On Thu, 20 Dec 2007 19:39:17 GMT, Tauno Voipio
wrote:

Matt Whiting wrote:
Tauno Voipio wrote:

Peter R. wrote:

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Why is it that here in the Northeast US seemingly no one preheats their
automobile engine before start-up in very cold temperatures? Is the
long-term
damage the same for both autos and aircraft engines? If so, why do you
suppose auto owners don't typically do this? Is it because that most
auto
owners do not keep their cars very long?


Here in the north of Europe We'll pre-heat our cars if
possible, if the temperature goes below +5 C (whatever
it is in F, around 40?).

You can force an engine to start even at -30 C, but it
means that the poor thing runs some time practically
dry of lubrication.


Really? Where does all of the oil disappear to that was there when the
engine was shut down?

Matt

The lubrication is based on fluid between the metal
surfaces. When the oil thickens enough, it will not
get to the small spaces between the metal surfaces.

Preheating a car at +5C is just ridiculous if you are using the proper
weight of motor oil. I might use a block heater if the temperatures
went below -20C, but not higher than that. Try using a good 10W30 oil
between +5 and -10, and perhaps a 5W30 below that. You won't damage
anything, and your engine will last longer than the body panels on the
car!
--
Jay (remove dashes for legal email address)