oil type after looooooong hibernation

[jimmycakes401]

I don't know when my car was started last. Could have been six years. I'm going to put new oil in before trying to turn by hand a few times. Any suggestions on brand or weight? There is some MMO in the cylinders already.

[Daniel]

castrol high millage oil 10-40 or 30 w

[wikkid]

Yeah, that's fine - no big worries, as you will want to change it again soon, anyway. Put a squirt of Marvel Mystery oil in each sparkplug hole before you turn over the engine - that will ease the pain between cylinders and pistons/rings.

[manoa matt]

Do a forum search for Oil and you will come up with a lot of posts. Most guys and gals are using Shell Rotella T 15W-40. Although its technically a "diesel" oil, the 15W-40 is the correct viscosity, and the oil has levels of Zinc that are higher than most current oils. The zinc is needed to reduce wear on flat tappet engines like ours.

[jimmycakes401]

Quantity?

[manoa matt]

5 quarts, Drain out the old and remove the oil filter. Put the plug back in. Pour some in the new filter and let is soak in, keep pouring it in until its full. Carefully spin on the filter and pour the rest in the fill hole on the cam box.

By filling the filter first you ensure there is lubrication to the bearings as soon as possible on start up. If you don't fill the filter first it takes a while for pressure to build.

[jimmycakes401]

I went with rotella. Awesome infi. Really appreciate it. I'm going to take it slow, even though I don't want to. Lol!! Need to get a 12mm for the plug. Hard to find locally. Need to hit sears and just pick up a whole set.

[124JOE]

i butght a 120 pice set for $99.99 at sears

[jimmycakes401]

I have a 249 mechanic set. I just need some more odds and ends. Picked up a 38mm socked today just to turn the crank and pistons by hand later. I need a set of metric flare wrenches. I have SAE. I'm getting off topic.

[Spiderinmlnj]

Rotella and a little restore had my new Spider going from burning oil to passing NJ emission in a matter of days
I am now convinced that a 12mm Hex wrench may be the hardest tool to find in stock. i ended up with a 12mm socket with 1/2" dirve and then a 3/8" to 1/2" converter.

[jimmycakes401]

Hmmmm... what is this "restore"? Will be going to sears and hoping they have a large set with 12mm in it. Wish me luck!

[Spiderinmlnj]

Restore is an oil additive that is supposed to help with compression related issues
http://www.restoreusa.com/?gclid=CPPViq ... NAodJzfA5Q

[jimmycakes401]

BIGGEST oil filter ever. My adjustable that's supposed to fit everything is a smidge too small. Durn it.

[jimmycakes401]

Wrapped a packing belt around it, twisted and got it off. Woo! Oil changed, plugs in. Need to rebuild fuel line and see what happens!

[baltobernie]

Diesel oil formulations have changed as stricter emissions regs now require catalysts on diesels, too. Lots of info on the Internet. http://cam-shield.com/acatalog/diesel.html But frankly, I've never heard of lubrication-caused failure in our engines, as they are driven infrequently. Probably any oil of the correct viscosity is "good enough", but if you're a perfectionist, find oil formulated specifically for vintage engines.

Good tools are a must for most Spider repairs, but cheap tools are useful for occasional use in non-critical areas. Oil fill plug is one: http://www.harborfreight.com/9-piece-38 ... -html.html This set also has the correct size bit for convertible top frame removal.

Oil filter wrench: http://www.harborfreight.com/locking-oi ... 66568.html Spend your tool budget on good screwdrivers, gear wrenches, etc.

You noobs are missing out on a lot of great information contained in the 10,000 posts of this forum. You can easily Search for such topics as "What tools do I need" "What type of oil to use" and so on.