CHATROOM: 0W-30 Engine Oil

[mikess]

Guys, like you all know, i bought a brand new 2013 Nissan Rogue a little over 6 months now, and it has around 11000 kms on it now, and on it's second oil change. Next oil change isn't due until either march or 14000 kms. Anyways, we have been having some cold weather where I live around -25-28 degrees celsius and I've noticed the past couple of days when I start my Rogue the first thing in the morning, the engine makes quite a bit of noise but eventually calms down after it starts to warm up. Initial noise almost is like a high pitched bearing type noise. Also, throughout the day when it's nice and up to operating temperature, the noise if you stand close to the front end is almost like a sewing machine, I don't know if it's good or bad.

Are these noises I'm experiencing normal? Should I be concerned? I did check the oil level and it was right up to the full mark, there has been no oil loss since the oil was changed at around 8000 kms. Please advise.

[DTASFAB]

Sounds like a belt that's too loose or too tight, more likely too tight. They can cry a little when they contract in size due to the cold, then they quiet down when they warm up. Hopefully, that's all it is, and hopefully, it will be an easy adjustment for your dealer.

I've been starting my Rogue every morning with temperatures similar to yours (as low as 0 fahrenheit, not more than about 5 or so most mornings over the past week) and it turns over perfectly, then I drive. Gas mileage sucks, and my TPMS light came on for the first time today, but then it went out on my way home from work when the temperature was up to about 13. Otherwise, no problems to report since I got my new battery over a month ago.

[ImStricken06]

in these temps, your engine oil becomes thicker than what is optimal. your oil pump has a hard time sucking it up, and pushing it through the tiny passages. it also has a hard time getting the oil pressure up to par to be able to adjust the timing chain tensioner. on your next oil change try and drop to a 0w-30. this winter season, people have seen temps dip far below average temps. some area's were colder than Antarctica... so you have to adjust for that with your engine oil.

[RyleyinSTL]

The old 2.5 makes a few strange sounds below -25c. Nothing to worry about. 0w oil is a must and you should be plugging in below -15c to minimize cold weather start damage. Do those 2 things and you will be fine.

[mikess]

Ok Guys, last night I plugged in the block heater. The cord was coming through the front lower bumper grill, initially these cords i'm told are tied up and place in the engine compartment close to the windshield washer fluid, however, I'm thinking the dealer must of routed it through there for easy access before delivery. Anyways, starting was much better, quieter and smoother. It did still need time to warm up but not as much. It wasn't too cold here today, so the real test will be one of those below 20 degree mornings, today was around -7 °C. However, in the process of plugging in the cord I think it came undone from whatever it was secured to, now it just hangs there. I do see a small clip which was probably used to anchor it to something, the clip is just a little after the actual plug. However, I can't seem to find where it clips in, if someone has knowledge about this please let me know, thanks.

[ImStricken06]

if i can get my lazy butt out of bed this morning, i am dropping my engine oil(5w-30) and putting in 0w-30. I cant stand the noises the poor engine makes in these extreme cold temps we have been experiencing. i do 5,000mile engine oil changes, and i am only half way, but fuk it. i wanna see if this will stop the noises. i can sense its struggling.

[mikess]

if i can get my lazy butt out of bed this morning, i am dropping my engine oil(5w-30) and putting in 0w-30. I cant stand the noises the poor engine makes in these extreme cold temps we have been experiencing. i do 5,000mile engine oil changes, and i am only half way, but fuk it. i wanna see if this will stop the noises. i can sense its struggling.

Please do and report back to us if it makes a difference in engine noise on a cold start. What are the morning temps like where you live? Here in Toronto it was -18 celsius this morning when I started the Rogue, it made the usual high pitched noise but calmed down after a couple of minutes. As for the block heater wire, I have just tucked it in the space behind the front bumper grill, it seems there is a plastic shield attached to it so it really shouldn't hang on the ground, hopefully it stays safe.

[ImStricken06]

in the morning its about 4F / -15C around here.
right this moment its 20F / -6C = so its pretty cold LOL i will see how cold it is, and see if i want to deal with the cold. its COLD! lolol ill do my best.

i am worried about the oil pump breaking, with the struggle that i hear coming out of my engine, in the mornings.

[ImStricken06]

update: its bitterly cold out here guys. with the wind-chill its easily 15F / -6C. So i didnt do a complete oil change, but what i did do is:
1. check oil level: just above the "L" mark (my car eats a little oil during the 5,000k oil change intervals)
2. added 1 qt mobile1 0w-30
3. drove around doing errands

-will update tomorrow after a cold night sitting on the driveway.