Question for Lube Dude

[SS MAYFLOAT]

Is it safe to go from synthetic to regular petro based oil? I'm having problems with my van generating enough heat. Put cardboard in front of radiator and it still doesn't get hot like it usually does. Today the temp got up to 21 and it put out some hotter heat but still not like it is when the temp is above 30. Changed the thermostat two times and had a radiator professional check it out. He says it just so cold that the engine can't produce enough heat. <br /><br />So I was thinking the the oil is reducing too much friction. I don't know if anyone else is experiencing this problem. <br /><br />Just getting tired of my feet being frozen by the end of the day.

 

[crazy charlie]

Re: Question for Lube Dude

Hi SS,I saw a little heater that plugs into the cig lighter for just such a case.Walmart 14.99 just a thought because I have a jeep with a heavy duty cooling system and it takes a while to warm up especially with the cold we have been having.I was going to buy one but I was able to barter my way to a remote starter instead.Personally i dont think the oil will make a difference at all.Want to borrow my battery operated socks????Charlie

 

[LubeDude]

Re: Question for Lube Dude

Crazy Charly is right, wont make a lick of difference although you can change back without any negative effects!<br />If I had to guess, Id bet my favorite hunting dog that you have a stuck thermostat! If you have cardboard over the radiator you should have no problem warming that engine up! However if your thermostat is stuck open you will freze your feet off befor you get any temp in the cab!

 

[SpinnerBait_Nut]

Re: Question for Lube Dude

Originally posted by crazy charlie:<br />Hi SS,I saw a little heater that plugs into the cig lighter for just such a case.Walmart 14.99 just a thought because I have a jeep with a heavy duty cooling system and it takes a while to warm up especially with the cold we have been having.I was going to buy one but I was able to barter my way to a remote starter instead.Personally i dont think the oil will make a difference at all.Want to borrow my battery operated socks????Charlie

Charlie, next time you change your stat, make sure you get one with the purge hole in it.<br />For some reason it makes a difference when heating up in the Jeeps.

 

[SS MAYFLOAT]

Re: Question for Lube Dude

I just can't believe that 3 brand new thermostats have stuck open. You can put your hand on the upper radiator hose and it never gets hot.<br /><br />I do remember that when the van had petrol based oil, the temp guage did run warmer. With the synthetic the temp has run cooler.<br /><br />To get the heater to put out heat, I have to get out on the 4 lane and run 60 for about 10 minuets before it gets where it puts out heat. After that it maintain it until I have to drop down for in town driving. Then the temp guage drops, and I lose some of the heat. <br /><br />It is a weird thing going on.

 

[POINTER94]

Re: Question for Lube Dude

Mayfloat,<br /><br />You may want to find a new mechanic. I live in wisconsin and it has been in single digits and my car and truck put out plenty of heat.<br /><br />I had a similar type issue on one of my cars a couple years back. Is your van a GM? Did you have the heater core checked? I don't think that changing the oil will heat up an engine temp enough to matter, the thermostat controls the temp.

 

[LubeDude]

Re: Question for Lube Dude

You can put your hand on the upper radiator hose and it never gets hot.<br /><br />If that is the case, then you have a thermostat problem for sure!<br /><br />Your heater runs directly from your engine and should start putting out heat even before your thermostat opens, Your engine just isnt warming up right! This is also bad for milage, have you noticed that your milage has dropped recently or your oil getting dirty faster than normal??

 

[SS MAYFLOAT]

Re: Question for Lube Dude

Like I said this a problem that I haven't ever encountered. There are 2 heater cores inside the van. The one under the dash in its typical location. and then there is one in the back. I think it was an add on, but it could be stock.<br /><br />The van is a E250 with a 300 6cyl. I know when I shut off the heat inside the van, the temp guage goes up slightly, but not to its normal operating temp.<br /><br />The guy at the radiator shop said it had him baffled also. He has been doing this business for over 30 years. He said it is just like the engine is not producing enough heat at low rpm. The only time it will put out heat is when the engine is working hard.<br /><br />I'm going to try to pinch off the upper radiator hose with a clamp and see what happens. Hopefully the the temp guage goes up.<br /><br />I'm just thinking that the miracle oil in it is contributing to this problem. After I started using it, it gave me more power, less operating temp, and smoother running engine. <br /><br />Thought about advancing the timing a bit to help heat things up.

 

[SpinnerBait_Nut]

Re: Question for Lube Dude

SS, I would take my rad cap off while it is cold, and then start it up.<br />If the water is circulating right away, the stat is open.<br />If it just sits there for a bit before starting to move, then the stat is shut.<br />Also, while cold before starting, take cap off, squeeze bottom rad hose and see if the anti freeze in rad moves.<br />Another indication stat is open.

 

[rwise]

Re: Question for Lube Dude

Also, have you checked the "quick warm up circut"? on most there is a hose that runs from the exaust manifold to the intake/air breather on the carb at the air breather there is a valve that should open when the engine is cold to pull hot air from the exaust. if this hose is gone it will take extra time to warm up. is this fuel injected or carb?<br />Richard

 

[ndemge]

Re: Question for Lube Dude

are you sure it's full of coolant?

 

[TELMANMN]

Re: Question for Lube Dude

A good friend of mine had the same problem with his car. Tried all the usual stuff, radiator,thermostat etc with no luck. Finally found the door that opens and closes to allow heat or no neat into the compartment was not opening. Seems the control head(vacunm) is defective. He simply opened door and put a screw in to hold open. Heats like crazy. <br /> Now when it starts warming up(around april) he will just have to pull the screw. Just a thought.

 

[SS MAYFLOAT]

Re: Question for Lube Dude

Well, I had the oil changed today. There is a differnce in performance, engine noise (155K), lower oil pressure, and I got normal operating temps back on my guage at low rpm. It baffles the heck out of me. <br /><br />After the next two oil changes, I'm going to go back to systhetic. Hopefully this summer the company will get me a new service truck. The van is a pain to get warmed up when it is frigg'n cold out!<br /><br />Thanks for the ideas,