The temperature is dropping tonight...

[A_Harman]

...in my hometown, to a predicted low of -22F (-30C).
This is a rare opportunity to do a real-world cold start at a temperature that challenges the cold flow properties of a 5W-XX oil. So after debating with myself about the sanity of ignoring the luxury of starting the Camaro in a perfectly good heated garage, I have parked it outside to soak it for a genuine cold start. My oil nerdliness does have its limits, but I decided to endure a few minutes of bitter cold in the interests of BITOG science.

The oil in this case is a 50/50 blend of PU 5w30 & PUE 5w40.

My previous record for a cold start was in February 1982, where I started my '75 Chevy Vega at -20F. I think it had some off-brand 10w40 in it.

 

[Stewie]

Up here that is every 1-2 weeks.

I know ton of people run 5w30 you should be fine in heated garage

 

[aquariuscsm]

Set a camera in the engine bay and film the startup so we can see it! :^)

 

[Shannow]

Sweet test...

How may miles are on the oil ?

Any track work ?

 

[GM4LIFE]

Let us know how it starts up. I am very curious!

 

[Danno]

I'll be starting my 2013 Sonata tomorrow at midnight, it has been parked in a very exposed airport parking lot for 3 days. Should be -18F when i pick it up. Using 5W-20 PP - due for a change after 3,750 miles. Changing the oil on Saturday. Going PYB 5W-20.

 

[Lex94]

Pfffft, a walk in the park.

 

[A_Harman]

Originally Posted By: Shannow
Sweet test...

How may miles are on the oil ?

Any track work ?


About 8000 miles on the oil, and two track days.
But the oil is pretty fresh because I've added about 4 quarts of makeup on this OCI.

 

[A_Harman]

Originally Posted By: Stewie
Up here that is every 1-2 weeks.



No fair for Canadians to brag about how often they do cold starts.
Rush is my favorite export from Canada, not huge masses of Arctic air.

 

[Stewie]

Originally Posted By: A_Harman
Originally Posted By: Stewie
Up here that is every 1-2 weeks.



No fair for Canadians to brag about how often they do cold starts.
Rush is my favorite export from Canada, not huge masses of Arctic air.

0W20 AFE starts without any problems

 

[Bandito440]

I started my 2008 Tacoma 4.0 in -31F with surprisingly little fanfare. It was filled with PYB 5W-30 at the time.

For some reason, Subaru installed smaller batteries in the Foresters with manual transmissions. Mine struggles to start in temperatures below -10 with any oil, but still manages down to -20 so far.

 

[sir1900]

It was -28C this morning and the Corolla on our driveway started no problems after it was sitting for 3 days and not being plugged in. Used VML 5W30.

I am not expecting OP to have any problems unless he has a weak battery.

 

[TurboTravis]

Man, I'm not sure if I would actually go through with this test. The car will without a doubt lose a little horsepower. After all, ask any racer, any REAL racer, and they will tell you-it does not matter if it's an inch or a mile, winning is winning!

 

[ThirdeYe]

I started my '95 Integra unassisted in -25F before, using Amsoil 5W-30 ASL. I got a bit paranoid this time, though, and decided to swap out the 5W-30 synthetic blend the dealer put in my tC and refill with 0W-20 because of the bitter cold temperatures tomorrow.

 

[joegreen]

Started my 78 chevy this morning when it was like -10f. It has a tbi conversion that does not run so good at the moment. 10w30 vr1 conventional. It was not crazy cold out but when i stuck the key in the ignition it was hard to turn because of the cold. That was the first time i have ever had that happen. Cranked it like three times before the starter gear moved out far enough to engage the flywheel. Then it cranked like 10 times before roughly coughing to a start.

 

[Stewie]

Originally Posted By: joegreen
Started my 78 chevy this morning when it was like -10f. It has a tbi conversion that does not run so good at the moment. 10w30 vr1 conventional. It was not crazy cold out but when i stuck the key in the ignition it was hard to turn because of the cold. That was the first time i have ever had that happen. Cranked it like three times before the starter gear moved out far enough to engage the flywheel. Then it cranked like 10 times before roughly coughing to a start.


I would say that's normal for dino oil

 

[sciphi]

You're a braver soul than I am. Both cars will get plugged into their oil pan heaters tonight. Hot oil and faster heat are welcomed at those low temperatures!

 

[sicko]

What year is the Camaro? With a quality synthetic 5w oil, I'd be more concerned with the battery or belts if they were old. Assuming everything is good in operational condition, it shouldn't be too much of an issue.

As much as I love messing around like that, I'd park the car in the heated garage and then just put a couple quarts of oil out front. Before leaving in the morning go play with the bottles and look at how much slower they're moving.

 

[eljefino]

Originally Posted By: Bandito440


For some reason, Subaru installed smaller batteries in the Foresters with manual transmissions. Mine struggles to start in temperatures below -10 with any oil, but still manages down to -20 so far.


There's an EPA weight reason to do this, saving 10 lbs on a battery might get it into a bantamweight class that is somehow advantageous on paper.

My hyundai accent came with a ridiculously anorexic skinny battery but had a full size tray drilled and tapped for a regular one to fit.

As for the OP, usually the power steering fluid is the loudest complainer at 20 below. Unless you have that hoity- toity electrical stuff.

 

[19jacobob93]

You must record it! I spend half my spare time watching cold start videos on YouTube and watching good old Daves Farm! I was watching one last night, a new ish small Toyota starting in Russia at -44c!
Coldest I have done in the Falcon is -11c at Thredbo, New South Wales last winter. Started perfect even with cheap nasty 15w40 in the sump at the time, got an exhaust clip of the start up then lost the camera on the same trip