Engine oil capacity
Discussion
lear said:
Could somebody please tell me the engine oil capcity (with filter change) for a 350? On the advice of Dave Batty going to see if a different oil fixes my rattling valve train...
Thank you
Officially, the capacity is 5.5 liters for a 3.5L. Actually, it will help if you go over that. (over full by 1/2 liter). They didn't add needed extra oil capacity until the bigger 3.9 sump. As this engine oil systems rely on volume rather pressure, there is no harm caused in doing so and your oil temp will be cooler. Thank you
You sound like you have a ZDDP problem. Common these days. What oil are using? Its name may not have changed but what they are putting in it has. Big problem for the flat tappet community.
plushuit said:
Officially, the capacity is 5.5 liters for a 3.5L. Actually, it will help if you go over that. (over full by 1/2 liter). They didn't add needed extra oil capacity until the bigger 3.9 sump. As this engine oil systems rely on volume rather pressure, there is no harm caused in doing so and your oil temp will be cooler.
You sound like you have a ZDDP problem. Common these days. What oil are using? Its name may not have changed but what they are putting in it has. Big problem for the flat tappet community.
Thank you for all of the help. Oddly mine is now a 3.8 and it has had an oil cooler added which sits in front of the rad (so now the car overheats instead...) but sounds as if around the 6 litre mark ought to do it. Pardon my ignorance but "ZDDP"? I'm using Mobil 1 10W-60 which is obviously quite thick so I am not expecting a change to solve my problems! Spoke to Opie who recommended an Ester oil - Fuchs Pro R 15-50; will give it a shot before having the manifold taken off.You sound like you have a ZDDP problem. Common these days. What oil are using? Its name may not have changed but what they are putting in it has. Big problem for the flat tappet community.
lear said:
Pardon my ignorance but "ZDDP"?
Zinc dialkyldithiophosphates, wikipedia will give you all you need to know, but it is an lubricating agent that was added to oil to improve the oils properties but now is omitted or greatly reduced in most engine oils as it fouls catalytic converters. pjtvr390se said:
Zinc dialkyldithiophosphates, wikipedia will give you all you need to know, but it is an lubricating agent that was added to oil to improve the oils properties but now is omitted or greatly reduced in most engine oils as it fouls catalytic converters.
Well done. Here are the key points for LR/Rover V8 fans. http://www.gomog.com/allmorgan/plus8oil.htm#ZDDP
Just add some. That will take care of some or all of the noise unless damage has occurred.
That being said. Mobil 1 15W50 and 10W60 are two of the few oils with plenty of ZDDP..(the levels listed are more than sufficient. http://tinyurl.com/3aqdbj3 Look for the sulfated ash and phosphorous counts. Sad thing is that they are so expensive. The best recipe for a long life with these engines is many oil changes..every 3000 miles. It is amazing what that produces when you open up the engine..stays new!
But with 3000 mile changes, all the other great properties of Mobil 1 are wasted. The long life features are unnecessary and the oil pressure is famously low. You would do as well with a decent mineral oil and a zddp additive..and save a lot.
The additive can be found in the UK but at silly prices. Best to find it on US ebay and have it shipped. I bring mine over when I am traveling on your side.
Edited by plushuit on Friday 5th August 21:00
Edited by plushuit on Saturday 6th August 17:49
Assuming the filter is being changed too, the 400SE takes 5 litres of oil. However, when filling with oil leave about half a litre in the can, turn the engine over with no spark to fill the new filter, then start the car up for a few minutes and switch off. Wait for a few minutes, then fill the rest depending on dip stick level as overfilling can cause damage, but everytime I've done this job, it always seems to take the full 5 litre to bring to maximum mark on dip stick.
ps. I always use 20w50 oil of what is available but add STP oil treatment enough to treat 5 litres as STP contains the ZDDP required to preserve the engine. Trust me, it's good stuff.
Tony. TCB.
ps. I always use 20w50 oil of what is available but add STP oil treatment enough to treat 5 litres as STP contains the ZDDP required to preserve the engine. Trust me, it's good stuff.
Tony. TCB.
Edited by ElvisWedgely on Tuesday 24th February 12:29
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