2007-12-24 15:35:59 · 7 answers · asked by clint e 2 in Cars & Transportation ➔ Maintenance & Repairs
I am stationed in Fort Wainwright, AK where in the winter temps are often times lower than -30. My 2004 Nissan Frontier has a battery, engine block, oil pan and radiator heater.
2007-12-24 15:47:51 · update #1
I am stationed in Fort Wainwright, AK where in the winter temps are often times lower than -30. My 2004 Nissan Frontier has a battery, engine block, oil pan and radiator heater.
2007-12-24 15:49:25 · update #2
You live in a region (lattitude) where 5w30 was born. The oil will not freeze but it will become as thick as peanut butter at subzero temp's.
If you look into it you might be able to use some of the newest oils that are like 0w20 or 0w30. This is ideal for northern lattitudes. The main thing is that as temperatures consistently above 50F you can use any oil like 10w30 or 10w40 or 20w50 and so on. At temperatures consistently below 50F you need to use the 5w30 or the newer zero grades like 0w20.
If you keep it plugged in all of the time it's not running you will likely have no trouble. If you have to park it and leave it unplugged for several hours (more than four hours) then you will have to have a 5w30 or lighter in it or it may not crank at all. The oil pump uses a lot of energy when it's pumping cold oil and the oil bypasses the oil filter until it reaches operating temp's between 100-200F.
The big diesels with 10 gallons of 15w40 may not crank at all if the temp's are sub zero and there's no "plug in" heat source to keep the oil warm. Surprisingly, coolant/antifreeze gets as thick as syrup/molasses when it is cold as well and it creates a significant power drain on the water pump until it warms up.
You can drive the vehicle right away if it had been plugged in. If it's stone cold and it cranks and fires I'd wait about 3 to 5 minutes for it to warm up. This gives the cylinder heads time to warm up before you stomp on the gas This will give the coolant time to warm up to well over 100 degrees in the heads.
This is all directed at preventing a head gasket failure and keep the coolant out of the cylinders on a stone cold subzero engine.
Good Luck!
2007-12-24 16:11:30 · answer #1 · answered by CactiJoe 7 · 3⤊ 0⤋
This Site Might Help You.
RE:
At what temp does 10W30 engine oil freeze and how long should I let my truck run prior to driving?
2015-08-20 13:39:57 · answer #2 · answered by Flora 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Motor Oil Freezing Point
2016-12-29 15:40:38 · answer #3 · answered by ? 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Oil will not freeze unless it has water in it. There are plenty of engine oils on the market, You will have to decide which is best for your location. Your owners nanual can help. Put a quart of oil in your freezer and see what happens. Oil when cold is thick, let it idle for 5 minutes or 10 minutes until it gets up to operating temperature and get to getting.
2007-12-25 03:36:49 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
The pour point of 10-30 mineral based motor oil is -30F, the pour point is a temperature below which the oil will not flow. The pour point varies little between manufacturers. 5W-30 pour point is -35F. Synthetic 5W-30 is at -51F. Ideally at the temperatures you are encountering I would use a synthetic oil or at least a 5W-30 oil. With a block heater you will be able to offset the temperature somewhat and your truck will start. Remember the block heater heats the coolant, the oil sits in the pan which is by large unaffected by the block heater, so I would let the truck idle for 5 minutes or so to establish full oil circulation before driving off.
2007-12-24 16:39:01 · answer #5 · answered by cimra 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
The freezing point would vary depending on the brand of oil. But not to worry, your engine oil will not freeze. Engine oil is blended with cold flow modifiers that keep the oil from waxing.
You gave me no info on your truck or engine, but there is really only a couple of sec warm up time needed. If the engine is not ticking put it in gear and go.
MERRY CHRISTMAS!
2007-12-24 15:44:25 · answer #6 · answered by imbustass 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Cold enough that you do not have to worry about it.
Start moving very easy as soon as the engine will run without stalling. Go very gently. You need to warm up other systems in addition to the engine, like the transmission, power steering, brakes, wheel bearings, differential, etc. Do not exceed 2000 rpm until your up to normal operating temperature - or the heater blows air too hot to be at max temp if you do not have a temp guage.
2007-12-24 15:42:37 · answer #7 · answered by Nigel M 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Don't listen to these guys, you should let your
engine warm for a few minutes to get everything circulating, even the trans fluid, before driving it at that temp.
They are passing on some new "internet" wisdom. NO REASON ON EARTH to start the motor and start driving right away.
2007-12-24 16:00:55 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 2⤊ 0⤋