What engine oil weight should be used in a 1997 ram with 5.2 liter engine?

Answer 1

I think the manufacturer calls for 5w30 but you can also use 10w30. By the way the w doesn't stand for weight. It stands for 'winter' . In the old days oil came in 30, 40, 50 and so on. The problem was that in winter significant engine damage could occur because the oil was so thick it wouldn't pump well until the engine warmd up. So, the oil manufactures came up with winter blends like 10w40 so the thinner blend would pump until the engine warmed up casuing it to thicken. It does it with fibers in the additive package. Kind of like cooking spagetti. When you first throw it in the spagetti is a hard stick but as it absorbs the water it gets pliable and thicker. If you weigh a can of 30 and a can of 10w30 they will weigh about the same.