boss2k

I put synthetic oil and due for an oil change. Dealership is using total oil , is that a good synthetic oil and Acura approved?

Alternatively I can buy mobil1 synthetic and have dealer change that oil , how many quart does our cars need, have a 10 Acura TL

boss2k

any updates on my question above

Georgiey22

I changed my oil last week and my TL took exactly 4.5 quarts. I only use Mobile 1, however this is my preference.

boss2k

thanks what viscosity of oil you used , is it 0W-40or 5W-20 OR 5w-30?

boss2k

which is better Mobil1 synthetic, 0w40 or 5w20?

live in atlanta

TheMuffinMan

iTrader: (1)

What does the manual say?






Use that...

Georgiey22

My 2013 calls for 0W20...sick with what your rig calls for.

boss2k

my manual says 5W20 but isnt the 5W or 0W more based where you live like in extreme cold 0W would be better? am i correct?

mylove4cars

Are you serious?

boss2k

yes i am , if you have something constructive to add please do so otherwise no need to respond !!!

Reorge

I think 5w is thin enough for cold environments especially if you're using synthetic. I might consider 0w for winter if I lived in the extreme cold like Canada or Alaska. In those localizations I would utilize the optional engine heater.

heisnuts

The FWD models went to 0W20 for the 2012 - 2014 model years. However, the SH-AWD models are 5W20 for all years (the SH-AWD has the 3.7L engine). If you look on your oil cap, it will indicate the proper oil for the engine.

mylove4cars

No, no more; I believe all good people here have provided all constructive info you needed. Sorry, I thought you were joking; my bad.

tuxacura

I use Mobil 1 0w-20 for my 12 TL (Front Wheel Drive.)

I usually just empty those 5-gal jug and call it a day. Excellent deal at Walmart.

dexter18

All are very good high performance synthetic motor oils second to none. They carry API SN GF5 credentials and meets all Accura requirements.

suspekt360

I was a die hard synthetic believer.... now? I just run Pennzoil Yellow with good old regular dino and 6,000 km OCI with 5W20 and an OEM filter....

DrewSO

Just changed mine in my 11 AWD.
Old dealership where I bought it used was an Infiniti dealer. She had a nissan oil filter on her. Not allowed on my lady!
I put 5w-20 castrol synthetic in her. Also, to reset the oil life meter just go to oil life with the engine off and in accessory mode on the display and hold select/reset for about 10 seconds. I would only go by the engine oil life display if I put synthetic in it though

Georgiey22

I'm running Mobil 1 Synthetic 0W20 in my 2013 FWD and now only using Mobil 1 oil filters and the TL is running silky smooth with 5,000 oil change intervals. I am running Castrol Synthetic 5W30 (black jug) in my old Silverado and it LOVES it. Wally World sells that jug for $21.66 and it has me wondering if I should switch to Castrol. Curious how many miles have you ran Castrol synthetic for?

DrewSO

I just did it. Only about 600 miles now.
It seems as if she loves it though. Runs great. Castrol is just a preference of mine.

LaCostaRacer

Almost any modern oil will be good if you follow the MIDs change interval. I always change the oil filter instead of following the MID's every-other-interval recommendation. I like Mobile1 but have used Pennzoil, MotorCraft and Castrol synthetics as well. There seems to be more variance in oil filters and that would be a subject for another thread or a look at Used Oil Analysis - Bob is the Oil Guy - Bob is the Oil Guy

1Lieutenant

The following are my own experiences with my 2012 TL SH AWD.

This has the 3.7 L engine which is known for oil consumption issues.
For the first 49K I have used all manner of 5W-20 (the authorized NA spec) synthetic oil (Mobil 1, Redline, Pennzoil Platinum and Ultra). Oil use has been 1 QT per 4K miles increasing to 1 QT per 2K miles. The dealer and Acura did an oil consumption test and deemed my car normal.

Changed the PCV valve and that reduced the oil consumption back to 1 QT per 4K (a story for another thread)

In researching this 3.7L engine, I noted that in the UK, Germany, Scandinavia and Australia the recommended viscosity is 0W-30 and 0W-40! I decided to do my own experiment and use 0W-40 Castrol Edge (German manufacture) and see what happened to oil consumption. I know it is still under warranty, etc so no chastisement, please.

So far, it is using oil at a rate of 1 QT per 8K miles!. Still early in the experiment so no conclusions yet. No changes in engine noise. This engine seems to run smooth and quiet on all oils. Remarkably, no change in fuel economy. Maybe the lower viscosity at start up makes up for the higher viscosity when warm.

C8N

Whoa... 1qt per 2k miles that they said it was normal?

1Lieutenant

Yup. Check the problems and fixes subforum here. Plenty of discussion. Unless you are using more than 1 QT per 1K you get a "perfectly normal" response.

Reorge

I've very interested in the long term results of your solution to the oil burning issue. Keep use posted.

csmeance

You are overfilling the oil!!! The TL needs 4.5 quarts for a full oil change. Be sure to fill the oil filter 3/4 way with new oil before installing (and lubricate the seal on top of the filter) so you don't start the car without any oil.

The TL-SHAWD used Silicon liners for the cylinder walls and apparently those have been breaking down faster than anticipated, thus causing oil consumption.

Using a 0W oil will cause your TL to burn more oil when cold bc more of it will get past the rings. I suggest 5W at a minimum! For the 2nd number, I'd suggest using Mobil 1 5W-30 High Mileage (gold cap) and see how your consumption goes. I wouldn't go with a 40 weight as that may be a bit to thick for the car!

ron3.7

Word

mylove4cars

My daughter has a 2011 Tl SH-AWD with 43000 miles consuming about a quart every 2500 miles with Mobil 1 5W-20 Extended Performance. 2 oil changes with Mobil 5W-20 High Mileage took care of the problem, now she is changing every 5000 miles no oil consumption anymore. Walmart around $25 for 5 quart and a $10 filter (Yes 4.5 quart with new oil filter is the correct amount)

1Lieutenant

Just to clarify. The 3.7L engine uses hypereutectic silicon aluminum alloy. The silicon crystalizes when the alloy cools. Once machined, the aluminum surface is carefully removed leaving the machined silicon crystals exposed. This is what the rings ride over. The technology has been used in Mercedes, Audi, BMW, and the non-lamented Chevy Vega.

0W when cold is still a lot thicker than 40W when warm so I don't think this will result in more oil usage. My limited experience with this experiment has shown that this is NOT the case. 0W-40 has resulted in a decrease in oil consumption by 50%. Very early into this oil change so things could change. I will update as mileage accumulates.

As far as 40W oil being too thick for this engine, I researched the recommended oil viscosities in the UK, Germany, Scandinavia and Australia. In each of these cases 0W-30 or 0W-40 were recommended in this same engine.

suspekt360

Is it possible there are engine manufacturing differences to account for the different oil spec in those markets??? If not, I really like this option.

1Lieutenant

As far as I can tell in researching this engine, it is the same world wide. I have had no adverse effects. Only a reduction in oil consumption!

1Lieutenant

This experiment is proceeding slowly. 1.5K miles on this oil change. 1/4 quart down. Consumption seems to have been reduced to 1 qt/6K miles. Definitely a great improvement from the 1qt/2K. Fuel economy is unchanged to improved from the 5w-20. Engine runs smoothly and quietly.

Like this 0W-40 Castrol Edge with titanium so far. Will keep you posted.

BigDTL

Subscribed as I would like to hear more on your test results.

joshluvsla

I'm also very interested in the outcome... my car consumes about 1qt per 1000 miles I recently tried going to a non synthetic castrol high mileage 5w20 my car still consuming Oil... do you guys think it's because Im always engaging vtec lol I do accelerate Hard pretty often. my exhaust pipes are usually coated in a black soot which I attribute to the oil being burned....I usually never keep a car longer than 2 years I'll usually find something as an excuse to get something newer or faster but in this case its no excuse lol and i really like this car and want to change my life trend of changing cars like underwear and keeping it long term .this car worries me I've never had a car consume oil. what do you guys think is it worth keeping it or try to get another vehicle? Other than the oil consumption and occasional judder from the torque converter (replaced by dealer) I really like the car and want to invest money ie wheels. Lip kit lighting ect but I'm lost. ..help me haha

joshluvsla

Suscribed

1Lieutenant

As stated before, progress is slow.

2K miles now on the oil change. Castrol Edge 0W-40 with titanium.

Oil level is down 1/3 from full to add. At this rate the consumption seems consistent at 1 QT per 6K miles. Very happy so far.

Fuel economy is unchanged from 5W-20. Engine runs no differently.

skyline8610

Starting to get persuaded. Hope this is a fix.

vinnier6

iTrader: (1)

During the summer I use 5w30, and in the winter I use 5w20...and sometimes I just put in whatever they have...

I personally think the subject of motor oil is way over thought by everyone, including myself...

Use a weight that is specified in the owners manual, usually a range of weights, synthetic or not, don't think that matters one bit...

I use Mobil 1 or valvoline syntec

1Lieutenant

I am slowly starting to think this will work as well. I will not be fully convinced until I have gone through a complete oil change. Despite using synthetic oil, I have always changed it when the oil life monitor comes on at 15% possibly 10% which is 5200-5600 miles.

DanielSJohnson2

I read this post concerning oil consumption in the 3.7 with interest. I have not experienced any oil consumption between oil changes on my 2012 TL SH-AWD. I have 63K on the odometer. When do the silicon cylinder walls typically begin to break down?

csmeance

Some people have suggested it's due to repeated bad fuel exposure that breaks it down however there is no real evidence of it. The mileage varies as I've seen some folks with 40K experiencing it, yet a friend with a 2010 SH-AWD who has been using Castrol 5W-30 since he bought it hasn't burned a drop yet with 85K on the odometer. He's a car nut so he really takes care of it...