I am using a 1.8 CVH engine

My Haynes manual for the Sierra says use 10W/30 to 20W50 oil to spec API SG/CD or better.

Another book for the Escort similar era CVH says 5W/50 to 10W30.

I have just used 5W/30 oil semi synthetic in the engine as that seemed to be more available, my other option was 10W/40. 10W/30 was not in the store.

I am just wondering if I went the right or wrong way on the numbers.

The engine is good with no smoke i.e.not worn out.

I am trying to fit an oil pressure gauge to monitor what is happening but forgot to buy the adapter to allow the old switch and the gauge to be fitted at the same time so can not tell pressure but will soon
Any advice appreciated.

Adrian

[Edited on 16-9-10 by AdrianH]

I would say donīt loose sleep about it.
First number will give you oil viscosity when cold and recommended lowest temperature where it should be used.
second number is viscosity when hot, and I would select this according to driving habits.
-lower for sensible driving.
- Higher for performance oriented driving.
You may find out a difference after quite a few thousand km (or miles for that matter)
You may get higher mileage (mpg-km/lt) with lower viscosities.

The oil viscosity for the CVH WAS quite important as the litters needed 30 and no thicker , the lower number in the equation as stated just gives thinner oil cold so easier starting, quicker to get the litters pumped up.
I personally would not go 20w50 on a CVH
Another thing that happens is 10w30 in a CVH is find, put it in a Pinto and you get lower oil pressure and it will find it's way out of bearing seals and gaskets

quote:

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Originally posted by snapper

Another thing that happens is 10w30 in a CVH is find, put it in a Pinto and you get lower oil pressure and it will find it's way out of bearing seals and gaskets

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5w/30 will be fine ideal for the hydraulic tappets, especially if it is a fully synthetic.

I don't think it matters that much and in all likelyhood the first number (the winter number) is almost irrelevant for most sevens because they're only used in summer! We could theoretically even just start using monograde oils

My Duratec V6 in standard form requires 5W30 but I found oil pressure when hot was getting quite low so I changed to 5W50 and things were a lot better. I put this down to the engine not having as much airflow in middy format (and probably something to do with my heavy right foot too )
Our cars usually tend to get driven quickly, especially if you do trackdays, so it is a good idea to keep an eye on oil pressure and maybe try an alternative grade according to your driving style.

Thanks all for the feedback.



Adrian