I'm wondering if some of you could give me some advice on the use of this oil in far sub-zero (F) temperatures. I drive a 2000 VW New Beetle TDI with a 1.9L ALH engine. The manual calls for CF4 or CG4. This stuff is CI-4 Plus, CI-4, CH-4, CG-4, CF/SL. So good right? And the manual says that for "energy-conserving multigrade oils" 5W-40 is good for all temperatures. And for "regular multigrade oils" 5W-40 is good at less than 60 deg F.
[Now nobody at any oil retailer including the local VW dealer can tell me what the difference is between "energy-conserving multigrade oils" and "regular multigrade oils". They also can't seem to find any "energy-conserving multigrade oils" that are approved for diesel engines, even though its mentioned as the preferred oil in the manual (because its approved for all temps).]
But my real issue is that I bought this stuff hoping it would be good at least for the winter. And now my car won't start below 0 deg F. (Cranks far too slowly to fire) The fuel is #1 (plus I used an additive in case the station lied). The battery is rated at 690 CCA (cold cranking amps), and while there is a 730 CCA battery on the market, I doubt that little extra would make a huge difference at -30 deg F. Also the battery has been load tested and passed.
So I'm thinking this oil is too thick. Am I wrong? Has anyone else had experience with this oil at far sub-zero temps? Thanks for any advice!
...by the way, I know a block heater would be good, but where I park for 12 hr shifts at work I don't have access to a plug. And the dealer swore these things start great in the winter!
[Now nobody at any oil retailer including the local VW dealer can tell me what the difference is between "energy-conserving multigrade oils" and "regular multigrade oils". They also can't seem to find any "energy-conserving multigrade oils" that are approved for diesel engines, even though its mentioned as the preferred oil in the manual (because its approved for all temps).]
But my real issue is that I bought this stuff hoping it would be good at least for the winter. And now my car won't start below 0 deg F. (Cranks far too slowly to fire) The fuel is #1 (plus I used an additive in case the station lied). The battery is rated at 690 CCA (cold cranking amps), and while there is a 730 CCA battery on the market, I doubt that little extra would make a huge difference at -30 deg F. Also the battery has been load tested and passed.
So I'm thinking this oil is too thick. Am I wrong? Has anyone else had experience with this oil at far sub-zero temps? Thanks for any advice!
...by the way, I know a block heater would be good, but where I park for 12 hr shifts at work I don't have access to a plug. And the dealer swore these things start great in the winter!