To: Jason K. Cullum
> Cc: List Spitfires
> Subject: Re: Oil
>
>
> Hi Jason
> I think the advantage would be easier cold cranking and a better hot
> viscosity though I am not sure, the main thing is that is what was
> recommended for the engine by the manufacturer. These oil grades are one
> thing I have always managed to get confused!
>
> Graham.
>
>
> > By the way, what is the advantage of using 20w50 over 10w30? I've been
> > running 10w30 in my spit for quite some time and so was the previous
> > owner???
> >
> > Jason
> >
> > the engine is a 1296 out of a 69 spit.
>
>
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