15w50 vs 20w50 whats the difference?
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Road Captain
Joined: Aug 2008
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From: Wisconsin
15w50 vs 20w50 whats the difference?
Did a search and went through a whole bowl of Chicken and Sausage Gumbo without finding the answer.
So whats the difference between 15w50 and 20w50. Like Mobile 1 reg syn and mobil 1 V-Twin.
Thanks
So whats the difference between 15w50 and 20w50. Like Mobile 1 reg syn and mobil 1 V-Twin.
Thanks
Supporter
Joined: Mar 2011
Posts: 587
Likes: 1
From: Ga.
The weight of the oil when cold, one has the properties of a 15wt and the other a 20wt oil when cold, they both have the properties of a 50wt oil when hot.
A 15wt would flow quicker in cold condition, but would not protect a lower toleranced engine as well. Where as a 20wt might take a half second longer to reach some areas, it protects enginges with a looser tolerance better.
Like in a newer car, most call for a 0-5wt oil when cold, since most are buit to a pretty tight tolerance.
Not sure it answers what you are asking, but it is the answer I have.
A 15wt would flow quicker in cold condition, but would not protect a lower toleranced engine as well. Where as a 20wt might take a half second longer to reach some areas, it protects enginges with a looser tolerance better.
Like in a newer car, most call for a 0-5wt oil when cold, since most are buit to a pretty tight tolerance.
Not sure it answers what you are asking, but it is the answer I have.
Extreme HDF Member
Joined: Sep 2005
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From: Baton Rouge, LA
The truth is that it is formulated to sell to V-Twin owners at an exorbitant price.
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Nov 2010
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From: Oxford, Nc
The weight of the oil when cold, one has the properties of a 15wt and the other a 20wt oil when cold, they both have the properties of a 50wt oil when hot.
A 15wt would flow quicker in cold condition, but would not protect a lower toleranced engine as well. Where as a 20wt might take a half second longer to reach some areas, it protects enginges with a looser tolerance better.
Like in a newer car, most call for a 0-5wt oil when cold, since most are buit to a pretty tight tolerance.
Not sure it answers what you are asking, but it is the answer I have.
A 15wt would flow quicker in cold condition, but would not protect a lower toleranced engine as well. Where as a 20wt might take a half second longer to reach some areas, it protects enginges with a looser tolerance better.
Like in a newer car, most call for a 0-5wt oil when cold, since most are buit to a pretty tight tolerance.
Not sure it answers what you are asking, but it is the answer I have.
Extreme HDF Member
Joined: Sep 2005
Posts: 11,615
Likes: 50
From: Baton Rouge, LA
The biggest difference between the two is that the 15w50 is much less-expensive. There have been three (that I know of) credible oil tests by MC mags in the past decade or so that shows that the cheaper M1 is every bit as good as the VT, and it has more friction modifiers (including moly) than the VT. That's because the latter must be formulated for use in bikes that share clutch and engine oil. Some FM's, like moly, are not good for optimal clutch operation. In an engine-only application like most cars and Harleys you want the FM's in the formula.
The cheaper M1 is usually available at Wal-Mart for ~$23/5-qt. jug. It usually fits both my criteria for choosing a synthetic oil, which is accessibility and cost.
Last edited by iclick; Mar 26, 2011 at 08:08 PM.
Road Master
Joined: Jan 2011
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From: Riverside, Ca.
Yep, and the difference, according to Mobil, is that the 15W is for radiator cooled motors while the V-Twin offers more temperature range. But I've met a lot of guys here who successfully run 15W with no problems. And if you'll notice, 15W is way cheaper. I run the VTwin out of habit.
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Joined: Mar 2011
Posts: 587
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From: Ga.
Well my suspicions would be that if Mobil 1 makes a fully synthetic oil in 20w50, it would most likely be the same as the Vtwin, only in a different package, whereas they charge an extra dollar or so to add vtwin to the front.
In my Harley, since I know some of the tolerances are loose, I would always use some type of full synthetic 20w50.
I will agree with iclick though, the friction modifiers are probably different in the two types, and this could be the major difference.
I mean why would I trust any oil company?
In my Harley, since I know some of the tolerances are loose, I would always use some type of full synthetic 20w50.
I will agree with iclick though, the friction modifiers are probably different in the two types, and this could be the major difference.
I mean why would I trust any oil company?
Last edited by Copyless; Mar 26, 2011 at 07:27 PM.
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Extreme HDF Member
Joined: Sep 2005
Posts: 11,615
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From: Baton Rouge, LA
Yep, and the difference, according to Mobil, is that the 15W is for radiator cooled motors while the V-Twin offers more temperature range. But I've met a lot of guys here who successfully run 15W with no problems. And if you'll notice, 15W is way cheaper. I run the VTwin out of habit.
