Date: Fri, 24 Feb 2012 11:25:19 -0600
Reply-To: mcneely4@COX.NET
Sender: Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From: Dave Mcneely <mcneely4@COX.NET>
Subject: Re: Preemptive water pump replacement? Miscellaneous Chatter
In-Reply-To: <BAY152-ds12783780635DCA4ECCBD12A06A0@phx.gbl>
Content-Type: text/plain; charset=utf-8
Dennis, this is pretty interesting.
here in the lower great plains, ordinary winter temperatures run from teens to thirties F mornings. A cold spell usually means single digits, and it may stay below 20 even in daytime for a few days, but it can drop below zero. Last winter our lowest was -16 F here where I live, and down to -32 in the NE part of the state.
I have not heard of the kinds of things you describe occurring. I have been in communication with mechanics about the matter. Most of them seem to think that what one could expect would be the usual consequences of inadequate lubrication, and that for most cars, even in the coldest weather, one should not "warm up" the car. Of course, no one here has block heaters like they do in the far north.
I'm not disputing your explanation, I'm just relating what others told me. I am very appreciative of your informing us as to these matters.
For me personally, I think it is mostly moot. I generally leave my camper parked during such weather (but on rare occasion, I have driven it, for example in the aftermath of the Christmas blizzard of 2009 I drove back from Texas when temperatures were down to zero). I garage my Prius and Honda, and even when the ambient temperature is around zero, it stays in the upper thirties or even into the forties in my garage. Of course, I do have to occasionally park in a lot somewhere when it is cold, and leave the car all day or even overnight. Am I at risk on starteup? Of course, those vehicles are very different from the camper, but basic mechanics is basic mechanics. They also use much lower viscosity oil, 5W30.
Oh, this winter the temperature has dropped below 20 F on only a handful of occasions, and many mornings it has been in the thirties. The highs this week have run into the seventies. Seems like I am living back in Dallas again. Yesterday a neighbor asked if I thought it was spring. I said "No, spring comes after winter, and we haven't had that yet."
Thanks Dennis, for all your knowledge and explanation.
mcneely
---- Dennis Haynes <d23haynes57@HOTMAIL.COM> wrote:
> The 20w-50 is the preferred oil viscosity for most climates. It is good down
> to about 20F as long as you are somewhat careful to avoid revving the engine
> over 2,000 rpm for the first minute or two after start up. The oil pressure
> relief valve only has "so much" capacity to handle the excess pressure when
> the oil can't flow through the bearings. So of the nasty's that can happen
> from excess oil pressure include damaged or blown out oil filters, (86 and
> later the oil cooler), broken oil pump shaft (the drive tab), crank seals
> pushed out of the case and my favorite is having bearing hydraulically lock
> to the crank and spin with it. I've seen main bearings turned so hard the
> pin hole was lengthened by 3/8 inch. These problems are not unique to the
> Vanagon. When we get cold snaps here on Long Island all sorts of failures
> occur to many vehicles. Cam seals getting pushed out is common on many
> vehicles. Then the unknowing driver ignores that oil pressure warning light
> until the engine makes noise or stops. My point is that the proper oil for
> real cold weather use should not be taken lightly. Proper startup and
> warming procedures need to be used.
>
> Dennis
>
> -----Original Message-----
> From: Vanagon Mailing List [mailto:vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com] On Behalf Of
> Dake Collins
> Sent: Thursday, February 23, 2012 8:53 AM
> To: vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM
> Subject: Re: Preemptive water pump replacement? Miscellaneous Chatter
>
> Tom,
> I am not, by any definition, an expert on these things - I rely on other
> for such things. I use 20-50 oil and it has worked for me in coastal &
> downeast Maine for the 7+ years I've owned my '84 Westy. I use it because
> it's what was recommended to me by a friend who I consider to be
> knowledgeable about such things.
> I hope this helps & if anyone has a suggestion as to why I shouldn't use
> 20-50 - please let me know.
> Dake
>
>
>
> ________________________________
> From: Dave Mcneely <mcneely4@COX.NET>
> To: vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM
> Sent: Wednesday, February 22, 2012 12:20 PM
> Subject: Re: Preemptive water pump replacement? Miscellaneous Chatter
>
> Dake, maybe you could clue Tom in on the oil you use and why.
>
> ---- Dake Collins <wuwe423@YAHOO.COM> wrote:
> >
> Hi Tom,
> Welcome to Maine, I'm looking forward to having another list member in the
> area & closer than Houlton. I park my '84 Westy in Liberty, just outside of
> Belfast and home of Liberty Tool Co. (a must see in Maine). I get to Blue
> Hill frequently. I attend some of the campouts (just got back from Dead of
> Winter in Georgia) but mostly I explore on my own - if you're unfamiliar
> with Maine I'd be glad to show you some of the sights.
> Give me a shout when you get your wheels under you in Blue Hill.
> Welcome to Maine,
> Dake
>
>
>
> ________________________________
>
>
> I am finally getting ready to leave Salt lake City for Blue Hill, Maine, &
> am wondering whether I should put the new Heppu water pump I have in my
> parts stash in now instead of on the road in some god forsaken place on the
> way? My present water pump appears to be doing fine, but has about 87.5k on
> it after I had it replaced while on a road trip, 8 years ago.
>
>
> I am looking forward to attending some of the East coast campouts this
> Spring/Summer/Fall/Winter, so hide your good looking wimin, & bring out the
> syncro dokas as I am interested.
>
> YMMV,
>
> Mr. BZ-what's a guy from Hawaii doing moving to Maine? (Besides Mike in
> Houlton Maine)? Answer: Grandkids!
>
> --
> David McNeely
--
David McNeely
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