what oil best to use?
Discussion
My car is a 400SE 1989 and this time I change my oil I going to use 20w50 and a can of 400ml STP oil treatment added once the oil is up to running temperature. The reason for this, I believe, these engines were not designed to run on these new thinner oils. 20W50 is thicker and the oil treatment will give it necessary quality additive hence making the oil remain thicker for longer in high temperatures. Maintaining a high oil pressure at all times, even when idling. It's like when you are buying a hi-fi, you don't always necessarily buy the same make, but make up your own instead. Also before anyone asks I use oil filter Fram PH5443, but this time I am using Mahle OC261 which is the equivalent.
Tony. TCB.
Tony. TCB.
V6 likewise - 20/50 classic style oil. Thinner was recommended for the turbos.
My V6 leaks at an astonishing rate with 'modern' thinner oils, with drips underneath it all the time. Mind you the Cologne isn't the most oil tight engine to begin with. Rocker covers are notorious for leaking oil over the heads.... 2.9 was a lot better I understand.
My V6 leaks at an astonishing rate with 'modern' thinner oils, with drips underneath it all the time. Mind you the Cologne isn't the most oil tight engine to begin with. Rocker covers are notorious for leaking oil over the heads.... 2.9 was a lot better I understand.
As I posted elsewhere, the US government mandated that the amount of zinc is reduced in engine oils, as it affects the life of catalytic converters. For older engines (flat tappet engines) extra zinc is needed. For my boat I use Joe Gibbs oil, developed for race cars. Other people here use Rotella. And when I get the wedge back on the road I will use Joe Gibbs.
I'm not sure if this is applicable in the UK.
Wilf.
I'm not sure if this is applicable in the UK.
Wilf.
RCK974X said:
V6 likewise - 20/50 classic style oil.Mind you the Cologne isn't the most oil tight engine to begin with. Rocker covers are notorious for leaking oil over the heads....
20/50 classic for me too..(V6)..You are right there mate about leakage..Im hoping to remedy that by getting some silicone rocker cover gaskets made as there are only the cork type available..Also the load spreaders are missing on mine which doesnt help..But then again my covers mating surfaces are not entirely flush..Something i should of checked before getting them chromed...
mrzigazaga said:
But then again my covers mating surfaces are not entirely flush..Something i should of checked before getting them chromed...
Told you before Mark, find a pair of the later cast alloy type from the XR4i engine, grind off the Ford logos and bling them up to your hearts' delight 
Zig, I got some spreaders a while ago, but they don't help all that much.... The Granny Scorpio 2.8 also had alloy covers, but used a different 'vent' type for the engine crankcase, so may not work on K injection.
The spreaders aren't anything fancy, you could probably make some by filing down thick washers..
I was told that 2.9 gaskets fit, and they have a different, better, design, but I haven't tried them out.
The spreaders aren't anything fancy, you could probably make some by filing down thick washers..
I was told that 2.9 gaskets fit, and they have a different, better, design, but I haven't tried them out.
simonwedge said:
Valvoline VR1 20/50. These engines were designed to run on thicker oil and it helps them keep decent oil pressure. They don't have the engineering tolerances reqd to run on modern thin oils.
+1Tried 15W40 as had it standing around, but it smokes a bit on start-ups.
No big oil use and a little lower oil pressure, therefore went back to the previous 20w50.
Although would prefer a 15 not 20 in winter.
Rob
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