124 Spider Fluid replacement...what's best?

[Village Idiot]

What engine Oil do you recommend for the 124 Spider?

Is there an alternative to antifreeze?

What Gear/transmission oil do you recommend?

What brand or type of brake fluid do you use?

[mbouse]

Actually, if you pee your black slacks, no one knows but you.

I run a 5w30 multi viscosity oil, as I have trouble starting 'er on cool mornings. Course, winter sucks, so we don't go out then.

I only use the red line type of tranny oil, and standard gear oil for the rear.

Dot 3 brake fluid, any major brand.

[mdrburchette]

I'd also go with the old fashioned green antifreeze. The Dexcool kind has been causing problems with cooling systems.

[mbouse]

isn't that dexcool stuff a silicon based solution?

isn't silicon a form of sand?

'Cides, that stuff is for Chebbies anyway.

[imario]

According to the mirafiore.com website, the correct engine oil to use is 15W40. Pretty heavy stuff if you ask me. It also recommends only the highest octane gasoline and no additives. Mine runs just fine on regular unleaded gas but I might try a tankful of high octane just to see. Go to this site - it does have some great information.

[KevinOhio5]

I was informed by a couple of guys at FLU to use 20W50 in the summer.

I was also told to use mineral oil (GL1) in the transmission. The Hayes manual mentions nothing of this, however. This is usually available at NAPA or Tractor supply. An interesting read:

http://www.millersoils.net/literatureDO ... h_talk.pdf

If anyone reading believes I am way off base, please comment.

[jacksplace]

The lowest octane gasoline that permits operation without pre-ignition should suffice. A higher octane gasoline does nothing for performance or reliability. Also, VICK offers a 90W GL-1 non-EP gear lube. That's what's recommended in the manuals for the gearbox but I have no idea if the standard 80-90W GL-1 is non-EP or not. I understand that an EP lube in the gearbox can cause damage over a period of time. An EP lube is recommended for the hypoid gears in the differential.

[Mario]

GL1 is most definately not available at NAPA although they can order it in 5 gal. quantities - somehow not so good.

[John Donohue]

I have been using Castrol 5W30 oil, and it seems to work fine above 45 degrees. I dont venture out when it is colder so really dont know, although I start the car several times in winter (garage) and the car normally starts fine.

[sooz]

This is a very useful forum - I've been searching the web to find out what oil to use for a couple of days.

I'm using my Pininfarina every day at the moment what with the UK having a heat wave. It's only 10 mins to work and back but I'm finding any excuse to go for a spin in the evening as I've only had the car for 7 days. Anyone recommend how often I should check the oil level?

[Spyderbuddy]

mine leaks oil, buuuttt i run 20w 50 royal purple it cost more but i rev my fiat a little harder (6000 - 6500) and the added protection makes me feel better plus i do a some highway miles that keep the rpm's up around 4500 (80+ mph), but i believe any good syntectic would be great. i run mobil one (5 w 20) in the hyndai xg 350 and gmc sonoma they are my everyday auto's.

[Mark_vaughn]

For the transmission, you can find Royal Purple at most autopart stores and they specificly state that their "Max-Gear" oil, which is GL-5, is formulated not to harm the soft metals in transmissions.
Quote from their website:

"My vehicle's transmission specifies an API GL-4 gear oil. Can I use Max-Gear?

Yes. Max-Gear possesses both API GL-5 and GL-4 certification. Max-Gear is formulated with Royal Purple's proprietary, Synslide additive technology to provide the exceptional film strength necessary for GL-5 applications, yet it is noncorrosive to soft metals found in manual transmissions that specify a GL-4 rated lubricant."


It isn't any cheaper, but you can find it or special order it at your local parts store. If something goes wrong, you might get a new transmission on them!!

[So Cal Mark]

a new trans? oh yeah and they'll kick in the winning lottery ticket too

[IMDRiddler]

My wife inadvertently (sabotage) put some of that orange stuff in my spider. Is there a way to get it out or clean it out? Vinegar, flush, anything? I noticed it when I looked in the expansion tank. There was some gunk floating in the fluid...

The car hasn't presented any problems so far, except that it seems to take longer to cool...