Extreme Cold

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mikemc

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Feb 15, 2003
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I wouldn't use anything but 0w30 in your climate. Brrrrrr
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Cool...I guess I'll give it a go next time. Should be getting cold by then.

I already bought smurf oil to put in the transmission/differentials, too
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My car started with dino 5w30 in -20F -60F windchill. You might be OK with synthetic 5w30, but something like GC might be a better bet.

You should really have a block heater, and not start your car when it's that cold.

-T
 
quote:
Originally posted by JonS:
I was using Mobil 1 5w30 in MN at -25f and i was not impressed. It seemed no different than plain old 5w30 dino oil. I even wonder if it is a true synthetic? This winter i will use 0w-30 Mobil 1.
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Odd, my wife's car started much better then mine when she was running 5w30 M1. Remember though, the starter and battery matter just as much as the oil when startup is conserned.

-T
 
I think AMSOIL is a little on the thick side of things. Maybe GC or M1 are better choice. Then again it all depends on the car. My VW doesnt mind 10W40 in -40C !!
 
45Logic: I don't think you're being truthful about living at the North Pole. Only Santa lives at the North Pole. I know this for a FACT.

Amsoil 2000 0w-30
-Pour Point: -54C
-Visc @ 40C: 56.9
Amsoil 3000 5w30
-Pour Point: -51C
-Visc @ 40C: 63.8

Mobil 1 0w-30
-Pour Point: -54C
-Visc @ 40C: 56
Mobil 1 5w30
-Pour Point: -45C
-Visc @ 40C: 56

Union 76 Synthetic HD Arctic 0w-30 Motor Oil (API SJ) is described as "a heavy-duty engine oil specifically designed for use in over-the-road diesel trucks and off-highway diesel equipment operating in arctic climates. It also is recommended for gasoline engines and
mobile hydraulic systems operating at very low ambient temperatures." Its Pour Point is -45C. This anecdotally suggests to me that any API-SL spec'd oil with a PP of -45C or colder would certainly qualify as an appropriate "arctic" oil.

On the other hand, Pennzoil Multigrade 5w30 is typical of dino oils, with a Borderline Pumping Temp (min. feasible oil use temp) of -35C/-31F. By definition, and as you probably know, dino wouldn't cut it where you live! But here in So. Cal., I wouldn't give up my cheap bast*rd 50 cent Citgo if my life depended on it!
 
BTW -
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The series 2000 0w-30 sounds like it would be the best for you. GC would be good too, but we have trouble finding here in the lower 49, I can't imagine trying to find it up there.

How does your WRX handle the climate up there? Do you have a block heater? That may be your bestr investment.
 
quote:
Please tell me you're joking?
It's a Subaru Imprezra WRX, not a snow thrower! LOL
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No, not realy. I had no idea what WRX was. I personally would never buy that make.

btw-Is that a car made in North America?

I don't suppose you have a white beard and only leave home once a year by any chance.
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I take a C6 for xmas
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your kidding right, the wrx was car of the year in a few magazines for the past couple years.

Anyway, I live in florida compared to where you live.

I live in buffalo, ny.

We usually don't get into the negative farenheits too much around here, but I run 0w30 german castrol with excellent results.

I ran 5w30 mobil1 last winter with good results also.

I had a beater volkswagen GL that I was running 10w30 in with good start results also.

I would stick with 0w30 synthetic anything for the north pole though.

And I thought that living in buffalo was the pits in the winter.
 
quote:
Originally posted by 45Logic:
(portion snipped)Right now I'm using Series 3000 5w30 HDD in my WRX .....
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And to think...I agonized over switching from 5w-X to a 0w-X for my wimpy, north jersey winters.
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Gawd, that is c-c-c-c-cold! Yes, I would make the move to a 0w-x synthetic.
 
"It's fricking cold in here Mr. Bigglesworth"

I agree the 0W30 is the best choice for you although it should not make that much difference if the block heater is working properly.

Don
 
quote:
Originally posted by JonS:
I was using Mobil 1 5w30 in MN at -25f and i was not impressed. It seemed no different than plain old 5w30 dino oil. I even wonder if it is a true synthetic? This winter i will use 0w-30 Mobil 1.
Click to expand...
I use Mobil 1 5w30 in my vehicles and they start just like it is summer year round. Maybe you need a new battery. Anyway a 0w30 probably won't be much different than a 5w30, but why not get all the help you can?
 
I would be using a Synthetic 0W-20 such as Mobil-1's. Of the two oils you mentioned, 0W-30 would be my choice.

At those temperatures the oil sump is going to stay relatively cool, even with a "hot" engine.

John
 
With a block heater and an oil pan heater I would worry more about battery condition than what oil was in the crankcase. A full synthetic 0w30 or 5w30 will do fine.

I would be sure to carry some jumper cables made from "00" welding cable and 400 amp clamps - just to help out someone with a problem.
 
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