5 replies to this topic

[Mudhen]

Not another oil thread!  Maybe one more if you'll allow it? 

 

At what temperature should I start thinking about using a lighter oil, or should I?

 

I'm running a 1440cc rallycar with sc/cr gearbox with Salisbury LSD in an event in the northeast US next weekend - temps are trending up - -4c in the am up to 4c in the afternoon.  They were intially expected to be much colder - -10c or so - got me wondering if I should not be using 20/50.

 

The event is what I believe you guys would call an autotest?  Large gravel/snow field with cones - runs are typically around 1 minute long.  Lots of sitting/idling between runs.  One of you crazy guys over there removed the heater unfortunately and I haven't gotten around to replacing it as of yet so should be a lot of fun - HA.  Honestly I should just take my r53 but want to try to run the whole season in the '75 - IF I can keep it going!

 

 

Thanks!

[DeadSquare]

Way back in the 60s, a Swedish friend snapped / mangled, the drive of his oil pump when he started and blipped his engine in about -20C conditions.

 

If you have an oil cooler, blank it off with something like cardboard before starting, and just start it and let it idle until the temp needle begins to move.

 

In an Autotest, with 1440cc, you won't notice the slight increase in power consumed by the gears churning slightly thicker oil, but, if you are really keen, you could try inserting some "Rockwool" insulation under the sump.

Edited by DeadSquare, 10 January 2025 - 03:34 PM.

[Midas Mk1]

Im dailying mine, saw -8 the other morning, running 20w50 ctv. Winter 'works' spec grille cover fitted, oil cooler blanked off, fully up to water temp with the heater on full, oil at good temp too. 

 

[Cooperman]

20w50 is fine once the engine is warm.
Whatever you do don’t be tempted to start it with the clutch pedal depressed. That pushes the crank onto the thrust bearings which, with thick and cold oil will be starved of lubrication for several critical seconds.

Yes, blank off the oil cooled unless you are doing long special stages.

[Mudhen]

Thanks everyone!

 

I will stick with 20/50.  Next event is in February and *fingers crossed* we will have similarly 'warm' temperatures.

 

Also, this car doesn't have an oil cooler, which I find odd.  I'll be adding one before warmer weather arrives.

 

Pat

 

Midas - are you running snow tires?  Or you typically don't get snow I suppose, although I did see piles of it at the game at Anfield the other day!

[Blumeanie]

I would agree - stick with 20W-50 

Warm-up in advance for any runs. (Short runs make it a challenge).

 

I agree that it may be beneficial to cover cooling surfaces - but this takes trial & error to get the cooling in the correct range. (and not too hot or too cold),

Send pictures and good luck!