# Oil... how does it work? \[split\] **URL:** \ **Category:** Shift518 Off Topic\ **Created:** [January 6, 2012, 11:40pm UTC](https://forums.speedlife.net/t/oil-how-does-it-work-split/262189 "2012-01-06T23:40:40Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 1
**Author:** ![Boxersix](https://yyz2.discourse-cdn.com/flex034/user_avatar/forums.speedlife.net/boxersix/32/6327_2.png) [@Boxersix](https://forums.speedlife.net/u/Boxersix)\ **Post date:** [January 6, 2012, 11:40pm UTC](https://forums.speedlife.net/t/oil-how-does-it-work-split/262189/1 "2012-01-06T23:40:40Z")
What, that engines should be warmed up based off the manufactures specification. Or if the motor is built, based apon what the engine builder/assembler states for the type of components inside it (IE piston and ring composition) and the related tolerances given during the build. Or that engine bearings(in a properly built motor) do not need any sort of warmup, just oil, which any primed system will give in a matter of 3-4 seconds tops. Or that the average automotive engine cylinder/piston reaches operating temperature in about 300-400 combustion cycles. How long do you think that takes at an average idle of 850 rpm…Or… Like I said…lots of head spinning. This topic is about as retarded as the arguments over which oil weight is “the best” to run for a given engine. Shit-tons of lolz there to be had, or major headaches depending on how you look at it. ---
**Author:** ![TurboTravis](https://yyz2.discourse-cdn.com/flex034/user_avatar/forums.speedlife.net/turbotravis/32/6406_2.png) [@TurboTravis](https://forums.speedlife.net/u/TurboTravis)\ **Post date:** [January 6, 2012, 11:51pm UTC](https://forums.speedlife.net/t/oil-how-does-it-work-split/262189/2 "2012-01-06T23:51:37Z")
One of my favorite quotes (in regards to oil) "At absolute zero (-273 degrees Celsius, -469 degrees Fahrenheit) when all atomic and molecular activity stops. But that is not what you are asking. Motor oil, even so-called multigrade motor oil like Mobil 1 5W-30, looses viscosity the hotter it gets. Your oil is thickest (highest viscosity) when it is coldest. The reason to warm up the engine before “gettin’ on it” is to allow thermal expansion of the block to occur. Combustion temperature will heat the pistons, and make them grow in diameter, very quickly and effectively. If the block is not at operating temperature, you can scuff or even seize some pistons, not a pleasant occurrence. So you should really be watching the coolant temperature, and let it get above 160F (the closer to your normal operating temperature the better) before hammering the throttle. Bearings love lots of cool, thick oil, and as long as the oil pump can pump it, the cooler the better. (Please note, in a past life I was the Director of Research and Development for the Clevite Bearing Co., hence my screen name.)" ---
**Author:** ![Vovchandr](https://yyz2.discourse-cdn.com/flex034/user_avatar/forums.speedlife.net/vovchandr/32/6275_2.png) [@Vovchandr](https://forums.speedlife.net/u/Vovchandr)\ **Post date:** [January 7, 2012, 1:43am UTC](https://forums.speedlife.net/t/oil-how-does-it-work-split/262189/3 "2012-01-07T01:43:37Z")
Riddle me this. If oil is thinnest at cold temperatures and thickest at operating temp according to 10w-30 or any other viscosity index… Why does it flow out of the motor easier during an oil change and is slow to flow when cold, completely counter intuitive to the index. ---
**Author:** ![88slowmarro](https://yyz2.discourse-cdn.com/flex034/user_avatar/forums.speedlife.net/88slowmarro/32/6339_2.png) [@88slowmarro](https://forums.speedlife.net/u/88slowmarro)\ **Post date:** [January 7, 2012, 6:01am UTC](https://forums.speedlife.net/t/oil-how-does-it-work-split/262189/4 "2012-01-07T06:01:20Z")
It’s opposite of what u have vlad lol ---
**Author:** ![TurboTravis](https://yyz2.discourse-cdn.com/flex034/user_avatar/forums.speedlife.net/turbotravis/32/6406_2.png) [@TurboTravis](https://forums.speedlife.net/u/TurboTravis)\ **Post date:** [January 7, 2012, 10:58am UTC](https://forums.speedlife.net/t/oil-how-does-it-work-split/262189/5 "2012-01-07T10:58:15Z")
> [@These guys use (this) wireless service](https://forums.speedlife.net/t/these-guys-use-this-wireless-service/47719/33): > > Riddle me this. > > If oil is thinnest at cold temperatures and thickest at operating temp according to 10w-30 or any other viscosity index… Why does it flow out of the motor easier during an oil change and is slow to flow when cold, completely counter intuitive to the index. Bassakwards, bud ---
**Author:** ![cazwrx187](https://yyz2.discourse-cdn.com/flex034/user_avatar/forums.speedlife.net/cazwrx187/32/6388_2.png) [@cazwrx187](https://forums.speedlife.net/u/cazwrx187)\ **Post date:** [January 7, 2012, 4:49pm UTC](https://forums.speedlife.net/t/oil-how-does-it-work-split/262189/6 "2012-01-07T16:49:58Z")
> [@These guys use (this) wireless service](https://forums.speedlife.net/t/these-guys-use-this-wireless-service/47719/33): > > Riddle me this. > > If oil is thinnest at cold temperatures and thickest at operating temp according to 10w-30 or any other viscosity index… Why does it flow out of the motor easier during an oil change and is slow to flow when cold, completely counter intuitive to the index. In Soviet Russia… ---
**Author:** ![Vovchandr](https://yyz2.discourse-cdn.com/flex034/user_avatar/forums.speedlife.net/vovchandr/32/6275_2.png) [@Vovchandr](https://forums.speedlife.net/u/Vovchandr)\ **Post date:** [January 7, 2012, 6:50pm UTC](https://forums.speedlife.net/t/oil-how-does-it-work-split/262189/7 "2012-01-07T18:50:20Z")
> [@Scirocco race car](https://forums.speedlife.net/t/scirocco-race-car/47718/18): > > In Soviet Russia… > [@The uselessness of a Gas Tax Holiday](https://forums.speedlife.net/t/the-uselessness-of-a-gas-tax-holiday/47736/18): > > Bassakwards, bud > [@The uselessness of a Gas Tax Holiday](https://forums.speedlife.net/t/the-uselessness-of-a-gas-tax-holiday/47736/16): > > It’s opposite of what u have vlad lol You guys might want to read up on what the numbers on the bottle mean I don’t have it backwards, that’s the point. > Thicker or heavy viscosity oils will take longer to flow through the orifice in the viscometer and end up in higher number ranges such as SAE 50 or SAE 60 for example. If an oil flows through faster being thinner/lighter then it will wind up in a low number range such as SAE 10 or SAE 20 for example. > This allows the engine to get quick oil flow when it is started cold verses dry running until lubricant either warms up sufficiently or is finally forced through the engine oil system. The advantages of a low W viscosity number is obvious. The quicker the oil flows cold, the less dry running. Less dry running means much less engine wear. > The viscosity grade (for example, 5W-30) tells you the oil’s thickness, or viscosity. A thin oil has a lower number and flows more easily, while thick oils have a higher number and are more resistant to flow. > Water has a very low viscosity – it is thin and flows easily. Honey has a very high viscosity – it is thick and gooey. > The viscosity will determine how easily the oil is pumped to the working components, how easily it will pass through the filter, and how quickly it will drain back to the engine. The lower the viscosity the easier all this will happen. That is why cold starts are so critical to an engine because the oil is cold, and so relatively thick. So my question stands, why it flows easier when warm even though it’s viscosity is higher, which means it’s thicker. :ponder First number on the bottle is at freezing temp IE “5”, second number on the bottle at operating temp, IE “30”. Oil is thin at start up so it actually gets flowing through the motor due to paraffin additives in dino oils and natural properties in real synthetics. > **[Motor Oil Viscosity Grades Explained in Layman's Terms](http://www.upmpg.com/tech_articles/motoroil_viscosity/)** > > Motor oil viscosity grades and how they are selected. What do they mean and why is it important? > **[What does the weight mean on a can of motor oil?](https://auto.howstuffworks.com/fuel-efficiency/fuel-consumption/question164.htm)** > > Planning to change your own oil? You're probably wondering what the numbers on the can of motor oil mean. Find out what they mean and what oil is best for your car. [http://www.kewengineering.co.uk/Auto\_oils/oil\_viscosity\_explained.htm](http://www.kewengineering.co.uk/Auto_oils/oil_viscosity_explained.htm) ---
**Author:** ![88slowmarro](https://yyz2.discourse-cdn.com/flex034/user_avatar/forums.speedlife.net/88slowmarro/32/6339_2.png) [@88slowmarro](https://forums.speedlife.net/u/88slowmarro)\ **Post date:** [January 7, 2012, 7:45pm UTC](https://forums.speedlife.net/t/oil-how-does-it-work-split/262189/8 "2012-01-07T19:45:53Z")
Oil don’t freeze unless water gets in it !!! ---
**Author:** ![Vovchandr](https://yyz2.discourse-cdn.com/flex034/user_avatar/forums.speedlife.net/vovchandr/32/6275_2.png) [@Vovchandr](https://forums.speedlife.net/u/Vovchandr)\ **Post date:** [January 7, 2012, 7:47pm UTC](https://forums.speedlife.net/t/oil-how-does-it-work-split/262189/9 "2012-01-07T19:47:30Z")
> [@People With Money In the Market](https://forums.speedlife.net/t/people-with-money-in-the-market/42103/117): > > Oil don’t freeze unless water gets in it !!! Water freezing temperature, or 32 deg F. Nobody talked about oil freezing. Common now. ---
**Author:** ![88slowmarro](https://yyz2.discourse-cdn.com/flex034/user_avatar/forums.speedlife.net/88slowmarro/32/6339_2.png) [@88slowmarro](https://forums.speedlife.net/u/88slowmarro)\ **Post date:** [January 7, 2012, 7:49pm UTC](https://forums.speedlife.net/t/oil-how-does-it-work-split/262189/10 "2012-01-07T19:49:09Z")
If water gets in oil , unless its mixed to the point that it makes a vanilla shake lol I’m not sure . But if its in thee and seperated it will freeze at a water freeze point . ---
**Author:** ![Vovchandr](https://yyz2.discourse-cdn.com/flex034/user_avatar/forums.speedlife.net/vovchandr/32/6275_2.png) [@Vovchandr](https://forums.speedlife.net/u/Vovchandr)\ **Post date:** [January 7, 2012, 7:54pm UTC](https://forums.speedlife.net/t/oil-how-does-it-work-split/262189/11 "2012-01-07T19:54:00Z")
That has nothing to do with viscosity discussion we were having. The first number on the oil bottle is viscosity measured at 32 deg F, and it’s easy flowing, while second number means it’s thicker or less flowing. However that is the opposite of what is experienced when you change your oil. ---
**Author:** ![88slowmarro](https://yyz2.discourse-cdn.com/flex034/user_avatar/forums.speedlife.net/88slowmarro/32/6339_2.png) [@88slowmarro](https://forums.speedlife.net/u/88slowmarro)\ **Post date:** [January 7, 2012, 7:57pm UTC](https://forums.speedlife.net/t/oil-how-does-it-work-split/262189/12 "2012-01-07T19:57:53Z")
It’s all dependant on oil temperatures. Obv cold oil flows worse and hot oil flows well . ---
**Author:** ![Vovchandr](https://yyz2.discourse-cdn.com/flex034/user_avatar/forums.speedlife.net/vovchandr/32/6275_2.png) [@Vovchandr](https://forums.speedlife.net/u/Vovchandr)\ **Post date:** [January 7, 2012, 8:05pm UTC](https://forums.speedlife.net/t/oil-how-does-it-work-split/262189/13 "2012-01-07T20:05:13Z")
> [@Dish Network Customers](https://forums.speedlife.net/t/dish-network-customers/37033/24): > > It’s all dependant on oil temperatures. Obv cold oil flows worse and hot oil flows well . No. At 32 degrees 5w-30 oil flows better than it does at operating temperature. That’s how viscosity and it’s ratings work. They are already based on temperature. Did you read the quotes above? ---
**Author:** ![TurboTravis](https://yyz2.discourse-cdn.com/flex034/user_avatar/forums.speedlife.net/turbotravis/32/6406_2.png) [@TurboTravis](https://forums.speedlife.net/u/TurboTravis)\ **Post date:** [January 7, 2012, 9:27pm UTC](https://forums.speedlife.net/t/oil-how-does-it-work-split/262189/14 "2012-01-07T21:27:35Z")
Vlad, thanks for the entertainment! But enough is enough. Here is your answer…ready? Sitting down? Ok. The number with the “W” after it is tested at 32 degrees F, and the number without the “W” is tested at 210 degrees F. Thanks for playing, Travis ---
**Author:** ![TurboTravis](https://yyz2.discourse-cdn.com/flex034/user_avatar/forums.speedlife.net/turbotravis/32/6406_2.png) [@TurboTravis](https://forums.speedlife.net/u/TurboTravis)\ **Post date:** [January 7, 2012, 9:30pm UTC](https://forums.speedlife.net/t/oil-how-does-it-work-split/262189/15 "2012-01-07T21:30:02Z")
Did some googling for you, as much as I hate AMSOIL, they have a good write up on the subject- [http://www.upmpg.com/tech\_articles/motoroil\_viscosity/](http://www.upmpg.com/tech_articles/motoroil_viscosity/) ---
**Author:** ![Vovchandr](https://yyz2.discourse-cdn.com/flex034/user_avatar/forums.speedlife.net/vovchandr/32/6275_2.png) [@Vovchandr](https://forums.speedlife.net/u/Vovchandr)\ **Post date:** [January 7, 2012, 9:37pm UTC](https://forums.speedlife.net/t/oil-how-does-it-work-split/262189/16 "2012-01-07T21:37:15Z")
You’re kidding me right? > [@Tim hortons on UB's campus](https://forums.speedlife.net/t/tim-hortons-on-ubs-campus/47745/9): > > Vlad, thanks for the entertainment! But enough is enough. Here is your answer…ready? Sitting down? > > Ok. > > The number with the “W” after it is tested at 32 degrees F, and the number without the “W” is tested at 210 degrees F. > > Thanks for playing, > Travis > [@FS/T: 99 Custom Turbo Mitsu (Only 5000! obo)](https://forums.speedlife.net/t/fs-t-99-custom-turbo-mitsu-only-5000-obo/46978/14): > > First number on the bottle is at freezing temp IE “5”, second number on the bottle at operating temp, IE “30”. > [@DC Madam commits suicide](https://forums.speedlife.net/t/dc-madam-commits-suicide/47747/4): > > The first number on the oil bottle is viscosity measured at 32 deg F, and it’s easy flowing, while second number means it’s thicker or less flowing. > [@It's a bird! It's a Plane! It's SuperMan! No, it's a 100 spoke wheel](https://forums.speedlife.net/t/its-a-bird-its-a-plane-its-superman-no-its-a-100-spoke-wheel/47734/31): > > Did some googling for you, as much as I hate AMSOIL, they have a good write up on the subject- > > [Motor Oil Viscosity Grades Explained in Layman's Terms](http://www.upmpg.com/tech_articles/motoroil_viscosity/) > [@Dish Network Customers](https://forums.speedlife.net/t/dish-network-customers/37033/18): > > [Motor Oil Viscosity Grades Explained in Layman's Terms](http://www.upmpg.com/tech_articles/motoroil_viscosity/) You just literally repeated what I’ve been saying. Just about word for word, even the same article. ---
**Author:** ![TurboTravis](https://yyz2.discourse-cdn.com/flex034/user_avatar/forums.speedlife.net/turbotravis/32/6406_2.png) [@TurboTravis](https://forums.speedlife.net/u/TurboTravis)\ **Post date:** [January 7, 2012, 9:55pm UTC](https://forums.speedlife.net/t/oil-how-does-it-work-split/262189/17 "2012-01-07T21:55:21Z")
Dude, you’re clueless. You don’t understand what you’re reading. Do you understand the concept of a MULTIGRADE OIL? Apparently not. This is literally one of the dumbest oil arguments I’ve ever seen. ---
**Author:** ![Vovchandr](https://yyz2.discourse-cdn.com/flex034/user_avatar/forums.speedlife.net/vovchandr/32/6275_2.png) [@Vovchandr](https://forums.speedlife.net/u/Vovchandr)\ **Post date:** [January 7, 2012, 10:00pm UTC](https://forums.speedlife.net/t/oil-how-does-it-work-split/262189/18 "2012-01-07T22:00:40Z")
> [@Tim hortons on UB's campus](https://forums.speedlife.net/t/tim-hortons-on-ubs-campus/47745/11): > > Dude, you’re clueless. You don’t understand what you’re reading. Do you understand the concept of a MULTIGRADE OIL? Apparently not. If it involves anything other than having different viscosity characteristics at different temperatures feel free to share as to how “clueless” I am. You call me clueless yet according to you oil is thick high viscosity when cold and low viscosity when warm > [@These guys use (this) wireless service](https://forums.speedlife.net/t/these-guys-use-this-wireless-service/47719/33): > > If oil is thinnest at cold temperatures and thickest at operating temp according to 10w-30 or any other viscosity index. > [@The uselessness of a Gas Tax Holiday](https://forums.speedlife.net/t/the-uselessness-of-a-gas-tax-holiday/47736/18): > > Bassakwards, bud And if you say that you may want to re-read you own link > [@It's a bird! It's a Plane! It's SuperMan! No, it's a 100 spoke wheel](https://forums.speedlife.net/t/its-a-bird-its-a-plane-its-superman-no-its-a-100-spoke-wheel/47734/31): > > Did some googling for you, as much as I hate AMSOIL, they have a good write up on the subject- > > [Motor Oil Viscosity Grades Explained in Layman's Terms](http://www.upmpg.com/tech_articles/motoroil_viscosity/) ---
**Author:** ![TurboTravis](https://yyz2.discourse-cdn.com/flex034/user_avatar/forums.speedlife.net/turbotravis/32/6406_2.png) [@TurboTravis](https://forums.speedlife.net/u/TurboTravis)\ **Post date:** [January 7, 2012, 10:10pm UTC](https://forums.speedlife.net/t/oil-how-does-it-work-split/262189/19 "2012-01-07T22:10:28Z")
Vlad, there is NO relation between the “W” number and the non “W” number- “W” numbers=cP=centipoise non “W” number-cSt=centistrokes A 5W30 oil is not thicker at higher temps vs. 32 degrees. Sure the viscosity number is higher, but that’s just it, it’s just the NUMBER. It’s a number that references a different meaning (cSt). How do you not understand this? ---
**Author:** ![Vovchandr](https://yyz2.discourse-cdn.com/flex034/user_avatar/forums.speedlife.net/vovchandr/32/6275_2.png) [@Vovchandr](https://forums.speedlife.net/u/Vovchandr)\ **Post date:** [January 7, 2012, 10:14pm UTC](https://forums.speedlife.net/t/oil-how-does-it-work-split/262189/20 "2012-01-07T22:14:40Z")
So you’re telling me a difference in the flow rate of a fluid has nothing to do with it’s relative thickness/thinness? [Next page](https://forums.speedlife.net/t/oil-how-does-it-work-split/262189.md?page=2)