More cold start noise at 10F with 5w compared to 0w

[apollo18]

Started my J35 at -5 degrees today. My power steering pump groans at low temps, and there's certainly more noise from under the hood upon start-up in general at these temperatures.

I'm running 5W-30 Mobil 1 EP High Mileage right now, and I don't think the oil is the issue, I think it's that all of the pulleys/accessories need to warm up too (the oil coating inside of the bearings in the pulleys/idler for example) and also that every single piece of metal in or attached to the engine is at it's smallest size due to thermal contraction, leaving more space between all moving parts than usual, allowing more vibration/noise. That's my theory anyway.

awesome ty, i feel the same way and nice to hear an opinion of of a fellow j35er. neat to see another 5w-30 user in a cold ish weather

 

[apollo18]

VRP 5W-30 is fairly thick, with a high KV40 and a low viscosity index. Here's a chart comparing its kinematic viscosity with a higher-VI 0W-20 (Pennzoil Platinum). The VRP has around twice the viscosity. The difference is equivalent to 9°C / 16°F, which is pretty significant.

Technically, KV is not the most relevant viscosity metric at these temperatures. A CCS measurement at the actual temperature of the oil would be more relevant, but the point is that there could be a fairly large difference, especially since the VRP is thick at low temperatures for a 5W-30.

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thanks v much! i used to think of this methodology but i was told that this is incorrect as we have to factor pumpability and crankability and apparently at these temps the oil pump will pump/crank them both almost equal. this is why saw j300 is a spec etc?

when i used to think of oil as a projectfarm type of thinking, i would always be corrected.

do you have any insight on the above?

 

[daniel327]

It sounds like the dreaded VTEC cam gear rattle. Thicker oil, whether due to a different grade or colder environmental temperatures, will make it worse.

 

[ZeeOSix]

when i used to think of oil as a projectfarm type of thinking, i would always be corrected.

Project Fram "cold oil races" doesn't always represent CCS (cranking) and MRV (pumpability) behavior. If people want to determine the best very cold start-up W rated oil, they need to compare the actual CCS and MRV dynamic viscosity (cP units) specs for each oil.

 

[facility1]

well said ZeeOSix,,this factor of testing MRV and CCS is more important for cold weather performance of the oil , pour point is only a indirect reference to this also.many manufactures neglect to publish the CCS and MRV test results unfortunately.

 

[FFWD]

I wanted to ask however, lately the temp has dropped to 10F on my morning cold starts and lately ive been getting a cold start brief slap/squeal noise due to the cold temp. I have troubles explaining exactly what it is but i believe it could fall under the category of cold start noise. It just happens when I first crank and the engine fires up, after 1 second the engine sounds normal. It's not a grind or anything, just sounds like a belt noise and or a slap type of noise. I understand this isn't helpful but I won't be able to post a video for a bit and I truly think I have heard similar noises on other cars in the cold. Posting a video would probably just blame it on my vehicle but i am certain i have heard these noises on other vehicles

What I wanted to ask, is this a oil related noise presumed? or is it a noise due to belt contraction or metal type of contraction due to the the cold. I feel like I have heard it less on vehicles when they are running 0W but that shouldnt really matter at this temp unless I am wrong. I can't use my car as an example but i have a memory that when I was running 0W last month it never really made these noises.


anyone have a similar finding? ty

If it makes the sound as you're cranking the starter, it's a common problem with the starter being low on grease. Search for "honda starter squeal" (not here, on the internet). I have this problem with my 2007 MDX. The solution is to remove the starter and add grease to the gears (or just replace the whole thing if your budget allows).

 

[apollo18]

If it makes the sound as you're cranking the starter, it's a common problem with the starter being low on grease. Search for "honda starter squeal" (not here, on the internet). I have this problem with my 2007 MDX. The solution is to remove the starter and add grease to the gears (or just replace the whole thing if your budget allows).

i think its right when the engine starts, it sounds like a belt chirp or a squeel from the belt. it goes away when its warm out but i have also noticed it if i havent driven the car for a few days

 

[D1dad]

I had an 09 town and country that called for 10w30 and there were days I thought pistons and the crankshaft were coming out the hood and sides. I’ll be running a 0w20 instead of a 5 come next winter. No reason not to honestly. I have jugs of pennzoil and Mobil 1 and a few jugs of fram and meijer. I’ll save the good stuff for when I can get the full benefit.