negative what???

[JHaag13]

My B7 is sitting outside on this cold weather up in Grand Forks. I have a few questions about oil stabilizers and oil for being in the cold. I'm running Motul sae 5w40, I let my engine run for a good 10-15 mins at the minimum before lifting off. With that being said I was curious if people are running oil stabilizers to help with the cold. Reason being my car was shaking last night and making funky smoky smells directly out of the exhaust. I just put a full tank of 92 octane in and it seems to be sounding better... I let it idle for a good 20-30 mins after and filled it and no studdering. But, last night she died on me right as I pulled into my driveway. So would the reason be that my car was shaking cause I had a quarter tank left and my fuel line was freezing? Bad oil? Coil? There is no check engine light. I'm going to get my oil changed today or tomorrow so hopefully I can get some good feedback on if oil stabilizers will help. Thanks..

[Ghostrider]

I don't use oil stabilizers here in NE Missouri, but it does get cold- not as low as you do. However, I would suggest you go to a thinner weight oil, try 5W30.

[JHaag13]

Yeah I was pretty amazed if my gas line was already freezing at that point. I had a good 100 miles to go!

[Boushard]

DOn't have stabilizer Here in Quebec and it's pretty damn cold these day.

Warm up the car a couple minute and drive it bellow 2k RPM until the temps warm up and everything is fine till now, touching wood!! Got a bad start Monday, here is the story :
http://www.audizine.com/forum/showthread.php/408155-Got-my-first-CEL!!!?highlight=CEL

Like ghost rider said you can go with more fluid oil grade but more 0W40 not 5W30. If you go with the 30 at normal temps the oil will be more liquid that's not what you want. You want fluid oil at cold temps that's what the 0W grade do!!

Anyway keep us updated with the oil change!!

[eccarlino]

as far as oil, would you saw 0W40 in the winter, 5W40 in the summer ?

[JHaag13]

looking like maybe an oil leak under the passenger side.. i saw some oil on top of the passenger side of skid. any suggestions? valve cover? seals?

[Satyroi]

Check your PCV valve. Could the source to your problems?

[Boushard]

as far as oil, would you saw 0W40 in the winter, 5W40 in the summer ?

Probably try this at the next oil change, but yes 0W40 in winter and 5W40 in summer!!!

[JHaag13]

can the pcv valve be updated to the TT if theres any difference? I've had the pcv go out on me once already so this is probably it once again..

[JHaag13]

going to check my catch can.. lol that may have some answers as well

[Brillo]

It's not clear to me that your problems have anything to do with the oil you are using. Also agree that for easier starting a 0-40 weight engine oil would be the way to go in your climate for winter and 5-40 in summer. Stick with the 40 weight though because the cold weather will not much affect the engine operating temperature when warmed up. I've heard of gas and/or diesel fuel stabilizer but can't imagine that a oil stabilizer would be recommended. also, idling a car for more than a few minutes is not recommended in any weather conditions and I'm not sure I understand what you are trying to achieve with these extended idling anyway. Easy driving after a 1 to 2 minute warm-up should be sufficient. Unless your gas had a tremendous amount of moisture in it I doubt the gas line was freezing, especially after running for a while. A bottle of gas line antifreeze (mainly isopropyl alcohol) should fix that problem if it is still a concern after fixing your other problems. Doesn't sound like a big problem but good luck sorting it out.

[Kubus]

I don't use any stabilizers here in Quebec either. Was -22C (-8F) here this evening and it started fine. Still running 5W40.

[Boushard]

I don't use any stabilizers here in Quebec either. Was -22C (-8F) here this evening and it started fine. Still running 5W40.

You probably had hard cranking too, but start the first time!?!?!

[Kubus]

You probably had hard cranking too, but start the first time!?!?!

First time, about 3-4 seconds of cranking. But starts like a champ.

[Boushard]

First time, about 3-4 seconds of cranking. But starts like a champ.

Same thing here, but died after 20sec with the battery icon, restart and all good!!!