How fast does engine oil flow after cold start?

[Nickrichard999]

Video:

I was wondering how fast engine oils move even in colder weather. Is it true that even 10w30 oil flows like the one in the video I have linked above? And what would this compare to a car with 5w40 oil.

Basically what I’m trying to get at is, as long the ambient temperature is within the oils range, it should flow somewhat like the video right?

How long should I wait before driving off.

 

[MolaKule]

Basically what I’m trying to get at is, as long the ambient temperature is within the oils range, it should flow somewhat like the video right?

How long should I wait before driving off.

I dunno. What's the engine, what is the viscosity grade, and what is the temperature at time of video?

 

[Nickrichard999]

In general. I have no clue about the videos information either. Some people have suggested that the oil may be a 5w30 or 10w40.

 

[eljefino]

Pretty much. I started my SOHC saturn with the valve cover off, and everything around it wrapped in aluminum foil, and the oil was spraying instantly.

 

[factorytuned2012]

The average person often thinks their situation is more severe than what lab testing actually does.

 

[BMWTurboDzl]

Depends on the ambient temps and winter rating.

 

[Cujet]

The average person often thinks their situation is more severe than what lab testing actually does.

It could be. Clearly the rash of timing chain failures we've seen recently point to inadequacies.

Back to the OP's question, in extreme cold conditions, it may take a while for oil pressure to show. There were some very interesting cold start videos on YouTube. Yet it seemed the engine lived a normal lifespan. Maybe when it is so cold, sufficient oil remains on critical parts, preventing any damage.

For the rest of us that use modern oils and good filters and drive regularly, the oil flow is pretty much instant. As the oil passageways and oil pump remain full after shutdown due to the anti-drainback valve.

 

[Nickrichard999]

Pretty much. I started my SOHC saturn with the valve cover off, and everything around it wrapped in aluminum foil, and the oil was spraying instantly.

Which type of oil do you Saturn use?

 

[Nickrichard999]

Depends on the ambient temps and winter rating.

For example 0w20?

 

[goingplacesanddoingstuff]

Viscosity grade has only a loose correlation with cold start performance. For example, HPL P+ or Amsoil SS 5w-30 will perform better than some 0w-20s.

 

[LordNilesStandish]

Assuming the oil is not too cold to flow, for a fixed volume pump the oil will pump the same speed through the engine independent of viscosity or temperature because liquids are incompressible. However the energy required to pump the oil will vary.
Variable displacement pumps I don't know, probably depends on the pump design.

 

[BMWTurboDzl]

For example 0w20?

Oil will move as fast as the pump can pump it. The only difference is in the amount of effort to turn the crank and move that oil as well as the speed at which oil flows into the pickup tube. The tests below are used to determine the winter eating of an oil. You can research them.

ATSM D5293
ATSM D4684

At 0C an 0w20 will require less effort (HP and by extension fuel burned) to pump compared to a 5w40.

 

[facility1]

probably look at the CCS test results for that particular oil and the MRV test, the pour point is only part of the equation, . in how fast a oil is picked up and circulated, and the API approved viscosity for the engine and outside air operating temperature.