Cross Country Journey - Severe Cold - Questions... - Page 2 - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

JimSmith · #16 01-01-2010, 02:22 PM

The brand of synthetic is not important. The make-up of the fluid in a bottle labeled "synthetic" is. Most oils branded "synthetic" that sell for substantially less than Delvac 1 are blends that vary from significantly synthetic molecules measured by volume to next to nothing being actual synthetic oil molecules. So, do some research. Delvac 1, and some others, are actually fully synthetic, meaning the entire volume is synthetic, not just a few drops.

Jim

pawoSD · #17 01-01-2010, 04:41 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JimSmith

The brand of synthetic is not important. The make-up of the fluid in a bottle labeled "synthetic" is. Most oils branded "synthetic" that sell for substantially less than Delvac 1 are blends that vary from significantly synthetic molecules measured by volume to next to nothing being actual synthetic oil molecules. So, do some research. Delvac 1, and some others, are actually fully synthetic, meaning the entire volume is synthetic, not just a few drops.

Jim

Over the life of the car one must consider the cost of the oil changes vs. the cost of the engine/car too. Using a super expensive oil is probably no better than using a cheaper oil with a slightly sooner change interval.

Skippy · #18 01-01-2010, 07:30 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by pawoSD

Over the life of the car one must consider the cost of the oil changes vs. the cost of the engine/car too. Using a super expensive oil is probably no better than using a cheaper oil with a slightly sooner change interval.

Probably true. I run synthetic (except in the gasser) and still aim for about a 3,000 mile change interval. I do it mainly because 5W40 makes for better cold starts than 15W40. I also like the idea of getting lube oil all through the engine a little sooner. Cold starts cause most of the wear on an engine, or so I keep hearing. I did notice that both diesels use less oil between changes since I switched. I don't know why.

To the OP: If you're happy with dino oil and have a place to plug in while you're in the cold, you'll do just fine. If I were you I'd change the oil about halfway through the trip.

As for the fuel concerns, that can be a problem. Just yesterday, I drove from San Diego (summer fuel all year) to Carson City (winterized fuel four or five months out of the year) and passed through one of the coldest parts of California (Bridgeport area) along the way. I knew this could be an issue, so I left San Diego on a full tank, knowing that I would refuel in Bishop (similar climate to Carson City) before getting into the Sierra Nevada (the mountains, not the beer

). If you don't have extensive knowledge of the climate and consequent fuels offered for sale along your route, keeping a bottle of fuel thinner is probably not a bad idea.

71inka02 · #19 01-01-2010, 07:49 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by suginami

I'm not usually one to state the obvious, but it seems to me you're missing the point.

Everyone who has made the suggestion to use synthetic oil is its superior ability to lubricate in very cold weather in cold starts.

Yet your reply to this is your resistance to long oil change intervals with synthetic, which no one is recommending.

Suginami - You are correct...I replied a little to quick...but my true, uneducated concern is switching to Synthetic and causing some leaks, or whatever.....While my comment did focus on change intervals. But in my own defense -- I have very strong feelings about the long oil change intervals the OE's and even some indys are suggesting by going to synthetic - My feelings on that subject out-weighed the true point of the suggestions.....

But it appears the general feeling is that it's no big deal to make the change, and yes - the cold start benefit is a strong consideration.

I've basiclly already decided to use synthetic, at least for this trip. Went to Wally world, actually 2 of them, and the oil selection was horrible! Almost no Valvoline products at all. Very little oils, and no Zerex - wonder if the two companies are having issues...?

But I did buy a couple of nice ice scrappers, some RainX windshield washer fluid (says it's good to -25), nitrile gloves, blue shop paper towels...etc...etc...

I don't know about the rest of you...but we can't go to WallyWorld, without spending at least $50...so frustrating that little smiley face thing that goes around lowering the prices. Just when you think there isn't possibly anything you need --- you turn the corner and there it is! Something you actually don't need - but the price is so good, you have to buy it. Wish Target had a better automotive department? Lowes Home Imporvement is making the move and introducing an automotive section to many of it's stores - they will be offering oil, antifreeze, lighting and who knows what else....I'm curious to see their prices and offerings.

71inka02 · #20 01-01-2010, 07:56 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Codifex Maximus

71inka02,

What about hooking up an intermittent camera and keeping a photo log of your journey complete with date and timestamps? It's not everyday you get to crisscross the country. Have fun.

Nice idea -- actually it is. But, I'm not sure I want date and timestamps in the event I have to defend myself against being falsely accused of driving in excess of the posted limits....The less evidence, the better - as it makes the 'BS' much easier to present.......LOL!

charmalu · #21 01-04-2010, 04:00 AM

I think I have this all worked out for you. weld a hitch on the bumper, buy a 25ft fully enclosed car trailer. when you get to you destination ea night, unhitch the trailer, park the car inside, close the tailgate, crank up the generator and turn on the heat.

In the morning the car will be all toasty warm, no ice and snow on the windshield. you will be able to haul all your gallons of oil, tires belts batteries and fuel filters for the trip out to the wild west.

Just kidding of course, change the oil, belts, fuel filters, make sure you have good tires, chains, and just enjoythe trip and don`t stress over the few extra miles you might put on the oil. there is probably more wear to the engine with the short trips in town on a daily basis.

Use a good synthetic oil of your favorite flavor plus a couple extra qts for make up.

A block heater only heats the coolant, and not the engine oil. get a magnetic oil pan heater, or a glue on one. why heat the water and have thick cold gooy oil in the pan?

A week and a half ago, I was in Carson City for a few days. snow everywhere, cold in the mornings. I fueled up in calif with D2, drove over the Sierra nevada range w/o additives. elevation about 4600ft. one morning it was down to 15deg, and the car started right up with one glow, no block heater and 15/40 synthetci oil.

Have a good trip

Charlie

Shawn T. W. · #22 01-04-2010, 12:35 PM

Something that has not been addressed yet . . . get a account like photobucket (free), and than copy the "image" link below the picture you down loaded to the your photobucket account, "paste" into the text of your post . . . Edit to add: Once you have the picture you want in photobucket, put your mouse over the picture you want to insert, a "box" will drop down, "right click" on the "IMG" choice, and then "copy", it is now ready to "paste" into your post . . . screen should look like this:

For me . . . I would not worry about going over the factory recomended oil change intervall by 700 miles, oils have come a long ways in 25 years . . .

Oh, and have fun!

300sdToronto · #23 01-04-2010, 01:21 PM

From someone that drives an 83 300SD in snow quite a bit:

I'll ignore the oil as it's been beaten to death

in order of importance

- real snow tires not all seasons
- working heater
- new Bosch wiper blades
- sleeping bag, granola bars or other snacks, candle and matches, decent flashlight, and a bottle of water
- AAA towing membership for when you get stuck on some stupid little icy hill

I realize the snow tires may not make financial sense to you given where you live. In that case don't drive when it's icy or freezing rain as the harder rubber compounds on all season tires simply don't deliver enough grip below about 40F.

Graplr · #24 01-04-2010, 01:49 PM

As I understand it, if you are switching weights and then switching back to the same after the trip it is best to stick with the SAME BRAND. For instance- If you normally run Rotella 15W40 you should use Rotella 5W40. If you normally run Delvac 15W40, M1 5W40 would be the same formula.

I would not try to drive to an area with temps below 20F without having a lighter weight oil. Make sure the valves are in spec and the glow plugs are healthy before the trip. You can run additives but if I worry about gelling I just put in an a gallon or two of Kero or D1. This is how winter blends are made anyways and I would think a gallon or two would lower the gel point a lot more than a quart of any additive.

Also, I would throw in a battery charger along with the extension cords (notice plural) and a three way splitter. If you kill your battery cranking you will be glad you have the charger.

On a somewhat related note- I was in -30F AIR TEMP, NOT windchill this weekend at a hotel. I rode in my father's 2006 gasser Suburban so I didn't worry about starting my cars but a new Powerstroke didn't start. I saw him go and come back with an extension cord and a battery charger/jumper. About an hour later I saw him drive off. Another Powerstroke was plugged in all night and started no problem but there were also two gas cars that didn't start. I saw a PT Cruser and another older car can't remember what it was...maybe a Mercury??

Archdukeferd · #25 01-04-2010, 04:13 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Graplr

On a somewhat related note- I was in -30F AIR TEMP, NOT windchill

Ah, I miss the great lakes midwest.

OP, I'm jealous, that's an awesome trip.

Others have mentioned important things, survival basics like a sleeping bag and a couple plumbers candles, you definitely won't be upset by multiple extension cords and a battery charger.

I've started down to single digits on dino oil 15-40 with no block heater and 1 or 2 glow cycles. Not saying I wouldn't prefer a lower viscosity but there it is, I've run in those temps with no problems. Sure, the problems may crop up later but the decision to pay up now or pay up later is up to the owner.

71inka02 · #26 01-04-2010, 09:22 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by charmalu

I think I have this all worked out for you. weld a hitch on the bumper, buy a 25ft fully enclosed car trailer. when you get to you destination ea night, unhitch the trailer, park the car inside, close the tailgate, crank up the generator and turn on the heat.

In the morning the car will be all toasty warm, no ice and snow on the windshield. you will be able to haul all your gallons of oil, tires belts batteries and fuel filters for the trip out to the wild west.

Just kidding of course,

Have a good trip

Charlie

Great suggestion Charlie -- But how about one even better! Why don't I just get the fully enclosed car hauler as you suggest -- but instead of taking the time to weld and hitch the W123....I'll just take my Land Rover, and pull the Benz in the trailer. The Rover is hitched and ready to go - heated seats, heated windshield, heated windshield/headlight washer jet thingy's - it's designed and built for extreme heat and extreme cold!....When it's photo opp time, I'll just pull the Benz out, snap some pics, load it back and keep gettin it! All of the sudden, the cold temps, icy or treacherous roads become a "non-issue"....wow, sounds like a great trip. Of course the Rover gets 12mpg on flat land, and only drinks premium fuel....Wonder how bad the fuel mileage will be pulling a 25ft car hauler, with a 4,000 pound W123 in it.......? May need to adjust my planned budget for the trip..........

Actually - a few of my friends find it bizarre that I'm not driving my Rover on this trip --- You try and explain the passion and joy you get from a good diesel Benz road trip, and they just don't get it...WOW - wouldn't it be great if everyone was as smart as us diesel Benz dudes...?

Also - great information as to blanket, candle, snack food, battery charger etc...Actually had the snack, blanket stuff - didn't think about my battery charger -- but it's on the list now. Thanks for all the good help, and thanks very much for the information as to how to post pics in the body of the thread....gonna try before heading out.

I'm so looking forward to this road trip....Keep you posted.

#27 01-04-2010, 09:54 PM

I have a small tender battery charger installed in my car and wired to the same cord as the block heater. I figure that if it's cold enough to need a block heater, the battery can use some help.

71inka02 · #28 01-05-2010, 10:14 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Craig

I have a small tender battery charger installed in my car and wired to the same cord as the block heater. I figure that if it's cold enough to need a block heater, the battery can use some help.

Very interesting -- tell me more...brand of product, how you wired it etc...etc...

thanks...

charmalu · #29 01-05-2010, 01:42 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Craig

I have a small tender battery charger installed in my car and wired to the same cord as the block heater. I figure that if it's cold enough to need a block heater, the battery can use some help.

X2. I had never thought about this either. seen a lot of posts on cold weather starting etc....

The colder it gets, the less charge the battery has. brilliant

there are battery blankets that keep a battery warm also.

Charlie

Graplr · #30 01-05-2010, 01:50 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 71inka02

Very interesting -- tell me more...brand of product, how you wired it etc...etc...

thanks...

I would assume it is something like this-
http://www.harborfreight.com/cpi/ctaf/displayitem.taf?Itemnumber=42292
$9.99 at the local Harbor Freight.

This is a great idea. I have thought about it but never bought one. I assume Craig just leaves it hooked up with the hood closed and runs the cord to the front just like the block heater cord.

Just buy a splitter while you are at Harbor Freight and you can plug both in off of one cord. I do this on my burb but with an oil pan heater.

EDIT:
This one looks like it is designed for just this idea-
http://www.harborfreight.com/cpi/ctaf/displayitem.taf?Itemnumber=99857