C-003: OFFICIAL Oil Thread (All oil related threads will be merged here)
12-10-2011 | 06:24 PM
#121
Instructor
Joined: Jan 2002
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Likes: 22
I would love to see a link to that bulletin. I am not doubting you, but my owners manual still distinguishes between the 3.5 and 3.7 engine. They have very different cylinder liners. Hypereutectic silicon aluminum versus cast iron.
12-10-2011 | 06:31 PM
#122
6G TLX-S
Joined: Dec 2000
Posts: 10,201
Likes: 1,161
From: YVR
^^^^^ That Acura bulletin is pinned on the dealership's service desk, and I don't know if there is a link to that piece of paper.
Just go to your dealership and ask to see the bulletin. Unless it only applies to Canada where the winters are severe, otherwise it should be available in all North American Acura dealerships.
Just go to your dealership and ask to see the bulletin. Unless it only applies to Canada where the winters are severe, otherwise it should be available in all North American Acura dealerships.
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Bearcat94 (12-11-2011)
12-10-2011 | 07:52 PM
#124
Instructor
Joined: Sep 2011
Posts: 187
Likes: 21
You mean this, right? http://www.mobiloil.com/USA-English/...l_1_0W-40.aspx
I believe that's correct since it has BMW LONGLIFE 01 approved but I think the higher viscosity affects MPG so I will stick with that Mobil1 5W-20 Synthetic.
I believe there's a lot of debate going on in regards to which type of oil is the best, but for me, as long I change my oil regular intervals, any quality synthetic oil is good for me. It's not like I track my car on a daily basis...
I believe that's correct since it has BMW LONGLIFE 01 approved but I think the higher viscosity affects MPG so I will stick with that Mobil1 5W-20 Synthetic.
I believe there's a lot of debate going on in regards to which type of oil is the best, but for me, as long I change my oil regular intervals, any quality synthetic oil is good for me. It's not like I track my car on a daily basis...
12-10-2011 | 10:05 PM
#125
Advanced
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12-11-2011 | 06:50 AM
#126
Three Wheelin'
Joined: Feb 2004
Posts: 1,402
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From: Texas Hill Country
When I was in the dealership a couple days ago installing the aero kit, I asked the service guy on the particular weight of engine oil for my 2012 3.7L-V6 TL-Elite.
The guy showed me an Acura bulletin which was pinned on his reception desk. The factory bulletin specified that all 2012 TL sedans were recommended to use 0W20 engine oil, and this is what the dealership is using for all 2012 TL sedans.
So there shouldn't be any more confusion with the factory bulletin on engine oil weight.
The guy showed me an Acura bulletin which was pinned on his reception desk. The factory bulletin specified that all 2012 TL sedans were recommended to use 0W20 engine oil, and this is what the dealership is using for all 2012 TL sedans.
So there shouldn't be any more confusion with the factory bulletin on engine oil weight.
I went by my owners manual and used 5-20 Mobil 1 Synthetic. Regardless of what the dealers may have gotten, I have no concerns with 5-20 living in Houston. If I were in the cold north I would go to 0-20.
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AEmedic (12-11-2011)
12-11-2011 | 11:05 AM
#131
AZ Community Team
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From: N35°03'16.75", W 080°51'0.9"
12-11-2011 | 11:18 AM
#132
AZ Community Team
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From: N35°03'16.75", W 080°51'0.9"
Aren't all the 4G TL 3.7's J37A4?
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Honda_J_engine#J37
If so that oil chart would apply to all 3.7 TL's, including 2012 right?
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Honda_J_engine#J37
If so that oil chart would apply to all 3.7 TL's, including 2012 right?
12-11-2011 | 11:49 AM
#133
Subsonic
Joined: Oct 2006
Posts: 743
Likes: 52
VERY interesting read here about Engine oils.
I'm still sticking with my 5w30 Motul.....
But in no means am I suggest you do the same. Whatever you put in ur engine is solely your decision and responsibility. The safest bet is to just stick with the OEM recommendation.
http://www.machinerylubrication.com/Read/518/motor-oils
I'm still sticking with my 5w30 Motul.....
But in no means am I suggest you do the same. Whatever you put in ur engine is solely your decision and responsibility. The safest bet is to just stick with the OEM recommendation.
http://www.machinerylubrication.com/Read/518/motor-oils
Ford is bumping up against its CAFE requirements and recommends SAE 5W-20 oil for most of its engines in the United States. It claims SAE 5W-20 is optimal for fuel efficiency and wear.
To determine if SAE 5W-20 oils provide the same level of protection as SAE 5W-30 oils, Dagenham Motors in England, one of the largest Ford dealers in Europe, was consulted. SAE 5W-30 is required for warranty purposes in England, and SAE 5W-20 is not even available. If SAE 5W-20 were better for both fuel economy and wear, why would Ford not recommend it for its same engines in Europe?
To determine if SAE 5W-20 oils provide the same level of protection as SAE 5W-30 oils, Dagenham Motors in England, one of the largest Ford dealers in Europe, was consulted. SAE 5W-30 is required for warranty purposes in England, and SAE 5W-20 is not even available. If SAE 5W-20 were better for both fuel economy and wear, why would Ford not recommend it for its same engines in Europe?
Last edited by Teddybear; 12-11-2011 at 12:00 PM.
12-11-2011 | 12:04 PM
#134
Subsonic
Joined: Oct 2006
Posts: 743
Likes: 52
... also
What To Use
Although thinner oils with less antiwear additive outperform more robust products in the 96-hour fuel economy test, it is not clear that such products save fuel over the useful life of the engine.
Every fluid is a compromise. Oils recommended by the auto manufacturers seem to compromise protection from wear under severe conditions to gain fuel economy and catalyst durability. It is important to recognize that to use a product that offers more protection from wear will most likely compromise your warranty. Thicker oils also compromise cold temperature flow, which may be of concern depending upon climate and season.
The best protection against wear is probably a product that is a little thicker (such as SAE 10W-30 or 15W-40) and has more antiwear additives than the oils that support the warranty. The best oil for your vehicle depends on your driving habits, the age of your engine and the climate you drive in, but it is not necessarily the type of oil specified in the owner’s manual or stamped on the dipstick.
Although thinner oils with less antiwear additive outperform more robust products in the 96-hour fuel economy test, it is not clear that such products save fuel over the useful life of the engine.
Every fluid is a compromise. Oils recommended by the auto manufacturers seem to compromise protection from wear under severe conditions to gain fuel economy and catalyst durability. It is important to recognize that to use a product that offers more protection from wear will most likely compromise your warranty. Thicker oils also compromise cold temperature flow, which may be of concern depending upon climate and season.
The best protection against wear is probably a product that is a little thicker (such as SAE 10W-30 or 15W-40) and has more antiwear additives than the oils that support the warranty. The best oil for your vehicle depends on your driving habits, the age of your engine and the climate you drive in, but it is not necessarily the type of oil specified in the owner’s manual or stamped on the dipstick.
12-11-2011 | 12:12 PM
#135
6G TLX-S
Joined: Dec 2000
Posts: 10,201
Likes: 1,161
From: YVR
How do you figure there should not be any more confusion? Not everyone uses a dealer for oil changes (I don't). If the owners manual is wrong about something as important as oil, I would expect to get something in the mail from Acura.
I went by my owners manual and used 5-20 Mobil 1 Synthetic. Regardless of what the dealers may have gotten, I have no concerns with 5-20 living in Houston. If I were in the cold north I would go to 0-20.
I went by my owners manual and used 5-20 Mobil 1 Synthetic. Regardless of what the dealers may have gotten, I have no concerns with 5-20 living in Houston. If I were in the cold north I would go to 0-20.
I agree that not everyone uses a dealer for oil changes. But one cannot go wrong if he/she follows the exact oil weight dealers are using according to Honda factory recommendations.
Who knows the Honda engines best other than Honda itself ?
Unless the closest dealer is 200 miles away, otherwise what the dealer uses should represent the best choice for the local climatic region.
12-12-2011 | 03:10 AM
#136
Racer
Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 357
Likes: 25
Confusion is only caused by people not following Honda factory recommendations.
I agree that not everyone uses a dealer for oil changes. But one cannot go wrong if he/she follows the exact oil weight dealers are using according to Honda factory recommendations.
Who knows the Honda engines best other than Honda itself ?
Unless the closest dealer is 200 miles away, otherwise what the dealer uses should represent the best choice for the local climatic region.
I agree that not everyone uses a dealer for oil changes. But one cannot go wrong if he/she follows the exact oil weight dealers are using according to Honda factory recommendations.
Who knows the Honda engines best other than Honda itself ?
Unless the closest dealer is 200 miles away, otherwise what the dealer uses should represent the best choice for the local climatic region.
I think Acura is recommending thinner motor oil to raise its CAFE ratings so it can meet tougher fuel economy standards.
That may not be what's best for the engine in the long run.
12-12-2011 | 11:01 AM
#137
Subsonic
Joined: Oct 2006
Posts: 743
Likes: 52
I also thought this, but I have a TSX, and have seen Acura change recommendations from a 5w-30 down to a 5w-20 and now to a 0w-20 in less than four years, for what basically is the same engine.
I think Acura is recommending thinner motor oil to raise its CAFE ratings so it can meet tougher fuel economy standards.
That may not be what's best for the engine in the long run.
I think Acura is recommending thinner motor oil to raise its CAFE ratings so it can meet tougher fuel economy standards.
That may not be what's best for the engine in the long run.
12-14-2011 | 10:58 AM
#138
6G TLX-S
Joined: Dec 2000
Posts: 10,201
Likes: 1,161
From: YVR
I also thought this, but I have a TSX, and have seen Acura change recommendations from a 5w-30 down to a 5w-20 and now to a 0w-20 in less than four years, for what basically is the same engine.
I think Acura is recommending thinner motor oil to raise its CAFE ratings so it can meet tougher fuel economy standards.
That may not be what's best for the engine in the long run.
I think Acura is recommending thinner motor oil to raise its CAFE ratings so it can meet tougher fuel economy standards.
That may not be what's best for the engine in the long run.
So, firstly the MMC TL engines are not the same engines, and secondly, the time interval between the releases of the cars and the Acura 2012 TL engine oil update is only a couple months apart.
12-14-2011 | 11:06 AM
#139
AZ Community Team
Joined: May 2007
Posts: 32,488
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From: N35°03'16.75", W 080°51'0.9"
As far as the Acura Recommended oil: Isn't it printed on your oil cap? 
If you want to deviate from that, whatever your rationale, you're on your own.
(FWIW, I do deviate; I have my own rationale. Is it better or worse?
)
If you want to deviate from that, whatever your rationale, you're on your own.
(FWIW, I do deviate; I have my own rationale. Is it better or worse?
)
12-17-2011 | 02:30 AM
#140
6G TLX-S
Joined: Dec 2000
Posts: 10,201
Likes: 1,161
From: YVR
^^^^^ The Acura dealer, where I bought my car from and where I'll take my car to get services, has received a FACTORY update bulletin specifying that all 2012 TL sedans are RECOMMENDED to use 0W20 motor oils.
The service adviser told me that his dealer would adhere to the newest updated FACTORY RECOMMENDATION, and use 0W20 in all 2012 TL's serviced there.
I'm simply relaying this info. It's not me that I want to deviate. This is my rationale.
The service adviser told me that his dealer would adhere to the newest updated FACTORY RECOMMENDATION, and use 0W20 in all 2012 TL's serviced there.
I'm simply relaying this info. It's not me that I want to deviate. This is my rationale.
12-20-2011 | 03:22 PM
#141
Instructor
Joined: Sep 2011
Posts: 164
Likes: 14
From: OKC
I got my oil changed today, A1 service. After I got home, I looked at the receipt and noticed that they put 5W20 oil. I thought that the 2012 TL called for 0W20.
I called the dealer and asked whats up and they said it won't make a difference especially in the winter months and that I shouldn't worry.
So what do you think? Is it okay to let it go and make sure I get 0W20 next time, or should I go back and make them redo it?
I called the dealer and asked whats up and they said it won't make a difference especially in the winter months and that I shouldn't worry.
So what do you think? Is it okay to let it go and make sure I get 0W20 next time, or should I go back and make them redo it?
12-21-2011 | 10:35 AM
#143
Instructor
Joined: Mar 2011
Posts: 180
Likes: 14
From: Spring, TX
12-21-2011 | 12:05 PM
#144
I thought the internal changes were mostly the 6AT that brought about the increase in fuel economy. I thought the 3.7L engines from 2009 through 2012 MMC were exactly the same. Can anyone confirm the changes? I tried searching here and the web and didn't get any specifics on whether the engines were changed other than what is in this thread.
12-27-2011 | 05:04 PM
#145
Love Guru
Joined: Feb 2011
Posts: 274
Likes: 49
From: Germantown
Don't know what year 3.7L TL engine you're asking about, but the 2010 TL 3.7L engine is not "authorized" by Acura to use the 0W-20 oil... there's a chart on here somewhere...They still recommend the 5W-20 for the 2009-2010 TL 3.7L. I bought Royal Purple (fully synthetic) 5W-20 oil & filter when they were on sale at Pepboys and used it the last time around. The 2012's can use the 0W-20 oil.
As per the Acura bible (aka manual) of my 2012 Acura TL, the "Recommended Engine Oil" for the FWD (3.5l engine) is 0w-20 and for the SH-AWD (3.7l engine) is 5w-20. Check page 543-44 of the manual for confirmation. Now the thing is, that is the recommendation, not a requirement. So, if you want to use 0w-20 instead of 5w-20 in the 3.7l engine, you sure can, Honda/Acura wont come over your house and give you a spanky....
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lji (03-20-2012)
01-28-2012 | 06:56 PM
#147
AZ Community Team
Joined: May 2007
Posts: 32,488
Likes: 7,771
From: N35°03'16.75", W 080°51'0.9"
Synthetic Oil
You may use a synthetic motor oil if
it meets the same requirements
given for a conventional motor oil: it
displays the API Certification Seal
and it is the proper weight. You must
follow the oil and filter change
intervals shown on the multiinformation
display.
You may use a synthetic motor oil if
it meets the same requirements
given for a conventional motor oil: it
displays the API Certification Seal
and it is the proper weight. You must
follow the oil and filter change
intervals shown on the multiinformation
display.
What does yours say?
Are you willing to take the recommended maint schedule into your own hands and modify it as you see fit?
If not, follow the MID.
If so, run to the MID then send a used oil sample at that time to http://www.blackstone-labs.com. They will help you find the 'optimum' interval for the oil/filter you are running.
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AEmedic (01-28-2012)
01-29-2012 | 11:40 PM
#150
Advanced
Joined: Oct 2011
Posts: 57
Likes: 5
From: Waddell, AZ
I use pennzoil ultra and change every 5k no matter what the oil life percentage says. going a year without changing your oil isn't such a great idea. The molecular structure of oil will breakdown in any environment more so in hot climates. Oil that sits rarely used will breakdown nearly at the same rate as if ran every day. Viscosity changes with rare usage. so many factors contribute to oil molecular structure. I had a truck i rarely drove and changed it every 6 months and would only put around 2k miles on it in that time frame. go to bobistheoilguy.com and research
02-01-2012 | 07:36 PM
#154
Instructor
Joined: Nov 2011
Posts: 217
Likes: 4
From: Atlanta
Oil usage
It shows as 40% , generally below what percentage it needs to be changed. Last week it was showing at 50% , does the display show change by 10% everytime , I mean does it show actual usage like 46 or 43%
Will putting synthetic oil show less oil usage
Will putting synthetic oil show less oil usage
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lji (03-20-2012)
02-02-2012 | 10:40 AM
#158
Three Wheelin'
Joined: May 2000
Posts: 1,874
Likes: 96
From: Key West
Synthetic usage won't make a difference in the MID duration. It reads the same regardless of oil type. However, it will give you greater peace of mind if you are like me and your change intervals are longer than usual.
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justnspace (02-02-2012)
02-02-2012 | 11:11 AM
#160
Scott
Joined: Jul 2011
Posts: 1,377
Likes: 156
From: NW WI
Go with synthetic, its what is recomended for hondas and especially our acuras to improve performance and will be a better lubricant than non-synthetic. I like Mobile 1 oil, and i change it every 5k miles or 2/times a year-whatever comes first. 