5w50 synthetic instead of 5w20

The technical manual for Honda Element recommends to use 5w20 oil
engine.
I would try to use 5w50 Castrol synthetic engine oil. Is that OK to
substitute 5w20?

Thanks,
Chris

 

I think you might only notice a difference in very cold weather. The
5W20 might allow the engine to crank faster...

Professor
www.telstar-electronics.com
Got LEDs?

 

Why would that be since they are both 5W oils??

There has been a ton of debate on the 5W20 v 5W30 at
http://www.bobistheoilguy.com

 

Do you already have the oil? If so, use it. If not, I'd stick with 5w-30
year round or 10w-30 for the warmer months and 5w-30 for the colder months.
I know the concensus is pretty good regarding the 20 weight oils but I'll
stick with the other grades if not for better availability and value, for
better long term protection.

 

Well, I'm confused...

The original poster said 5W-Fifty, everyone else is talking about
5W-Thirty.

Fifty is an invitation to damage and a warranty denial IMO.

 

I would never pick the fifty weight for a honda unless it was on its last
leg and burned a quart a week. But I probably also wouldn't waste it if I
came upon it somehow, especially now in the summer. Viscosity at operating
temperature is not that far apart.

 

My error on that.

So, getting back to the original point, I would not put 5W50 in a
Honda -- only 5W20 or 5W30.

 

um... no. 5w30 is the furthest id feel safe going.