Tom NJ
$100 Site Donor 2026
Hi Ron,
Pour point is useful in determining storage conditions with Grp IV and V oils, but loses significance in oils that may exhibit a freeze point. There are many pumpibility tests available such as CCS, MRV, and the Gelation Index that 427 mentioned that are better for determining use conditions.
Mineral oils do use a pour point depressant (PPI) additive to suppress the effect of wax crystal formation and they are fairly effective.
And I agree with your advice to Mike - 15w40 is a bit risky at -10F just due to the high viscosity, which will pump slowly and draw a lot of amperage from the battery. Personally I would use a 5W-X oil if I expected an extended period of temperatures below +10F.
I once formulated an additive designed to assist starting in borderline climates subject to occassional real cold spells. One pint added to the oil min the crankcase dropped the viscosity by one W grade while maintaining the high temp viscosity. The beauty was that you could add it when cold temps were forecast and it would maintain effectiveness for about three weeks to carry through the cold spell. It used a special light ester base oil that cut viscosity, raised VI, and had low volatility to stay put. STP was going to market it under the name "Oil Anti-Freeze" as their winter product (since their normal additive was summer seasonal) and we took it right up to their approval when they were sold, all new personnel came in, and the project fell into a crack.
Tom
Pour point is useful in determining storage conditions with Grp IV and V oils, but loses significance in oils that may exhibit a freeze point. There are many pumpibility tests available such as CCS, MRV, and the Gelation Index that 427 mentioned that are better for determining use conditions.
Mineral oils do use a pour point depressant (PPI) additive to suppress the effect of wax crystal formation and they are fairly effective.
And I agree with your advice to Mike - 15w40 is a bit risky at -10F just due to the high viscosity, which will pump slowly and draw a lot of amperage from the battery. Personally I would use a 5W-X oil if I expected an extended period of temperatures below +10F.
I once formulated an additive designed to assist starting in borderline climates subject to occassional real cold spells. One pint added to the oil min the crankcase dropped the viscosity by one W grade while maintaining the high temp viscosity. The beauty was that you could add it when cold temps were forecast and it would maintain effectiveness for about three weeks to carry through the cold spell. It used a special light ester base oil that cut viscosity, raised VI, and had low volatility to stay put. STP was going to market it under the name "Oil Anti-Freeze" as their winter product (since their normal additive was summer seasonal) and we took it right up to their approval when they were sold, all new personnel came in, and the project fell into a crack.
Tom
