1-800-748-5781
“Serving you from 13 warehouses
across North America”

Why Pay Retail?
Oil Depot - AMSOIL Dealer Serving Canada & US
  • Home
  • Wholesale Options
    • Canadian Wholesale Options
    • US AMSOIL Wholesale Options
  • Products
    • Synthetic Motor Oils
      • Gasoline Engine Oils
      • Diesel Engine Oils
      • Natural Gas Engine Oils
      • Motorcycle, Snowmobile, Boat, ATV
    • Drivetrain Oils
      • Transmission Fluids
      • Gear Lubes
    • Filters
      • Oil, Air, Transmission, More
      • Amsoil Add-On By-Pass Oil Filters
    • Greases & Hydraulic Fluids
      • Amsoil Hydraulic Oil & Grease Products
      • Synthetic Multi-Vehicle Power Steering Fluid (PSF)
      • Shock Therapy Suspension Fluid #5 Light (STL), #10 Medium (STM)
    • More AMSOIL Products
      • Industry/Manufacturing/Compressor
      • Fuel Additives & Gasoline Stabilizers
      • Auto Cleaning Products, Degreaser and Carb Cleaner
      • Spray & Chain Lubes
      • Antifreeze/Coolant
      • Oil Analysis Kits
  • Applications
    • Vehicle Look-Up Tool
    • Motorcycle, Dirt Bike & ATV
    • Cars & Light Trucks
    • Diesel Engine Oil
    • Snowmobile Products
    • Outboards & Marine
    • Racing & High Performance
    • Motorhomes & RVs
    • Compressor Oil
    • Construction
    • Agriculture
    • Logging Industry
    • Personal Watercraft
    • Lawn & Garden
  • Blog
  • Ordering Info
  • About Us
    • Contact
    • Reviews
  • Request AMSOIL Prices
  • Search
  • Menu Menu

Tag Archive for: 20w-50

Posts

Should A Thicker SAE 60 Oil Be Used To Fight Heat In Harley Engines?

Tech Discussion

AMSOIL V-Twin Synthetic 20W-50 A reader asks: I’ve got a 2014 Harley-Davidson Road King. Is it OK to run SAE 60 oil in the engine rather than 20W-50? I’m thinking that a thicker oil would be better in on really hot days. I also hear that a thicker oil will quiet down engine noise.

Our answer: You are far better off using 20W-50. There is no upside to using SAE 60 in your engine.

A thicker oil like SAE 60 will actually retain more heat. The result will likely be higher operating temperatures with SAE 60, rather than lower. SAE 60 is fine for older Harley engines like the Knucklehead, Panhead and Shovelhead.

As for noise suppression, the thicker SAE 60 may suppress rattles or knocks. But that doesn’t mean that it is providing superior engine protection.

All-in-all, there is no mechanical upside to switching to a thicker oil.

The Upside Of Running 20W-50

An ultra-premium synthetic like AMSOIL V-Twin 20W-50 will deliver lower operating temperatures over conventional oils. Better yet, it is designed to maintain its viscosity when exposed to long periods of extreme heat.

AMSOIL’s testing has shown that V-Twin 20W-50 can withstand operation at 500°F while maintaining its original viscosity. See the AMSOIL V-Twin Torture Test. It will easily withstand long hours and heavy heat. So, if the concern is oil shearing, using a 20W-50 is not an issue.

Another upside to going with 20W-50 is lower friction. A good synthetic like AMSOIL will optimize throttle response and fuel economy.

What About Thicker Oil In The Transmission And Primary?

The same principles apply. Thicker oil will retain heat and is liable to cause stiffer shifting. Noise may be somewhat suppressed, but that doesn’t meant that wear protection is enhanced.

One is wise to use products that are designed for primary and transmission use. AMSOIL V-Twin 20W-50 is formulated for use in the transmission and primary chaincase. AMSOIL also offers dedicated primary and transmission fluids for Harley V-Twins. There is no downside to using the V-Twin 20W-50 is all three components. Either the dedicated fluids or the V-Twin 20W-50 will work extremely well.

Conclusion: It is always wise to use the viscosity suggested for your application. Your engine was engineered for 20W-50 and there is no the upside to going with thicker oil. SAE 60 may actually provide the opposite of what you are hoping for.

See all of our articles about Harley-Davidson Motorcycles And Oil

October 3, 2020/by Marc Roden

Should I Use 20W-50 Or 10W-30 In Vintage Engine?

Tech Discussion
Chevy Big Block 427 L72 Spec Engine

Should this Chevy Big Block 427 get 10W-30 or 20W-50 motor oil? (photo credit: superchevy.com)

A reader asks: My street rod has a 1967-vintage Chevy big block 427 (L72 spec) with solid lifter cams. This car runs only in the summer and has an estimated 450 horsepower. I would like to run AMSOIL Z-Rod in this engine, but I’m really torn between 10W-30 and 20W-50. There’s so much debate on the internet about which grade to use. Can you offer any thoughts?

Answer: This is a very contentious and well-worn subject, but there is actually no wrong answer. There is no downside to going with 10W-30 or 20W-50 motor oil in your engine. It really comes down to personal preference. As your engine does put out significant horsepower, we would lean toward using 20W-50.

If your engine sees very light duty or is built exceptionally tight, 10W-30 would be fine. But again, if you twisted our arm, we would give 20W-50 the nod for the thicker viscosity.

Regardless of which viscosity is chosen, AMSOIL Z-Rod is formulated expressly for older engines. Packed with 1440 ppm of zinc and 1320 ppm of phosphorous (serious anti-wear additives), Z-Rod is a superior choice for classic engines. These anti-wear agents make Z-ROD Oils especially suitable for engines with flat tappet camshafts.

Motor oils specified for modern cars and trucks are anemic by comparison with zinc and phosphorus levels averaging in the 800 ppm range. Today’s cars and trucks have emissions equipment that do not react well to high zinc and phosphorus levels. Therefore the latest motor oil specifications take a different approach to wear control.

But as emissions equipment are a non-issue for classic engines, this motor oil has no formulation constraints. The 100% synthetic base oil of Z-Rod provides tremendous shear strength and maintains consistent viscosity, regardless of high engine temperatures or hard operation.

There is absolutely no downside to going with a synthetic oil like Z-Rod in vintage engines. You will not see increased oil consumption or leaks. Z-Rod Oils also contain special additives that condition seals to extend their life.

As vintage cars tend to retire for the winter, AMSOIL also gave Z-Rod a healthy dose of anti-rust and corrosion agents. So you can rest well knowing your baby is well-protected whether she’s running or not.

So regardless of whether you opt for 10W-30 or 20W-50, you will have done your engine a favor by choosing the AMSOIL Z-Rod Motor Oil series.

November 27, 2015/by Marc Roden

FREE SHIPPING

Options For All AMSOIL Wholesale Account Types In Canada & US!

Wholesale Price List Request

  • To fight spam, we require you to answer this easy question before submitting the form.
  • Personal contact information will only be used to provide requested information or assistance. You will not be enrolled in advertising or marketing programs and your information will not be shared or sold.
  • This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.

Recent Articles

  • AMSOIL 0W-40 Now Covers Chrysler MS-A0921 Motor Oil Specification
  • AMSOIL Adds A Semi-Synthetic Tractor Hydraulic/Transmission Oil
  • Another Buy Four Quarts Of AMSOIL And Get One Free Promo
  • AMSOIL dexos R 5W-50 And 0W-40 Motor Oil For Corvettes
  • New 10W-30 Synthetic-Blend Diesel Oil From AMSOIL

WHY SHOP HERE?

FREE SHIPPING

Free shipping options for all wholesale account types


FAST SHIPPING

Fast shipping from 2 warehouses in Canada and 11 in the USA.


SECURE

Secure telephone or online ordering options. PayPal is now a payment option.


WHOLESALE

Wholesale buying programs for individuals, retailers and commercial/industrial customers.


CUSTOMER SERVICE

Customer service is our #1 priority. We are a Better Business Bureau member with an A+ rating.


EXPERIENCE

We have been an AMSOIL dealer and distributor since 2001, so we have the know-how to deliver expert product support.

AMSOIL Dealer Serving
Canada & US

Oil Depot Accredited Business of the Better Business Bureau

Marc Roden
Independent Dealer

1-800-748-5781
[email protected]

  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Mail

Recent Posts

  • AMSOIL 0W-40 Now Covers Chrysler MS-A0921 Motor Oil Specification
  • AMSOIL Adds A Semi-Synthetic Tractor Hydraulic/Transmission Oil
  • Another Buy Four Quarts Of AMSOIL And Get One Free Promo

Brands

More Oil Depot Info

  • What’s New
  • Interesting Articles
  • Return Policy
  • FAQ
  • AMSOIL Company Information
  • Ordering Info
  • Privacy & Payment Policy
  • Sitemap
Copyright © 2021 · Oildepot.ca - All rights reserved.
Scroll to top