Oil type

[gillberry]

I know I should'nt need to ask this question and its probably already been answered on here but with al the new types of oil available what is the best type to put in our 1967 amazon estate (rebuilt engine 5k miles ago) ?

Thanks Simon .

[Mike Arnold]

There seems to be a keen discussion on oil for older cars. There is some manufacturer data that says that the really good oils for modern cars have disadvantages for older cars. Our old tanks were built to generous tolerances and for oil that was not brilliant. I would suggest bog standard 20-50.

Any other thoughts?

[gillberry]

See thats the problem all these new synthetic oils rather confuse the issue and seems to be getting harder to find the old type oils either that or its just me .:err:

[Moosejaw]

Bear in mind Amazons were designed in an era when multigrade oil was new & groovy, never mind all these fancy new synthetic brews.

I'd go along with the basic Castrol or Duckhams multigrade 20w/50, I really don't think a 50s tech pushrod Amazon lump is that fussy, so long as you do it frequently.

[Alf ista]

I agree, stick with the 20w 50 and change it and the filter often. Thats another question, how often do people change their oil? I was thinking about 3000 miles, is that about right?

[gillberry]

All our other classics I've done a 3000 oil change .

[Amazonites]

I,ve changed the oil and filter every 1500 miles .

[gillberry]

:thumbs_up:Thanks for all the replies guys , the answer was as expected but I just wanted to check before doing anything .:thumbs_up:

[1966 122s]

I asked about oil when I joined the forum and got very good answers. At time I was a little obsessed with zinc content for a new cam and ended up speaking to Castrol / Duckhams help line (same company). Gordon Hunter and others were clear with recommending 20/50. I then settled on Duckhams classic due to a high zinc content similar to 1960s oils (for running in the new cam). Castrol classic was very similar (but surprsingly not just the same stuff in a different package). Details appear under the thread "lumpy running".

[tdz840]

I asked about oil when I joined the forum and got very good answers. At time I was a little obsessed with zinc content for a new cam and ended up speaking to Castrol / Duckhams help line (same company). Gordon Hunter and others were clear with recommending 20/50. I then settled on Duckhams classic due to a high zinc content similar to 1960s oils (for running in the new cam). Castrol classic was very similar (but surprsingly not just the same stuff in a different package). Details appear under the thread "lumpy running".


I too went to the oil manufacturers to query the zddp content. It appears with emissions this has been significantly reduced over the last decade. Not a problem with newer cars but older car with pushrod/tappet technology this can have a dramatic effect on the engine.
In the States they have maore sway (classic movement) and I believe Shell Rotella was suggested as it still retains upwards of 1200PPM of zddp. Unfortunately even sending the email from Shell US to Shell UK they couldnt commit or suggest an alternative.
Other companies didnt bother replying.
Google zddp and you will come up with companies selling the additive
Russ

[jimbo1593]

I think the original spec from volvo was 10w30...I have it in a service manual somewhere, I remember being surprised when i first read it.
If your engine has been rebuilt, then the "generous" tolerances mentioned above will likely not apply as all the machining will have been done with modern tech. Actually the B18 engine had very tight tolerances for its vintage, hence why it holds the world record for mileage without a rebuild.
In view of this perhaps a less viscous oil may be more appropriate in your case.

TBH I use Duckhams 20w5 classic in all my old cars and nevr had a problem.

[jimbo1593]

Just checked my volvo service manual and it does, indeed, specify 10w30 and gearoil 80 for the gearbox. Not what i was expecting.
Might move towards a 15w40...or not on a none rebuilt 152k engine, lol

[222s]

I'd say that a 15w40 is still too thin - at least 15w50 or 20w50 (make sure it's a decent one though), to ensure good oil pressure. Almost all engines of this era need a 15w50 or 20w50.

Also, that gear oil is only for the non overdrive gearbox - the o/d box prefers engine oil.

Some more reading:
http://www.carbibles.com/engineoil_bible.html
http://www.classicmotor.co.uk/oil.htm

Also, here's what Castrol themselves recommend for different eras of vehicles:
http://www.castrol.com/castrol/sectiongenericarticle.do?categoryId=9014107&contentId=7027099

[jimbo1593]

I'd say that a 15w40 is still too thin - at least 15w50 or 20w50 (make sure it's a decent one though), to ensure good oil pressure. Almost all engines of this era need a 15w50 or 20w50.

Also, that gear oil is only for the non overdrive gearbox - the o/d box prefers engine oil.

Some more reading:
http://www.carbibles.com/engineoil_bible.html
http://www.classicmotor.co.uk/oil.htm

Also, here's what Castrol themselves recommend for different eras of vehicles:
http://www.castrol.com/castrol/sectiongenericarticle.do?categoryId=9014107&contentId=7027099

I agree entirely, but I did find it interesting that 40yrs ago volvo recommended what i would consider a modern engine oil grade. I also use 20w50 in my OD 122s, but i also have a non-OD 122s too.