COLD... is my oil too thick?

[serenity]

The oil viscosity SHOULD be the same in all oils given the marking is same (0w50 for example) since the viscosity and it's measuring is defined in standard...

Not quite true, each company is slightly different. For instance Mobil Delvac 15w40 has a viscosity of 114 at 40*c and 15 at 100*c, whereas Fuchs Titan ultralube has a viscosity of 110 at 40*c and 14.4 at 100*c. In multi grade oils the second grade will affect the first as well which is why the Mobil 1 turbo diesel 0w40 is 75 at 40*c and 13.5 at 100*c, so at running temp when it should be the same as the other 2 it is actually different.

These viscosity levels are more important than the 15w40 written on the side of the drum.

 

[45Kevin]

Get a magnetic oil pan heater for the really cold nights.

I run 15w-40 all year round as well. I find the block heater is sufficient to get her going on really cold days.

Just checked partial jug I have in the shop.
I actually run 5W-40. It's Rotella T6.

 

[wrongway around]

Might want to edit your first post about using 15-40 all year round in Calgary ,quite a difference than 5-40. I find it interesting that some use thick oil in the winter without issues. I can remember my dad bitching about the bulk oil that Mohawk use to sell ,had to warm it up so he could pour it in the cold.

 

[vica153]

Also, your fuel could be gelling up.

It's likely a combination of all 3: thick oil, low battery output, and thick fuel.

 

[amaurer]

5w-40 synth is amazing. Problem solved... knock on wood.

 

[yotahed]

Im using Royal Purple 15w40 and have had no issues with startup down to -20. It's not a full synthetic but it's pour point is good to -30*C. The pressure doesnt spike up either. The battery does get a little sluggish when it's very cold, but it usually fires on the second revolution with a good hard glow.
You could go for a stick-on oil pan heater, theyre pretty cheap and would work well in conjunction with your block heater and a plug-in battery blanket..

Im gonna buy another battery to boost the starting power once I find/build a good tray...

 

[vica153]

When its -20~-30C outside. A -30C pour point doesn't sound good at all. Good synthetics are -40~-45C. A rare occasion depending on where you live, but it's just another reason to use a good oil all year.

At any temp under 20C, a conventional oil is going to be harder on your starter, harder on your oil pump, and take longer for oil to reach every part that needs it. The colder it gets, the greater the differences between conventional and synthetic.

Considering royal purple costs MORE than a good synthetic, it confuses me that anyone actually buys that stuff.

 

[yotahed]

Its actually cheaper than full synth at lordco here in bc...
And seeing as it allows double the mileage between changes, like a synth, I see no problem with it.

Sent with greasy fingers.

 

[wrongway around]

So anybody running 20-50 in minus 20, without a block heater ,pan heater ,battery blanket,dual batteries, or hand crank? Anything wrong with useiing straight 30 weight for the winter only.

 

[cuteo100]

Castrol 20w50 year-round.

 

[Speediet44]

Run 10w-30 year round up here, 475xxx and counting.
She starts easy if plugged in down to -32C (the coldest ive tried).

 

[Squash]

15w-40 nearly 300,000kms.
Mechanical gauge takes mere moments to display pressure, never ticked.
With fresh oil she runs 50psi on the highway, idles at 25psi
After 5000km she drops 5psi so I know it's time for fresh dino fluid.
Does not use a drop between changes.
We have seen many over -30 nights so she is plugged in when possible. The 24v starter kicks ass!

 

[Douglas S]

Sudbury is warm compared to Alberta/Manitoba/Sask and parts of B.C., there is zero reason to go with a 15w40 over a 5w40.

 

[CanCrusher]

So anybody running 20-50 in minus 20, without a block heater ,pan heater ,battery blanket,dual batteries, or hand crank? Anything wrong with useiing straight 30 weight for the winter only.

Take a jug of straight 30 oil out of cold storage and compare trying to pour it along side of any of the multi viscosity oils mentioned!

It was minus 25C here this AM and my 3B, 12 Volt 60 series with 10 year old batteries started without being plugged in. I run 0W-40 Mobil 1 in the winter and have done so for 20 years and 600K Kms. Normally the truck would be plugged in at temps like we had this morning but I got caught by an overnight weather change and needed it first thing this morning. One other consideration I consider to be critical is to make sure your battery cables are in good condition and well connected! Mine are fabricated out of welding cable with good quality cable clamps crimped and soldered on. HUGE DIFFERENCE!

BTW, I would bet that straight SAE 30, fossil based oil would not have even poured here this morning.