is 20w-50 oil harmful for my 996?

[jeffho13]

Hi there I was referred to you folks by the fellas over at rennlist. I have a '99 c2 6spd. that just had an oil change done at an independent shop and noticed that they used amsoil 20w-50. Should I be concerned and demand that they refill it with a Porsche approved oil weight? Thanks in advance.

Edited September 3, 2004 by jeffho13

[P.Viby]

Well that is a little bit to high. Normally is used 0W-40 or maby 5-10W-40 or 50.

I would have it changed asap.

[Loren]

Amsoil is not an approved oil by Porsche - nor is 20W-50.

All Porsche approved oils are 0W-40 or 5W-40. Commonly available (approved) US brands are listed on my DIY Oil Change page here

[Tool Pants]

On one of our work on cars days a Boxster brought that oil and we put it in. Over the years we have put in other things not 'approved' by Porsche, depends on what the owner brings. I am happy to say all cars survived.

It would not bother me if it was my car.

[plima]

I would be less concerned about the brand and more concerned about the weight. I think Porsche is recommending the lighter weight oils (the "0W" or "5W' part of the description) for 2 reasons: first, the hydraulic valve lifters work better when cold with the lighter oil, and 2nd, the variocam mechanism also works better with the light oil. If you are in an "always warm" climate, I wouldn't make it an emergency to change the oil, however, I think it is a good plan to get it done as soon as practical.

[jeffho13]

Thanks much guys. I'll gonna change it ASAP.

[mark wheeler]

The other thing to check is that they use synthetic oil, not regular or a blended type. Porsche only recommends synthetics.

[SFBayArea Jimmy]

I'm with Tool Pants, no sweat.

Amsoil 20W-50 is a high performance synthetic motor oil, very comparable with Mobil 15W-50 which is recommanded by Porsche for areas with ambient temperatures higher than 50F. :cheers: