The oil temp in my 2015 Ram runs from about 200 to about 225. Any worries about running a conventional oil?
oil temp
- Thread starter oilchangeguy
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Dont tow anything, but it has been up to 230 one time on a hot day.
Conventional oil easily handles up to 250F.
Thanks!
The 'base' temperature of the oil is set by the engine thermostat, that is, the oil can't be any cooler then the water jacket of the engine.
It can be a little bit higher on a hot day or driving hard, but the engine block temp moderates that too. Peak oil temp at the pistons can be more, but once the oil drops back into the oil pan the average temperature applies.
Engine oil coolers can drop the temp 30F or more, but once the oil gets back into the engine block it goes back up to at least 200F. Oil coolers will hold back oil during a change, so you won't get it all out dirtying up the new oil a bit. Coolers can also lead to longer dry starts since oil has to refill all the hoses to full pressure before the bearings are lubed! Not really a good idea.
It can be a little bit higher on a hot day or driving hard, but the engine block temp moderates that too. Peak oil temp at the pistons can be more, but once the oil drops back into the oil pan the average temperature applies.
Engine oil coolers can drop the temp 30F or more, but once the oil gets back into the engine block it goes back up to at least 200F. Oil coolers will hold back oil during a change, so you won't get it all out dirtying up the new oil a bit. Coolers can also lead to longer dry starts since oil has to refill all the hoses to full pressure before the bearings are lubed! Not really a good idea.
Well I'll agree on some of your points. Oil heats up in bearings and can get quite hot at high RPM, independent of load. It's the internal fluid friction within the boundary layer. It can get well above sump temps.
Also, holding back some oil has benefits. There are well documented studies that have found oil ages partly by making AW compounds within the engine. Not plated on surfaces (although that happens), but within the bulk fluid. New oil does not have these beneficial compounds. And they are unique to that engine and its operating environment, metallurgy, etc.
So retaining 10% of used oil is a good thing. That's why many folk change filters only every other time. Or change the filter a week after changing the oil. To keep some of these in play until the "new" oil has had a chance to start making replacement compounds.
200*F is nothing for a decent oil. Approaching 300*F is another matter. And nearly all are failing at 400*F. So why would you worry if the sump is 210 or something ...
Also, holding back some oil has benefits. There are well documented studies that have found oil ages partly by making AW compounds within the engine. Not plated on surfaces (although that happens), but within the bulk fluid. New oil does not have these beneficial compounds. And they are unique to that engine and its operating environment, metallurgy, etc.
So retaining 10% of used oil is a good thing. That's why many folk change filters only every other time. Or change the filter a week after changing the oil. To keep some of these in play until the "new" oil has had a chance to start making replacement compounds.
200*F is nothing for a decent oil. Approaching 300*F is another matter. And nearly all are failing at 400*F. So why would you worry if the sump is 210 or something ...
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