Recent content by KlooksKleek

Fun topic! Mine was not very remarkable, but my first new car was a 1978 VW Rabbit and I really wanted a Scirocco. Alas, it was $900 more and I simply didn't have the extra money.

"My Kia takes a good amount of time for the temp sensor to start moving, while my MB shows an increase within the first 2 mins or less." You can't compare the temp gauge of one maker vs. the temp gauge of another maker, UNLESS both gauges are marked with concrete values such as 120, 180, etc...

I'm in the camp of a brief warmup, then gentle driving for a short while. Assuming no frost or snow needs to be cleared, do this: on a 10F day, start up your car. After two minutes, pop the hood and withdraw the oil dipstick. It will be warm to the touch----not hot, not burning, but warm, which...

Yes they are a different animal than newer diesels. That said, what was the condition of the battery? What were the starting parameters? How does the owner run the glow plugs (they stay on longer than the light and you can hear the relay click off, you can also glow multiple times)? The 81 model...

Originally Posted By: Astro14 When I had a 1981 240D in Colorado, I added the factory block heater. It installed in the water jacket by removing a factory plug. Huge difference I starting when the temperature dropped. Highly recommend it....along with a set of new glow plugs. The only...

Thank you to all. I've read and appreciated all responses. The dirty deed (literally!) is done. Rotella T6 is now in the engine and let's hope it will help at least a bit in terms of a cold start. We got it running today in 24F degree temps but the machine was not happy to do so. Seemed to...

Originally Posted By: HerrStig The thing is an agricultural implement. T6 in 5W 30 should be fine for cold weather. Guffaw! Indeed, that 240D engine is pretty tractor-like!

Thanks to all so far. In fact, Rotella T6 5W-40 is what I originally meant, even though I typed 30. I never knew a diesel-appropriate oil could be used in a non-diesel application, or why anyone would even want to do that. This Rotella T6 5W-40 is described as an "All-Vehicle" product. It...

Hi. A friend has relocated to suburban Chicago with his '81 240D, which is a non-turbo model. Would Rotella T6 5W-30 be a good choice for his occasional cold-weather starts? He intends to keep the car covered for most of the winter but does not want to be limited to only warm-weather drives. I...

I eagerly tried the original M1 in my then-new 1978 VW Rabbit but the oil pressure warning light would constantly flicker at idle after warm-up. Didn't know enough back then to do anything other than get the oil out. I then either went back to Pennzoil 10W-40....or maybe that's when I tried Arco...

Originally Posted By: BrocLuno Originally Posted By: KlooksKleek 1: The dealership oil changes are too expensive and they don't use synth oil. 2: I do NOT have a problem saving receipts, but if I purchase 0W as many here recommend, then the receipt will show that. The factory spec is 5W...

Hey, thanks to all for your time and information; those who I've directly replied to and those I have not. Everything is very much appreciated. My decision: Any 5W synthetic is gonna be perfectly fine for my application. No worries!

Originally Posted By: Neil_A Cold pour point of 5w30 EP is -40c; get this standard M1 5w30 is -42c. M1 5w20 is -43c with EP being -42c. Like already stated the coldest low in your area is -27f; so any of the above will protect just fine. Check the doc below...

Originally Posted By: fdcg27 Go to the M1 site, get the TDS sheets for the two oils and you'll have your answer. These are both 5W qualified oils and I doubt that either of them is the standout choice at the low end. It will rarely get cold enough where you live to matter though it does matter...

Originally Posted By: Pop_Rivit Just use what is recommended by the manufacturer. You'll never know the difference, and then you can find something worthwhile to obsess over. Yikes. I am hardly obsessing.