So I just went out to turn my truck over, and it wouldn't go. Whatever, I'm not surprised as it wasn't plugged in long enough.

I look under the truck, and see this mess:



I look up at the oil filter, and see a steady stream POURING out of the base.



I'm going to assume this is because I'm using 10w30. The oil must be too thin?
I've used this oil for years, even in this kind of weather with no issues. The oil filter was changed a week ago, with no leaks until now.

Any ideas as to the exact cause?

In an unrelated matter, here is a photo of a bunch of frozen power steering fluid The hose that is leaking apparently costs $450 for the hose ALONE.



She's also all tucked in for the night
Don't laugh, it makes a huge difference in collecting the heat that the heater puts off.

 

Try too thick not too thin.

The chart says 10w30 is good to 0*F below that you need 5w-30.

 

Did you change the filter or did someone else. When it is that cold, metal contracts seriously and if the filter seal wasn't tight enough, you would have a leak.

 

Yeah, my dads boat winters in alaska, every year he goes back to about 2 gallons low on antifreeze without any signs of leakage... the metal contacts and it leaks thry the hose clamps...


Swith to 0-30 or 5w30, and keep it plugged in longer.....

 

I had the same problem on a chevy I once had. When the oil gets too thick because of the cold, the filter can't pass the thick oil fast enough, and the pressure forces it out around the gasket. Use thinner oil, like a synthetic, or a block heater to keep the oil warm.

 

Ouch! We are having -10 to 15 deg days (low/high) and I'm tired of it. I don't want to experience -40

Is is possible your filter isn't on tight enough because of the above mentioned contraction? Have you tried tighten it?

/hijack for a cold weather question/ Do you have a block heater in your rig? If so, what kind, where did you put it, where can I get one?

One last question. Have you heard of the arctic leash? http://www.arcticleash.com/ I want to put in a block heater along with an arctic leash so I'm ready for your weather should it come /hijack off/

Erich

 

Makes sense.
I've ran the 10w30 for years all year round, I guess it just wasn't plugged in for long enough for the oil to thin out and flow better.

All vehicles up here have block heaters, it's as important as a steering wheel. Not sure what kind mine is, came with the truck. You don't have one Erich? I would imagine any parts store would carry it.

I've looked at the Arctic Leash, and the price isn't something I'm interested in paying for that. The mounting onto the vehicle is complex as the leash is so large. They show an example of it mounted to a house, which isn't a bad idea to have on in the winter, then remove it in the summer. Still though, it's $90. I'd rather have an extension cord laying on the driveway and have $90 in my pocket instead of having a retractable extension cord that doesn't stiffen up like a board.

My truck is running right now anyways. Thought I would check before I try it in the morning to head off to work.

 

No, I refuse to go to the dealership here, they are a bag-o-tools. I've been told by Evan on the parts thread that Toyota doesn't make a stock block heater, so I don't know where to go to find one, let alone install it.

I should probably figure it out, I cringe when I start my rig each morning.

Erich

 

I got one for my 4x4 from Napa online and am having it put in next week along with some other stuff. Cost about $30.

Lamm

 

I got one from NWOR...