Cold weather oils

[Archive]

OK. Without getting into a synthetic VS. mineral base discussion.

What do you run when the temps get below freezing?

And when do ya plug in the block heaters??

Dave

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2001 2500 ISB,4X4,QC,SB,AUTO,3. 55's,BLACK,AGATE LEATHER,SLT,every option except heated leather/4whl anti

 

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I run 15W-40 year round and plug in the block heater for an hour when the temps go below 30. It doesn't usually get cold enough here in Colorado Springs for me to think about 5W-30 or other oils.

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'95 2500 SLT ClubCab, automatic, 3. 54 LSD

[This message has been edited by Tim Barlow (edited 11-03-2000). ]

 

[Archive]

Same here 15-40 all year. I plug in all the time when at home,but the block heater is wired though a thermostat set at 35 F.

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95' 25004X4,AT,Driftwood,Banks,Warn fender flairs and running boards(Play truck)95 3500,5 speed,driftwood,Banks&phscotty,34,000 GCVW apple and tractor hauler(work truck)

 

[Archive]

Is this the thermostat from ACE hardware? I've seen mssgs. about these things... supposedly looks like a 3 to 2 plug adaptor. My local hardware store hasn't heard of it and after looking through 4 of their catalogs came up empty.

Originally posted by illflem:
Same here 15-40 all year. I plug in all the time when at home,but the block heater is wired though a thermostat set at 35 F.

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01 2500 Sport, QC, LWB, Auto, 4. 10, 4x4, Camper Pkg, stock for now

 

[Archive]

Synthetics here.

I plug in when I want defrosters!

Anytime under 30 degrees,you like to stay warm, so does your Cummins!
After I snapped an oil pump shaft in a Chevy gasser, I wished I had a block heater on EVERYTHING!

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WANTED: Wrecked Dodges. 1997 Cummins Dodge 4x4 Bombed & Amsoiled
Member of TDR,LIC-ROC,GLTDR,NRA www.awdist.com

 

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I use Amsoil 5-30 year around, haven't needed the block heater to start it yet.

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CUMMINS POWERED FAST FORD

 

[Archive]

RayJ, It is the t-stat from Ace,it's called a Thermocube,works great.

Although the CTD will start easily in cold temps it's not good for engine life to be pumping cold tar like oil. If you don't plug in below 35F you should be useing lighter petro oil or snythetic. Some big rig operators have told me they like to plug in below 60F. Most engine wear takes place in the first 30 seconds after startup due poor lubrication,so do what you can to get that oil flowing,it only helps. My . 02

 

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When you say "block heater" it a heater in the block? My94 has a heater in the radiator. Can hear it fiss once plug in. Doesn't get to cold in GA.

 

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Mineral 15W40 gets very thick below -10. You won't like how long it takes to get oil presure. I ran the PB2000 the first winter. Switched to Amsoil 15W40 the second. It was better but still thick below -20 or colder. Been running the 5W30 last few. Keep it in year round. I plug in anytime temps go below zero.

I doudt a 12v with good batteries will start on dino 15w40 NOT plugged in much below -20.

Lots of weird noises when starting cold engines below -20. Boy do they white smoke.

jjw
ND

 

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I plug it in under 40 at home.
I wasnt able to plug it in at work, but last week I got creative with a loooonnng extension, so I'll be plugging it in all the time.
I run shell rotella t 15w 40. It does make some very unusuial noises when it goes down to around 0 here. Sounds like it's coming from the injection pump area.

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98 Quad cab 4X4 2500 12 valve,5 speed,3. 54 rears, 8' bed. Boost and egt gauges but basicly stock except for a "properly adjusted" AFC. Cat in the garage. Uniden HR 2510, Texas Star 1200 amp. 59,000 Mi as of 10/21/00.
NRA life member. High power/IDPA.

 

[Archive]

Thanks illflem... . I'll go back to ACE with this printed out and see what they can find.

Originally posted by illflem:
RayJ, It is the t-stat from Ace,it's called a Thermocube,works great.

Although the CTD will start easily in cold temps it's not good for engine life to be pumping cold tar like oil. If you don't plug in below 35F you should be useing lighter petro oil or snythetic. Some big rig operators have told me they like to plug in below 60F. Most engine wear takes place in the first 30 seconds after startup due poor lubrication,so do what you can to get that oil flowing,it only helps. My . 02

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01 2500 Sport, QC, LWB, Auto, 4. 10, 4x4, Camper Pkg, stock for now