[cd8000]

It has been about 20F in the valley for the past few days in California. I have filled my Yaris 1.5 with 10w-30 as that was the only thing they had at the store. Now these cold days I noticed there is a bit of start up knock for about 3 to 4 seconds and it goes way.

I wonder if I should go back to 5w-30 on the next oil change? I am 2k miles away at this point. I am using Valvoline Synthetic Blend 10w-30.

 

[puddleglum2]

Personally I wouldn't run 10w30 in an engine that was running in sub freezing temps, but technically 20F is well within the range of the oil. If the engine is still pretty tight, it could be struggling to get thick oil flowing. If the oil is causing your noise (although it could be something else and the oil may have noting to do with it) in 2K you may have already done damage. I'd change it back now and see if the noise goes away.

 

[cb91710]

10w30 is too heavy for any modern engine.
5w30, 5w20, and 0w20 have been standard for 15 years.

Edit - Correction for the nitpickers: 10w30 is too heavy for any modern passenger car gasoline engine.
Yes, I am fully aware that Diesels will run Xw40a and Xw50, and motorcycles often run 10w40 and 20w50.
We're talking about a freaking Yaris 1.5 that was never specified for anything heavier than 5w30

 

[Greasymechtech]

10w30 isn't too thick. I have modern engines that take 15w40, 5w50 and 10w60.

10w meets cranking/pumping tests at -25 or -30

Filter brand/PN?? Sounds like filter is draining out and takes 3-4 seconds to refill.

 

[cd8000]

10w30 isn't too thick. I have modern engines that take 15w40, 5w50 and 10w60.

10w meets cranking/pumping tests at -25 or -30

Filter brand/PN?? Sounds like filter is draining out and takes 3-4 seconds to refill.

Valvoline Maxlife 10w-30 with Fram Extra Guard filter. Came with the store deal. Oil pressure light goes out in 2 seconds when starting car on cold start.

 

[cb91710]

The Fram filter isn't helping, but the main issue is the oil weight in cold temps.
IIRC, the Yaris filter is oriented vertically, so the relatively poor anti-drainback valve of the Fram filter should not be posing a problem.

First opportunity dump it and get the proper oil in there (preferably with a Toyota filter, they're only $4 plus shipping so you can usually get a box of 10 for under $50)

 

[zythr]

Why wait for 2000 miles, to change? 1.5 does not take that much oil.

 

[Greasymechtech]

Use a different filter next time. Shop smarter. Pay a little more for the Fram toughgard or Fram ultra, or any other brand with a silicone ADBV. Some store deals offer the upgrade. Otherwise, skip the store deals as they can't match the wallyworld pricing on jugs of oil and filters.

Any filter with a silicone ADBV should reduce the startup knock caused by a filter draining empty overnight. The easiest thing to do is to remove the Fram orange can, replace it with a better filter, top off the oil, and see if the cold start up noise continues.

I don't care for the 10w30 simply because not all are any thicker than their 5w30's. But the oil is usable grade for many engines even during cold winters.

Valvoline doesn't list HTHS but NOACK is better with the 10w30 when compared to the 5w30, and both are spec'd to easily meet SAE requirements for CCS/MRV.
http://content.valvoline.com/pdf/maxlife.pdf

Again, the issue is NOT the oil weight at your mildly cold temps. I've used 15w50 during Maine winters without startup noises so the grade is not an issue for your temps.

Another option is to pay a little more for a full synthetic 10w30 like:
http://content.valvoline.com/pdf/valvoline_full_synthetic_with_maxlife_technology.pdf

Or get the ultimate cold pumpability/flow from a 0w30 like this fuel economy Mobil1:
http://www.mobil.com/english-US/Passenger-Vehicle-Lube/pds/GLXXMobil-1-0W30

 

[cb91710]

Why wait for 2000 miles, to change? 1.5 does not take that much oil.

Ditto.
It's making an unusual noise, that is a sign of potential damage.
It's not going to blow up, but it is increasing wear.

It's $35 for a jug of M1 and a filter... just change it.

 

[300-6]

I've been running 0W20 synthetic during the winter over the past 5 years. Car starts great at -20 F without any help. During warm spells (ie above freezing) I don't notice any difference in engine noise. If you can siphon or drain out a quart or two of your 10W30 and replace it with 0 grade that'll get you through to the next oil change easily enough.