[V8] Causes of Bad MPG?

[quattro + 5 or 8 = fun]

although the 30 weight hi temp viscosity is essentially the same as the
multi-weights, it has been proven that multi weights ultimate do not hold up
as well under heat as straight weights do.  the modifiers that alter the
cold flow abilities of an oil, tend to break down over time.  from what i
have read, the bigger the number spread, the less stabile an oil is at high
temps.  as i understand it, this is why you usually don't find a 0w40 in a
dino oil.  the dino properties just don't take to the modifiers all that
well.  However a PAO's (group 4 and 5) synthetic tends to remain much more
staibile from the get go because of their basic properties...which group 3
and dino juice does not possess.  like someone said earlier, they were
concerned about using 5w30 oil in their ford in the summer, i too had the
same fear.  after considerable research, i came to the conclusion that newer
alloys used in engines don't need such thick oils to protect the contact
surfaces.  ultimately, they withstand much better then the older metals did.
a natural result of using thinner oils in these engines is better economy.
i personally use Redline in all my german cars.  including my 12 quart
mercedes.  at 7 bucks a quart, it aint cheap.  but after pulling apart the
engine on my 4000 and 200 to build up the heads, i am glad i have been.
they both looked and mic'ed to almost new tolerances.  that is with 300K on
the 4000 and over 200K on the 20V 200.

lubrication (FOR CARS PEOPLE!!) is a challenging subject.  but, kinda fun to
learn more about.  read more here:

http://bobistheoilguy.com/


Shayne


PARTING:  1972 Mercedes Benz 280 SE 4.5
PARTING:  1986 Audi 4000 CS quattro


> From: Scott Simmons <indischrot at gmail.com>
> Date: Wed, 10 Jan 2007 18:02:30 -0600
> To: <dsaad at icehouse.net>
> Cc: <v8 at audifans.com>
> Subject: Re: [V8] Causes of Bad MPG?
> 
> A 5W30 weight oil will have the same thickness in the summer as a 10W30,
> a straight 30, or a 0W30.  They all have the same viscosity at high
> temperatures.  The difference is that a 5W30 will be thinner at colder
> temperatures than a 10W30, but thicker than a 0W30.
> 
> This is why I recommend 0W40.  It has the incredible thinness of a 0
> weight oil when the car is first started (winter or summer) which allows
> for quicker oil pickup to those bearings during the first revolutions as
> well as less of a battery draw.  Ever notice how the engine hates to
> turn on cold mornings?  Thin the oil and the engine will respond
> faster.  It also will hold up like any 10W40 or 15W40 at high
> temperatures.  I've never needed anything thicker than 40 weight (except
> in a 904...) even in triple digits.  For Arizona-esque climates, a 5W50
> by Castrol would be a good choice, as those areas might require the 50
> weight in the summer.
> 
> While poor oil viscosity choice can cause bad gas mileage, I don't think
> it would be to the extent that is the case (that started this thread).
> 
> ~Scott Simmons
> 
> dsaad at icehouse.net wrote:
> 
>> As long as you are in the warmer part of the state, I don't see much problem.
>> I have run Delo 400 15W40 in every car I ever owned and year 'round. It has
>> been
>> a problem only a few times in the below zero weather, but that does not
>> happen
>> too often now-a-days - what with the global warming and all :-)
>> 
>> I do have a case of 5W30 oil for my next change though. It is the recommended
>> oil for the Explorer, and I figured I would try it in the V8 just for fun.
>> As luck would have it, we are scheduled for a cold snap starting tonight -
>> and
>> tonight is when I plan to change it. Should be fun. They are predicting hi
>> teens
>> temps with wind chill at -20 in the high country.
>> I would have a hard time using the 5W30 in the summer though. It just seems
>> too
>> light - even though Ford says it is fine. I have never had a oil related
>> failure
>> in any motor.
>> (and that includes the time I tore a hole in my Jeep oil pan while fighting a
>> giant sagebrush)
>> 
>> 
>> Dave
>> 
>>  
>> 
> _______________________________________________
> Audifans V8 mailing list
> Send posts to: mailto:V8 at audifans.com
> Manage your list connection: http://www.audifans.com/mailman/listinfo/v8
> Have an Audi V8 question?  Check the Audifans Knowledgebase!
> http://www.audifans.com/twiki/bin/view/Audi/V8
> Have a V8 answer? ... Please help others by adding to the KB ... all
> contributions welcome!