Engine Oil

[rob83ke70]

only two things you need to know: viscosity and quality rating...

 

Viscosity aside, I'm stressing about putting the right quality rating oil in the right car - modern cars, ACEA ratings used. To other people either all oil is oil and is the same, or the viscosity is the only thing to worry about.

 

20 years ago did mechanics worry about using the right API classification for the right vehicle? surely this is a basic thing that car enthusiasts and mechanics *should* understand?

 

Robert.

[Raven]

From an Automotive Parts Interpreters point of view who sells oil to mechanics on a daily basis and has to look up the correct grade/rating:

 

Its not so much of a worry in an older vehicle as the older they are (we're talking 60's to early 80's) the average family hack wasnt performance orientated.

 

You wouldnt be putting a fully synthetic oil in one of these, nor a semi-synthetic. Minieral based is how the oil was in those days.

 

Once you start playing with twin-cam, fuel injected and turbo motors, they start producing a lot more power, therefore the right oil with the right ratings should be used.

 

Good examples:

 

Datsun/Toyota/Suzuki/Ford/Holden - Early 60's to Mid 80's - If not rebuilt, go by KM's the engine has travelled, engine condition (does it blow smoke?) etc

 

A lot of early European cars still require the right oil (BMW 2002) for example, so you can't go with the above.

 

Buting anything performance orientated (4AGE, 1JZ/2JZ, CA18(DET), SR20(DET)) and similar, including the Euro cars, you're going to want to put the right spec oil in the car.

 

A few of links for you to check out, if you're interested in looking up oils for specific cars:

 

Fuchs Netlube

 

Castrol Netlube

 

Valvoline Netlube

 

These will tell you the correct grade of oil to use in whatever vehicle you select.

 

Enjoy! :)