Brad Penn Oil Observation

[Noel]

After using Mobil 1 15w50 in my 911SC for the last 6 years, I recently switched to Brad Penn. As I was changing my oil a couple weekends ago, I was struck by how thick that oil is. It was about 45 degrees outside and that oil poured like molasis. It took nearly 90 seconds per bottle to pour through the funnel during the change. I even had an extra bottle of the old Mobil 1 15/50 and poured that as a test. It pour like I had remembered.

Has anyone else noticed this? Is this thikcer than a regular 20 W 50, or am I spoiled by Synthetics? SHould I be scared to start my car in temperatures less than 50 degrees? This could be an issue since some Spring and Fall track events I attend have morning temps in the 40s.

THanks,

[cgarr]

Don't they make a 10-30 for colder weather? I only run 20-50 in the summer (65 and up), which is only about 3 months here.

[John P (w/a T)]

Check your owner's manual and see what it recommeds for your typical winter temperatures. If I recall correctly, my '71 owner's manual recommends 20W in the winter, so I have no concern running 20W50.

John

[Noel]

That's just it, I rarely drive the car, only at track events. That said, I do try to run it once every couple months just to keep things in order, so I guess I'll just wait for a nice winter day when the temps are over 50F.

My question was not what oil to use, just has anyone else notice how thick that stuff is and is that normal for a dino 20/50 oil at 45 degrees F?

[petrolblue83911]

I haven't tried the Brad Penn yet but the Kendal 20/50 I do use is very thick, sounds like what you describe.

I switch to 10-40 around now for my sc, and then then change back in April. I try to get my car out every weekend or every other at least to warm it up a bit over the winter, -I just try to find a nice dry salt free day to do it.

[dan79brooklyn]

I think most 20 weights are Ok to around 32 degrees F. ?
I just switched to 10-40 for the winter:
I'm running the Mobil 1 MXT 10-40 Synthetic Motorcycle oil.
Probably will keep it in all year...

[Noel]

OK, thanks guys. It sounds like 20/50 is really THAT thick when the temperature drops below 50. I guess I should have used 10/40 instead.

[Greek55]

Yes, It took forever to put 10 quarts in my car. I used the same oil funnel that I used with Mobile 1, and I had to stand over the car for about 20 minutes pouring and waiting, then pouring and waiting.

[cnavarro]

Forwarned, most 10w40s are very poor oils both in their use of VI (viscosity improvers) and lack of additives. Yes, it does pour a bit thicker - M1 V-Twin 20w50 pours just like the Brad Penn, as I just changed the oil in my lawnmower and put in the only quart of M1 V-Twin in it, since it needs all the HP I can get :-) Brad Penn claims 20F starts are ok with the 20w50. My garage is somewhat warm in the winter, low 40s, and it starts just fine without any extra drag on the starter. At or below 32F, I would probably say that if I were starting the car often in sub-freezing temps, that I would use Swepco 306 15w40 instead, just to be on the safe side.

[John P (w/a T)]

(Cross-posted from the other thread on the same issue):

"I think most 20 weights are Ok to around 32 degrees F. ?" In fact it's the opposite. According to the factory (see below), 32 degrees is the maximum (not minimum) that you would want to run 20 weight.

Factory recommendations (at least for my '71):

10 Weight - below 5 degrees F
20 Weight - 5 degrees F to 32 degrees F
30 Weight - over 32 degrees F

That is why 20W50 is such a good year-'round compromise for most of us. I recognize, however that the factory recommends thinner oils for later engines. I haven't personally noticed that Brad Penn appears to be any thicker than other 20W50s I've used.

My 1.5 cents,

John

[sand_man]

I've noticed that the 20W-50 Penn has almost a sticky feel to it. Because it does take a bit to pour when it's cold, I store my cases in the coat closet of my warm house; seems to help a little...

[DaddyGlenn]

I wouldn't know what my oil flows like at 45 degrees.....

[nesslar]

Originally Posted by DaddyGlenn

I wouldn't know what my oil flows like at 45 degrees.....

LOL!

[Gene Wilkes]

Glenn,
Bring it on up and I'll show you!! ;-)

[Thrlls]

Originally Posted by DaddyGlenn

I wouldn't know what my oil flows like at 45 degrees.....

Ditto!

[89911]

I was just up at the place they make that oil, Bradford PA. It was formerly Kendall and my father in law worked there for 30 some years.

[rnln]

no wonder why people claimed that it quiet down the car, and less valve train noise, etc.

[Noel]

Thanks Guys. I guess I've just been using Mobil 1 15/50 for so long that I didn't realize how thick a conventional oil could be at low temps. Since my garage doesn't get much below 40 in the winter, I should be fine.

[cnavarro]

It sure made my 3.6 much more quiet than even the Valvoline Racing NSL 20w50 that was in there before. I also noticed a significant reduction in oil consumption - from about 1 qt in 1400 mi (highway) no nothing in 2400!

[jbrinkley]

good to know i wasn't the only one with a quieter car after switching.
it was a dramatic change in sound for me, it was eerie.