Getting ready for the 1st oil change in my mag. I've used nothing but Mobil 1 5w-30 in my vehicles that recommend 5w-20. The only reason they recommend the use of 5w-20 is for a very, very small increase in fuel economy.
My question is; Will the use of Mobil 1 5w-30 affect the MDS system?

 

The synthetic Mobil 1 should be okay, but Dodge recommends 5W20 oil. Not for better gas mileage, but for the special valve lifters that control the 4 cylinders that shutoff with the MDS.

They found that 5W20 oil works best for these lifters.

Ask DodgeMech

Bob

 

I am currently running Amsoil 5W-20....no problem...

Rex

 

Mobil 5W-30 is fine. Mobil 1 oil actually has a better pour rating than the thinner oils in the dino blends. This means that although it is rated a 5w-30 it will flow like a 0W-10 or so.

Bob is correct, the oil viscosity rating on the HEMI has nothing to do with EPA regs or CAFE requirements, the valving used to control oil flow to the lifers for MDS operation require very thin oil for smooth operation of the transfer between modes.

 

I've been using Mobil1 5w-30 with no problems on my Magnum. Here's a bit of a technical expaination, but interesting.

http://www.off-road.com/RoverWeb/OilFAQ.html

 

Good info, thanks. Good to hear the mobil 1 30 won't cause any problems with the mds operation. Maybe one of these days they'll finally come out with a 5w-20. I know Amsoil's 5w-20 has been out for a couple years, but nobody sells it around here.

 

I have heard that Mobil 1 5w-20 will be available this spring.

MikeyB

 

I have the same problem, I ordered a case of 5W-20 via the Amsoil website.....
had it within a couple of days.

Rex

 

I just had my first oil change at the dealer and assumed they would use the correct weight of oil, but they used 5w-30. I know that 5w-20 is recommended, but I've been having some jerking going on when giving power or powering down to cruise on the freeway since the oil change, and wondering if the difference is the heavier oil? Any suggestions...should I make sure they use the correct oil, or is it a moot point from 20 to 30? I don't want to make a big deal at the dealership if it really doesn't matter like they seem to be implying their.
Any suggestions are much appreciated.

 

It is a big deal and the dealer should know better. If you took your Magnum to a Dodge dealer and he put 5W-30 in it you need to raise hell, DCX has made it very clear to every single dealer how important it is to use 5W-20. I would go back and not only make them redo it but ask for the service manager and ask what kind crew he has that they don't know the most basic things like what kind of oil to use in cars they sell. Shops like this give us all bad names. [/off soap box]