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CHOOSING THE RIGHT VISCOSITY

Viscosity is the most important property of a lubricant. Using too high of a viscosity oil can result in excessive oil temperature and increased drag. Using too low of a viscosity oil can lead to excessive metal-to metal- contact of moving parts. Using the correct viscosity oil reduces friction and wear. However, viscosity changes with temperature. Oil gets thinner as it gets hotter, and the colder the oil gets, the thicker it is.

To select the correct viscosity for an application you need to know the operating temperature of the oil. Engines that run high operating oil temperatures require higher viscosity oil. Engines that run low oil temps require lower viscosity oil.

Along with temp, it is important to keep bearing clearances in mind. Looser clearances in the engine require higher viscosity oil to maintain oil pressure. Tighter clearances need lower viscosity oil, which provides better cooling and improved horsepower. The following page presents a chart that shows which viscosity oil is recommended for different combinations of bearing clearance and oil temperature.

FOR QUESTIONS, OR HELP CHOOSING THE RIGHT OIL 
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