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Old 09-11-2013, 03:50 PM
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thayer thayer is offline
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Join Date: Oct 2008
Location: Mt. Airy, NC
Posts: 891
Oil thread.

The 20w50 will increase general oil pressure. The pump is working harder to move the thicker oil. It will take longer to heat up the oil to operating temp which is the only time the oil is actually sufficiently lubricating the engine.

If you changed brands of oil then there are additive features that should be considered but it likely an issue.

As an engine ages I would consider lowering the viscosity rather than raising it. As tolerances widen, you lose pressure. "Well I'll use thicker oil to fill the gaps."

That makes sense as far as keeping pressure up, but you don't need pressure, you need lubrication as fast as possible. A 0w30 will take far less time at startup to get to operating temp and the synthetics will cling to the parts that need.....

Sorry. Focus on OP Oil Leak question

Lets see a pic of the leak

Yes it's safe to drive as long as it continues to have oil in it. Slow leak is like an automatic oil changer with free undercarriage rust proofing, just stick a merc car diaper on it.
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