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Acura 3.7L oil experiment UPDATE

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Can't seem to find my original post, but for those who were following it, here is an update.

The following are my own experiences with my 2012 TL SH AWD.

To review:

This has the 3.7 L engine which is known for oil consumption issues.
For the first 49K I have used all manner of 5W-20 (the authorized NA spec) synthetic oil (Mobil 1, Redline, Pennzoil Platinum and Ultra). Oil use has been 1 QT per 4K miles increasing to 1 QT per 2K miles. The dealer and Acura did an oil consumption test and deemed my car normal.

Changed the PCV valve and that reduced the oil consumption back to 1 QT per 4K (a story for another thread)

In researching this 3.7L engine, I noted that in the UK, Germany, Scandinavia and Australia the recommended viscosity is 0W-30 and 0W-40! I decided to do my own experiment and use 0W-40 Castrol Edge (German manufacture) and see what happened to oil consumption. I know it is still under warranty, etc so no chastisement, please.

So far, it is using oil at a rate of 1 QT per 8K miles!. Still early in the experiment so no conclusions yet. No changes in engine noise. This engine seems to run smooth and quiet on all oils. Remarkably, no change in fuel economy. Maybe the lower viscosity at start up makes up for the higher viscosity when warm.


I now have 3K miles on this oil change. Engine runs perfectly smooth and quiet. Oil consumption does not appear linear. The oil level is a little below the 1/2 way mark. I am estimating the end result will be closer to 1 QT per 5K miles. Big improvement over the start point but not as great as I was hoping. Will keep you updated at 4K. Stay tuned.

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