Quote:
Originally Posted by pusherfans
Very interesting. So would switching to a synthetic help, since the oil will run cooler and synthetics flow better in the cold? I was thinking about the amzoil one, since they claim high zinc. I am currently running the vr1 20w50, per my engine builder's recommendation. |
It helps in the sense that it allows easier cold starting given lower viscosity. But 'better flow in the cold' still means you have cold
oil. You
want heat in the
oil-any oil-to better keep contaminates like fuel, moisture and debris in suspension and not accumulate on bearing surfaces.
One of the worst practices to cause damage in winter is the starting and idling for 10 or 20 minutes then back into the garage. Really helps the moisture content of your oil.
I have found that the best regimen for engine and component life is no driving below 50 ambient and if a lay-up of several weeks or months is needed, rotating the motor by hand to relieve the valve springs and not starting at all is best. Then a spring drain of the oil for fresh and a priming of the system by removing the distributor before cranking.