What's new
CK5
Register an account today to become a member! Once signed in, you'll be able to participate on this site by adding your own topics and posts, as well as connect with other members.

Will my burb survive in 10* at 7500ft?

munepit

munepit

3/4 ton status
GMOTM Winner
Joined
May 6, 2009
Posts
5,974
Reaction score
186
Location
Bakersfield CA.
Heading to the snow today for 4 days. The low temp is 10.5*. How to prepare? No block heater. Will the burb survive? I'm worried, myself and the burb have never been that cold before. Thanks for the help!! I have lots of antifreeze in it, but what else should I do?
 
thinner oil :waytogo: unless you're not planning on staying there for any length of time .

other than that, i'm in a colder climate now with a truck that's build for hot weather, and it does fine except for not reaching normal operation temps.
 
all i meant by thinner oil, BTW, is they are alittle sluggish starting up that cold with say 20/50wt oil in them. I found this out several years back when i was living in Flagstaff,AZ one winter, i went out to start it it at 4*, it didn't sound real happy. :doah: :D
 
Be gentle and let it warm up before going anywhere. Should be OK. I've already had a few nights of 15 degrees and it started right up! Suppose to get to minus 5 tomorrow sometime.
 
check your coolant condition, obviously...

let it warm up real good before you start driving off.
 
Thanks. I have 30w oil in there now. I have showboarding clothes, but 10.5* is going to be cold! I can't wait!! Hope the burb does ok that cold, crap, I'm more worried about the burb surviving than I'm worried about my family!
 
It's been sub freezing here a few nights since the snow storm. The truck will be fine.

Dress warm! :pimp:
 
Well coming from me i lived in inland Alaska for a few years where i bought a truck with no block heater.... i ran thinner oil, check fluids and was able to get her started in -40's daily.... i wouldn't recommend it but i was able to do that for about a month tell i could get it winterized
 
iirc, the GM manual states that at any altitude above 7200', it's possible the rig may......

































































































IMPLODE! :eek1: :yikes:




sorry, couldn't resist...... :whistle: :haha: the boys got ya covered... :D
 
If its a diesel I'd pack a can of starting fluid in your tool bag!...yes,its use is highly discouraged,but could make the difference between getting home or being found frozen to death up there!..I'd definately dump the 30W ,that would be like mud t ten degrees!..15W-40 or 10W-30 would be much better for faster cold start RPMs..
 
you will be fine with out a block heater, and with the way your truck is set up. 10* is nothing for a gas engine.
 
Be sure to check out your battery too. A "good" battery in warm sea level temps sure can die quick once in the bitter cold.

My '89 fired up fine in the cold mornings up in Tahoe a few weeks ago, but idled low... compared to sea level, of course. I always let it warm up too :) I'd feel bad for my engine otherwise!

I also tend to cover the windshield with a blanket or something. Makes de-frosting (or de-snowing) a bit easier ;)

Good luck! And as has been mentioned, I'd just double check the coolant, make sure it's still good for freezing temps. I think the Prestone gauge is under $10 at Autozone or Kragen or whatever.

Clay
 
Sweet! Thanks guys! I think I will be all good! There is 6 ft of snow and I have a new video camera, so I will be having some fun:D. I'm running my 38s, not my 42s so we will see what happens. I hate Toyo 38s!! Happy new year to everyone. If I make it, there is no service and off the grid so talk to all you guys on Mon!
 
munepit said:
Sweet! Thanks guys! I think I will be all good! There is 6 ft of snow and I have a new video camera, so I will be having some fun:D. I'm running my 38s, not my 42s so we will see what happens. I hate Toyo 38s!! Happy new year to everyone. If I make it, there is no service and off the grid so talk to all you guys on Mon!
Click to expand...

I'm assuming you have chains too...?
 
You should be fine. My burb fired right up this morning and with wind chill it was about -10. It might crank alittle longer than normal but it will fire up. Check the coolant and battery for freeze point. Thats about all I would do.
 
I don't know what year your truck is, but my 1991 says 5w-30 is recommended. In cold weather, that 5w when it's cold helps a lot. So, if I were you, I'd change it to 5w-30 before you head up there.

And yes, check your battery. AutoZone etc will load test it if you bring it in. The last thing you want to find out is that it's on it's last legs and won't start when it's really cold.
 
I have no chains. I do need some for 38s and 42s though. Batteries, I have 2 brand new AC Delco Professional 800cca batteries. I did an oil change 75 miles ago with 30w. Thanks guys!:waytogo:
 
Chains help a lot, not just on ice, but also in snow...when I lived in Oregon, I used the chains on all four tires at Mt Hood
 
You must log in or register to reply here.

Latest Posts

Top Bottom