4-cylinder 2.4 motor oil in hot environment (Algarve, Portugal)

[Hennep87]

I really tried finding this. And I did found some things. But not exactly what I was looking for.

Last month the oil pressure sensor broke down. (Oil pressure drops on idle with a hot engine.)
Got it checked with a manual meter and there were no actual oil pressure issues. Anyhow, we changed the oil sensor for an aftermarket sensor. (Mopar sensor ordered, takes 5 weeks to arrive from the US). Will change that afterwords.

The old sensor was leaking oil through the sensor.

After changing the sensor it is allready much better, but I still had 1 meter drop issue with the new sensor when the engine was really warm. (Much better then 4x a day).

Anyway, my mechanic told me that maybe the oil gets to thin and the oil pump doesn’t gets it around how it supposed to be.

I don’t know if it is really like that but I have a feeling my engine makes a bit more noise then during winter. But that can also only be in my head

If I check the manual it also says that the 5w30 is for temperature between -29 and 38 degrees Celsius

If I check any random chart online I find different numbers.

As the temperature in winter never drops under 10 degrees Celsius.. (50 degrees Fahrenheit)

Temperatures get up to 40/45 degrees Celsius in these months. (104-113 degrees Fahrenheit)

With that information I was thinking about 10w40. Is anyone running this in the hotter places?

Then: brands, semi synthetic, full synthetic?

At the moment I run Castrol EDGE 5w30 full synthetic.

I can’t get everything to guys can get in the US.

I can get Mopar Here. But only 5w30 and 10w30

Other brands like Valvoline, castrol, motul, liqui-moly, mobil, mannoil I can get here in 10w40.

So please shoot! Let me know what the people think/use.

Many thanks!

 

[macleanflood]

I know this works for the 4.0...no experience with the 2.4. And in cooler climates this ends up heating the oil to operating temperature...about 210. I did this mod with a Chrysler 300 oil cooler.

Thread 'How to install a Ecoboost oil cooler / heater in a 4.0 and why'

Sep 19, 2023

After falsely blaming my last oil cooler (an oil to air heat exchanger with a thermostat) for a loss of oil prime (actually was a bad oil pump) and tearing it out, I decided to take a look around and see if there was a simpler and more effective option.

Then I remembered my 3.5 Ecoboost F-150 has an oil cooler. In fact, it is intended to both heat AND cool the oil, using the heat from the coolant.

In short, coolant is warmed by the engine, pumped through the heat exchanger (sandwiched between the filter and the block), exchanges heat with the oil, and then...

• Steel City 06
• Replies: 149
• Forum: TJ How-to Guides

• 

-Mac

 

[GoldenGorilla]

You don't need to run a higher viscosity oil. It's not really an extreme climate in the Algarve. The 10W30 should be good to any temp found on planet earth. The system is designed around a 30 viscosity when warmed up to the operating temp of 90-100C or so. I wouldn't waste money on the Mopar stuff. The 2.4 is a modern DOHC engine and will do well with any quality synthetic. The only downside to 10W40 is slightly higher wear. It is an old engine at this time and likely wouldn't speed or slow it's demise if there is an issue brewing.

The TJ forum isn't as familiar with that engine as it was only used in a few years near the end of production on a model that wasn't as popular to hold onto but I know oil leaks are one of it's known issues, primarily at the valve cover. There are some comments out there about noise at higher engine temps being a warning sign.

If the engine is making noise when warmed up, I'd say you want to figure out where and then why. A mechanics stethiscope may help get to the general area. Is it in the valvetrain on top or or lower in the block? is it external on the drive belt? Can you pinpoint a specific area.

 

[Hennep87]

You don't need to run a higher viscosity oil. It's not really an extreme climate in the Algarve. The 10W30 should be good to any temp found on planet earth. The system is designed around a 30 viscosity when warmed up to the operating temp of 90-100C or so. I wouldn't waste money on the Mopar stuff. The 2.4 is a modern DOHC engine and will do well with any quality synthetic. The only downside to 10W40 is slightly higher wear. It is an old engine at this time and likely wouldn't speed or slow it's demise if there is an issue brewing.

The TJ forum isn't as familiar with that engine as it was only used in a few years near the end of production on a model that wasn't as popular to hold onto but I know oil leaks are one of it's known issues, primarily at the valve cover. There are some comments out there about noise at higher engine temps being a warning sign.

If the engine is making noise when warmed up, I'd say you want to figure out where and then why. A mechanics stethiscope may help get to the general area. Is it in the valvetrain on top or or lower in the block? is it external on the drive belt? Can you pinpoint a specific area.

I mean, it makes a ticking noise when it’s cold. But that’s because the oil isn’t in the top of the block of what I got told. So that’s normal.

When it’s warm it doesn’t really make a weird noise. It looks like it is louder. But what I said. Can be between the ears.. And it isn’t leaking oil at all.

My mechanic made me start tinking about this. That’s why I’m asking.

Algarve isn’t extreme climate. But we had some days of 45 degrees Celsius this summer.

But if you tell me that 10w30 is good enough. I will try that next oil change.

 

[TheBoogieman]

Anyway, my mechanic told me that maybe the oil gets to thin and the oil pump doesn’t gets it around how it supposed to be.

Find a better mechanic. Your climate isn't any different than places here. I use the same oil when it's 100+ or 10 degrees.

 

[GoldenGorilla]

My mechanic made me start tinking about this. That’s why I’m asking.

Algarve isn’t extreme climate. But we had some days of 45 degrees Celsius this summer.

Tribology is a complex topic and there is a lot of misinformation out there both from manufacturers and public sources. I don't blame your mechanic for not knowing.

I've visited the Algarve a few years ago. Such a beautiful area to call home.

 

[Link]

I run 5W30 in winter and in summer. Runs fine. Wouldn’t bother me to run a 5W40 but I don’t.