[Vwdiesel] Oil question

[James Hansen]

>

  So what are you supposed to use when it's -30F?  ;-)  ATF?  ;-D
     Loren
___
So that would be like my electronic thermometer with a wireless outdoor
sensor.  Apparently all life ends at -30, 'cause that's as low as it goes.

I sort of live in winter too.
0-40 synthetic blend Rotella T should be going in any week now.  I still
haven't used up the 15-40 T that's in there now, so it's fine until it gets
cold.  It's -5 to -10C in the mornings now, but +12 or so in the day. Starts
are not an issue, no plugging in etc...
I change oil twice a year.  Once in spring, once when winter comes.  When it
gets cold, I tie the cars up at night.  If it's going to be -20 or more,
then for sure plug the things in, but starts are fine to -25C.

 Doyt's right.  If it won't start at freezing, there's something very wrong.
COuld be cranking speed, glow plugs, injectors, timing, compression....

When it gets cold, -40ish, you could use a battery warmer- a electric
blankie for the battery... keeps the electrolyte temps near room temp, and
starts are better.  The power used is not significant. A single block
heater, the correct oil, the proper state of tune, and it will start, the
first time.  with a battery warmer, you get more than one try.  Trick is to
let it crank until it is running.  Not firing mind you, but running.
This taking oil out, taking battery out, chestnuts roasting by the open fire
stuff went out with model T's. Use the right oil and a good battery.  My
stuff has AGM batteries optima, Orbits, etc.  They start bettter in the
cold.
How do you know which oil?  look up the data sheet for your manufacturer's
oil and see what the hot and cold pour point is. Take ten degrees off that
to be on the safe side of spun bearings, and that is your oil to be using as
long as the hot viscosity is good enough for the maximum temp..  The numbers
10W40 and all don't mean as much as the data on pour point etc. And don't go
by bentley- they don't make the oil.. that's a recommendation on range, but
there is a great difference between manufacturers..  I know that you could
run Chris's Amsoil synth 15-40 year round with no trouble, but off brand
grocery store dino 15-40 would be a different matter entirely.  Pumps don't
like solids, and I have seen winter oil you can cut with a knife into cubes
at -40.
 I have shaken a four litre jug of 0-40 semi synth at -45 too, and it still
sloshes around like it was summer. That's the stuff to be using when it's
cold.  Like COLD, not just cold. Can't get a data sheet, and screwie mart
can't supply one? Then you're buying oil from the wrong guys. Besides, I
have yet to run across an instance where cheap equalled quality.

I use 15-40 in the semi and straight grade 30 in the grader and loader
(detroit diesels) summer and winter.  They have pan heaters to soften the
stuff up in the cold- a few hours of pan heat, and it's all good. No pan
heat, it takes a looooong time to get oil pressure. up to a minute until the
gauge moves.  The cars get the good stuff, as they have to start whenever,
and get to sit in parking lots and such for most of a day at times whatever
the temp may be. Pan heaters suck to use all the time- hard on the power
bill, and equally as hard on oil- to hot in spots.

-James
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