I have a 2016 Kia Sportage LX that Kia did a replacement motor on , the dealership tells me there is a TSB to use 5W 30 synthetic oil but they did not change the new oil cap to 5W 30. It still says 5W 20. Is this correct that I need the 5W30 oil and will 5W20 oil hurt the new motor. If so where do I get a new cap for the replacement motor? I just had the oil changed and they use 5W20 synthetic.
This is a very important question, and it's a topic that has caused a lot of confusion and concern for Kia and Hyundai owners who have had their engines replaced. The dealership is giving you correct and critical information that you should follow. Here's a breakdown of what's happening:
- The engine replacement is not a standard, factory-new engine. It's an updated design that Kia and Hyundai developed to address the known issues with the original engine, such as excessive oil consumption and engine failure.
- With this new, revised engine, Kia issued a Technical Service Bulletin (TSB) that specifies the use of a thicker oil viscosity, 5W-30 synthetic, instead of the 5W-20 that the original engine used. This thicker oil provides better lubrication and protection, which helps prevent the issues the original engine experienced.
- The oil cap on the new engine is still the old one from your vehicle, which is why it says 5W-20. The technicians are supposed to change the oil cap as part of the engine replacement procedure to reflect the new oil requirement. It sounds like they simply forgot to do that.
So, to answer your questions directly:
- Is this correct that I need the 5W-30 oil? Yes, you need the 5W-30 synthetic oil for the replacement engine. Using the new, thicker oil is a key part of the engine's long-term health and the terms of your warranty on the new motor.
- Will 5W-20 oil hurt the new motor? The 5W-20 oil will not cause immediate, catastrophic damage, but it is not providing the optimal protection for the updated engine. Over time, it could contribute to premature wear and potentially lead to a future engine problem.
- Where do I get a new cap for the replacement motor? You should contact the dealership and ask them to provide and install the correct 5W-30 oil cap at no charge. Since the new oil cap is part of the TSB for the engine replacement, they should provide it to you for free.
My advice is to return to the dealership and have them replace the oil with the correct 5W-30 synthetic and install the correct oil cap, all at their expense. You are doing the right thing by questioning this. It's a small detail, but a very important one for your new engine's longevity.
