Engine oil question

[Voldog]

Is it ok to use 5w-20 or 30 on Volvos instead of 0w-20 or 40 as articles I've read?

[Brett San Diego]

i'm not sure of your knowledge of oil viscosity ratings. The W rating is the "winter" or cold weather viscosity rating. So, I assume you're asking about 0W vs. 5W.

I personally wouldn't have a problem using a 5W oil instead, unless I'm in an extremely cold environment where I felt the cold weather specs of 0W and 5W may make a significant difference. I'm talking like -30 deg. F.

Brett

[Astro14]

There is far more to oil than simple viscosity (it’s like tire size, while ignoring the load and speed ratings, and you should pay attention to the load and speed ratings). You need to follow the specification.

You should use an ACEA A3/B4 oil, that is a specification, because that is what is recommended for engines that needed to be cleaned, and because the HTHS rating is high enough for high oil temps within the turbo. Your owner’s manual says ACEA A1/B1. Well, I recommend a better specification. So did Volvo in this TNN: https://www.volvoxc.com/0/resources/...20Cleaning.pdf

Do not use a Xw20. Too thin. It will not have sufficient HTHS.

One of the best specifications for European engines is the Mercedes Benz 229.5. Long drain, strong additives, good HTHS. Pick any one of the MBj 229.5 approved oils for your Volvo and rest easy.

Pick anything on here:

https://operatingfluids.mercedes-benz.com/sheet/229.5

For my money, the cheapest, most widely available, is the Mobil 1 FS 0W40. Please note that it is on the thin side of a -40 and that your owners manual allows for a Xw40 under severe conditions. Oil has changed a lot since your manual was written, and that Mobil 1 is a great oil at a great price.

Here is the inside of a turbocharged engine that was run for 10,000 mile intervals on that very oil. I have to link to another site, since the file uploads here aren’t working, but you will see… and you may find the discussion and the rest of my photos germane to your question.

https://bobistheoilguy.com/forums/th...6/post-6648523