Uh-oh, found some SAE50 in my garage

[megerian]

I have been using Valvoline VR-1 for several years in my '88 911.

I try to pick some up when they are on sale, and generally keep several quarts on hand since my engine does consume oil and I have to add some every 500-1000 miles.

I always buy 20W-50 but today I noticed 2 quarts in my garage that are SAE50. I am not sure if they were on the same shelf together at the store, or if I just forgot to check, so now I am not sure if I have used any in the past.

Simple question: since I only drive the car in the summer - is it a problem if I used some SAE50 oil? What can actually happen? Am I doing harm in any way?

[Jesse16]

I'd say put it in. A single quart is less than 10% of a fill (math wiz here). I've topped up with some pretty cheap store brand FLAPs oil when nearing an oil change and deciding to keep her full before a dump, only seems logical. It still mostly goes out the tail pipe.

[964TargaC2]

probably not an issue if added to 20/50 but might cause problem if used straight unless its about 90 degrees out..

[megerian]

So what is the target audience for straight SAE50 oil anyway? Just people that live in Florida? They're selling it here in Minnesota :-)

[Lyle O]

Not a big deal. In fact, you would be surprise what 10W40 looks like at -20 anyhow (thicker than molasses). Hot weather performance is more important, as the oil heats up pretty quickly.

[turbo owner]

Originally Posted by megerian

So what is the target audience for straight SAE50 oil anyway? Just people that live in Florida? They're selling it here in Minnesota :-)

Race cars

[Porchdog]

I used to buy 60 weight for an old Datsun pickup. I could get a couple hundred miles on a quart!