Amazon: - Fluids for my Amazon.

Alf ista · Oct 27th, 2009, 00:24

With a possible road trip coming up in the next few weeks I want to concentrate on making sure everything is ok mechanically with my Amazon. I recently changed the water pump so it has a fresh supply of water and anti freeze. The previous owner did work on the brakes and replaced some lines, so I know that there is a fresh supply of brake fluid. These are the things I want to check:

First up is an oil change. This is no problem. I have a correct Volvo oil filter and will use 20w50. However if anyone would recomend a good brand of oil they think is good that would be great. Up to now I have used Duckhams or Castrol.

Second, how do I check the fluid level in the gearbox? If it just needs topping up, how do I do that? And what oil is best to use?

Third, the rear diff. It appears to be leaking a bit as I can see oil staining around it and there is a slight drip. That might mean just a new gasket, or maybe its something more sinister? Either way, for now I will make sure its topped up. What oil should I use for this?

Any advice will be appreciated. Hugh.

Burdekin · Oct 27th, 2009, 07:56

Hi Hugh,

All the technical info for the P1800 you'll need can be downloaded from here. http://www.volvop1800club.se/eng/

Off the top of my head the Duckhams or Castrol for classics range have a zinc additive that modern engines don't have so I think they are a good choice. Have a read of this post: http://www.volvoforums.org.uk/showthread.php?p=545166

classicswede · Oct 27th, 2009, 09:29

I personaly use Lucas oils now mainly because the lucas dealer is on the loacl industrial estate.

I would suggest you actualy drain off teh gear box and diff oil. I would not be suprised if they have never even been changed in the life of the car.

TomTom · Oct 27th, 2009, 12:13

If your car has the overdrive gear-box many people top up with the same 20/50 that you use for your engine. I've heard of ATF for the non-OD boxes and I'm sure others will have other recommendations. I presume that you can use the 'under' and 'over' method of filling, the latter being via the square drain plug and the latter by undoing the large gearlever nut under the rubber gearstick boot, taking the gear-stick out and topping up from there, but only after draining the oil. I think this method is less faff than messing about with an oil pump.

Good luck.

Tom

amazondean · Oct 27th, 2009, 13:04

I am pretty sure you can use 10/30 for your engine and if the car had overdrive it is also recommended for that. I see in your text it is an m40 so should be non overdrive. Either way there should be no reason not to use 10/30 in a non overdrive as the gearbox is the same. Just goes to show that the type of oil is actualy not that important. As long as its clean it will do.

asneddon · Oct 27th, 2009, 13:31

About the diff oil leak. I would assume its the same as my old Landrover. Once the breather at the top gets clogged with crud you WILL get oil leaks. Just make sure the breather is clear and there should be very little pressure to cause any leaks.

Its down to the pressure inside the diff increasing due to the oil heating and the gasses expanding. Once the gasses have a way to escape then there is no more pressure, so (probably) no more leak.

johnjp · Oct 27th, 2009, 16:53

I keep getting the message from motor factor managers that there is no difference between oil brands, it is purely down to packaging, this goes for a lot of other ancillaries e.g. batteries.
It`s a bit like food really, is Kellog`s cornflakes all that different from Tesco`s?.
With engine oils the older engines are fine with non-synthetic which are easy to find, Comma have one - http://www.carpages.co.uk/news/comma-19-08-07.asp
, available in 20 - 40w, the 20w most suitable for a `60`s - 70`s engine. Gear oils need to be heavier, something like this - http://www.diamondautopartsshop.co.u...-oil-415-p.asp.
So save your money and have an extra beer!

222s · Oct 27th, 2009, 17:25

Quote:

Originally Posted by amazondean

I am pretty sure you can use 10/30 for your engine and if the car had overdrive it is also recommended for that. I see in your text it is an m40 so should be non overdrive. Either way there should be no reason not to use 10/30 in a non overdrive as the gearbox is the same. Just goes to show that the type of oil is actualy not that important. As long as its clean it will do.

10/30 is way too thin!!! '60s engines just aren't built to those sort of tolerances. At least a 15/50 or a 20/50.

Quote:

Originally Posted by asneddon

About the diff oil leak. I would assume its the same as my old Landrover. Once the breather at the top gets clogged with crud you WILL get oil leaks. Just make sure the breather is clear and there should be very little pressure to cause any leaks.

Its down to the pressure inside the diff increasing due to the oil heating and the gasses expanding. Once the gasses have a way to escape then there is no more pressure, so (probably) no more leak.

Ditto the engine! Cleaning all the breathers on mine made a huge difference.

Quote:

Originally Posted by johnjp

I keep getting the message from motor factor managers that there is no difference between oil brands, it is purely down to packaging,

Sorry, but imho those managers are BSing you. Compare the API ratings to get an idea of which oils are better.

johnjp · Oct 27th, 2009, 17:46

Quote:

Originally Posted by 222s

Sorry, but imho those managers are BSing you. Compare the API ratings to get an idea of which oils are better.

Why would they as it would be against their interests!
There are only five oil refiners in Europe.
IMO I can not concur.

222s · Oct 27th, 2009, 17:54

Have a read here for more info:

http://www.carbibles.com/engineoil_bible.html

Oct 27th, 2009, 00:24	#1
Alf ista Premier Member Last Online: Apr 17th, 2024 12:54 Join Date: Jul 2008 Location: Co. Cork, Ireland.	Fluids for my Amazon. With a possible road trip coming up in the next few weeks I want to concentrate on making sure everything is ok mechanically with my Amazon. I recently changed the water pump so it has a fresh supply of water and anti freeze. The previous owner did work on the brakes and replaced some lines, so I know that there is a fresh supply of brake fluid. These are the things I want to check: First up is an oil change. This is no problem. I have a correct Volvo oil filter and will use 20w50. However if anyone would recomend a good brand of oil they think is good that would be great. Up to now I have used Duckhams or Castrol. Second, how do I check the fluid level in the gearbox? If it just needs topping up, how do I do that? And what oil is best to use? Third, the rear diff. It appears to be leaking a bit as I can see oil staining around it and there is a slight drip. That might mean just a new gasket, or maybe its something more sinister? Either way, for now I will make sure its topped up. What oil should I use for this? Any advice will be appreciated. Hugh. __________________ 1970 Volvo Amazon 131 with a B20A and an M40.

Oct 27th, 2009, 09:29	#3
classicswede Trader Volvo in my veins Last Online: Today 09:10 Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Anglesey	I personaly use Lucas oils now mainly because the lucas dealer is on the loacl industrial estate. I would suggest you actualy drain off teh gear box and diff oil. I would not be suprised if they have never even been changed in the life of the car. __________________ http://www.classicswede.org www.classicswede.co.uk

Oct 27th, 2009, 13:04	#5
amazondean amazondean Last Online: Apr 25th, 2024 19:27 Join Date: Oct 2004 Location: Nettleton Market Rasen	I am pretty sure you can use 10/30 for your engine and if the car had overdrive it is also recommended for that. I see in your text it is an m40 so should be non overdrive. Either way there should be no reason not to use 10/30 in a non overdrive as the gearbox is the same. Just goes to show that the type of oil is actualy not that important. As long as its clean it will do. __________________ There are only two things in life that is easy. One's lying down and the other is handing your credit card over. everything else has a degree of skill. Volvo 850 TDI, 850 TDI, 850 TDI Volvo V70 TDI, V70 TDI, Volvo V70 XC, (99)

Oct 27th, 2009, 17:54	#10
222s Amazoniste Last Online: Sep 19th, 2016 21:52 Join Date: Nov 2002 Location: Emsworth View Photos By: 222s	Have a read here for more info: http://www.carbibles.com/engineoil_bible.html __________________ Paul - 1967 Amazon 222S B20 o/d Estate & 1961 A-H Sprite Mk2 948cc WANTED - For '67 Amazon estate - offside rear quarter, preferably new old stock.

Oct 27th, 2009, 07:56	#2
Burdekin Chief Bodger Last Online: Yesterday 18:30 Join Date: Oct 2009 Location: Aberdeen	Hi Hugh, All the technical info for the P1800 you'll need can be downloaded from here. http://www.volvop1800club.se/eng/ Off the top of my head the Duckhams or Castrol for classics range have a zinc additive that modern engines don't have so I think they are a good choice. Have a read of this post: http://www.volvoforums.org.uk/showthread.php?p=545166

Oct 27th, 2009, 12:13	#4
TomTom Master Member Last Online: Jun 3rd, 2021 16:03 Join Date: Dec 2002 Location: London	If your car has the overdrive gear-box many people top up with the same 20/50 that you use for your engine. I've heard of ATF for the non-OD boxes and I'm sure others will have other recommendations. I presume that you can use the 'under' and 'over' method of filling, the latter being via the square drain plug and the latter by undoing the large gearlever nut under the rubber gearstick boot, taking the gear-stick out and topping up from there, but only after draining the oil. I think this method is less faff than messing about with an oil pump. Good luck. Tom

Oct 27th, 2009, 13:31	#6
asneddon Master Member Last Online: Nov 29th, 2021 23:46 Join Date: Jan 2009 Location: Dunedin	About the diff oil leak. I would assume its the same as my old Landrover. Once the breather at the top gets clogged with crud you WILL get oil leaks. Just make sure the breather is clear and there should be very little pressure to cause any leaks. Its down to the pressure inside the diff increasing due to the oil heating and the gasses expanding. Once the gasses have a way to escape then there is no more pressure, so (probably) no more leak.

Oct 27th, 2009, 16:53	#7
johnjp Master Member Last Online: Jan 30th, 2019 22:56 Join Date: Nov 2004 Location: Heathfield, East Sussex View Photos By: johnjp	I keep getting the message from motor factor managers that there is no difference between oil brands, it is purely down to packaging, this goes for a lot of other ancillaries e.g. batteries. It`s a bit like food really, is Kellog`s cornflakes all that different from Tesco`s?. With engine oils the older engines are fine with non-synthetic which are easy to find, Comma have one - http://www.carpages.co.uk/news/comma-19-08-07.asp , available in 20 - 40w, the 20w most suitable for a `60`s - 70`s engine. Gear oils need to be heavier, something like this - http://www.diamondautopartsshop.co.u...-oil-415-p.asp. So save your money and have an extra beer!

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