What affect does freezing temps have on oil?

[mickjetblue]

A couple searches and reading, but I didn't see an answer to my question, so -

If you leave your boat outside or in an area where it is exposed to freezing temperatures
for a couple of months, what is the affect on motor oil? This would apply to i/o engines
and 4 strokes, I suppose. Maybe no affect on engine oil?

 

[scipper77]

Re: What affect does freezing temps have on oil?

should be fine. Many if not most I/O boaters change there oil in the fall as part of there winterization. Old oil sitting in the engine from what I hear can be acidic and cause engine deterioration.

 

[Frank Acampora]

Re: What affect does freezing temps have on oil?

Well, think about it! What effects do freezing temperatures have on your automobile oil? Makes it thicker and the engine more difficult to start but that's about it.

Freezing is a slowing of molecular activity, thus: freezing slows most chemical reactions and preserves things.

In fact, Absolute zero ( I forget, something like minus 459 something degrees Fahrenheight) is the coldest temperature (not attainable) because at absolute zero, ALL molecular activity stops. So, when you are watching The Fifth Element and the mate exclaims that the temperature is minus 5000 degrees, some script writer did not do his/her science homework.

 

[Silvertip]

Re: What affect does freezing temps have on oil?

Fresh oil sitting in the oil pan of your boat will not be impacted whatsoever by freezing temps. Geez -- come on up to Minnesota on New Years Day and you will likely experience 30 degrees below zero yet cars will be zipping around just fine (after they've been started). We run 5W-20 oil up here and most cars start just fine if they have a decent battery and the car has not been neglected. Since lubrcants are so thick at those temps, significant wear can occur if one starts the engine and hits the freeway. While prolonged idling is not necessary with modern oils, a short warm up never hurts. I've run Mobil 1 full synthetic in my vehicles for years because it does flow better than conventional oil at very cold temps.

 

[mthieme]

Re: What affect does freezing temps have on oil?

It gets cold and thick.
No big deal.