Incorrect oil???

[Eddie Horn]

So I have a 2009 Genesis sedan with the 3.8liter engine with only 40,000 miles on it and the other morning I started it up on a cold morning and heard a lot of valve clatter sounds that I have never heard before. I immediately shut the car off and proceeded to check my oil since I had just got an oil change maybe 2 weeks ago. My oil level was fine not a drop gone.When I put the oil cap back on I noticed it says 5w-20 on it and immediately checked the oil on my paper work and it said 10-30 on it. So I called the company that did the oil change to ask them what was the recommended oil and they said computer showed 10-30 .....So afterwards I called up Hyundai and asked them what was the manufacturers recommendation and they said 5w-20.So I asked what would happen if they used 10-30 in it and they said it would wear out my variable valve timing and cause it to go bad.They said 10w-30 isn't recommended at all and not to put it in. It must be 5-20.
What are your thoughts and has this happened to you?
Who should I contact.
Do you have any references about the vvt and what oil must go in.

 

[Fredder]

For maximum protection I switched to full synthetic 5w20

The little difference in price is well worth it, synthetic flows faster and lubricates better.

Also, always only genuine Hyundai oil filters.

It's worth it to protect your investment.

It costs more but I always take it back to the dealer.

 

[wallymn]

Drain and replace. Cold weather with heavy oil is a bad combo

 

[homeofstone]

use 5w30 or 5w20 oi, l always use oem filters. How many miles on your car? You do know that the 2009 3.8 v6 engine has solid lifters and the adjustment on the lifters should be checked and adjusted as necessary every 60,000 miles.

 

[Mark_888]

10W-30 is not going to cause the problem you described, even though 5W-20 or 5W-30 is preferred for that engine. Most likely they didn't use the Hyundai OEM oil filter, or may have used the wrong OEM or aftermarket one, which could have caused the problem. If you take your car to someone other than a Hyundai dealer to do an oil change, make sure you bring an OEM oil filter (from dealer parts dept) with you. The oil change shop will usually give you a $1 credit for bringing your own filter, which is about what the filter they used is worth.

Good news is that the oil filter is facing up, on the top of the engine bay (take off the engine cover), and can be easily replaced without changing the oil (but you will probably have to add a little more oil to the crankcase).

I don't know why you didn't mention the name of the company that changed your oil? I would never take a Genesis to a large chain like Jiffy Lube, etc. If it is not the dealer, then only use an owner-operated oil change shop, not a large chain that employs high school kids. I personally change my own oil and would highly recommend synthetic oil for the Genesis (or just about any other car).

 

[Eddie Horn]

After speaking with more Mechanics...they do say that it can cause issues with the VVT. I have also called local places about oil changes and all of them say 10w-30.
This could be a huge mistake...in my opinion.

 

[Mark_888]

After speaking with more Mechanics...they do say that it can cause issues with the VVT. I have also called local places about oil changes and all of them say 10w-30.
This could be a huge mistake...in my opinion.

1. What is "it"?
2. Say 10W-30 for what? Depends partly on where you live (how cold it gets).

 

[dougmcp]

I agree with Mark_888 and think the oil is not in question. My guess is that the hydraulic timing chain tensioner lost it's prime and ended in the resulting valve train clatter.
Oil is constantly evolving as are the opinions of Hyundai and dealer service departments. Personally I would be using a synthetic 5W-30 oil but anything in that range is acceptable.
Here is a print of my 2013 Owner's Manual showing dino oil in both 10W-30 and 5W-30 designations.

 

[kn5owa]

10W-30 is not going to cause the problem you described, even though 5W-20 or 5W-30 is preferred for that engine. Most likely they didn't use the Hyundai OEM oil filter, or may have used the wrong OEM or aftermarket one, which could have caused the problem

Amen: I can't imagine 10W-30 doing engine damage - although I considered it more appropriate for lawnmowers.

And the Hyundai warnings & TSB's about not using OEM filters go back a decade.

http://www.revbase.com/BBBMotor/TSb/DownloadPdf?id=176302