Engine - Oil Viscosity Recommendation

Models: All Models
Section: General Information
Classification: GI92-006
Bulletin No.: NTB92-124
Date: December 22, 1992

1993 ENGINE OIL VISCOSITY RECOMMENDATION

APPLIED MODELS: All

SERVICE INFORMATION

The recommended oil for all 1993 Nissan vehicles (except 300ZX), is an API "SG" rating, SAE 5W-30 for all ambient temperatures. 300ZX should use 10W-30 if ambient temperature is above -(18 ~C) 0 ~F for all seasons.

There are three oil characteristics which must be considered when selecting the correct engine oil. They are API rating, viscosity, and frictional characteristics. It is essential that the correct API rating and viscosity oil is chosen to ensure satisfactory life and performance of the engine. It is further recommended on gasoline engines that a low friction oil (energy conserving oil) be selected in order to improve fuel economy and conserve energy.

API RATING

The quality of the engine oil is shown on the container in accordance with API (American Petroleum Institute) designations of quality.

Only energy conserving oils of API "SG" should be used. These oils may have single or combined designators (i.e., "SG", "SG/CC" or "SG/CD").

OIL VISCOSITY





The engine oil viscosity (or thickness) changes with temperature. Because of this, it is important that the engine oil viscosity be selected based on the temperatures within which the vehicle will be operated before the next oil change. The chart "Recommended SAE viscosity number" shows the recommended oil viscosities for the expected ambient temperatures. Choosing an oil viscosity other than that recommended could cause serious engine damage.

If an oil with a viscosity higher than 5W-30 is used during the summer months it should be changed to 5W-30 during the winter months provided that the temperature drops below 50 degrees ~F. For turbocharged engines, 5W-30 should only be used under extremely cold conditions, below - 18~C (0~F).

ENERGY CONSERVING OILS
In order to improve fuel economy and conserve energy, new lower friction engine oils have been developed. These oils are readily available and can be identified by such labels as "EC-I", and "EC-II", energy conserving, energy saving, improved fuel economy, etc.

Failure to use the proper type of engine oil can result in loss of fuel economy and horsepower, as well as driveability problems such as rough idle, low idle speed and stalling.

Damage to engines caused by improper maintenance or use of incorrect oil and filter quality and/or viscosity is not covered by the new Nissan vehicle warranties.

Nissan does not recommend the use of any oil additives.