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Oil Level in the Pan

Posted: Fri Jun 11, 04 11:16 am
by Philth
Hello all!

What' the maximum amount of litres for an average B/RB engine (I just don't trust the marks on the chrome MP dipstick). Unfortunately my local Halfords doesn't sell oil in quarts...
What oil do you lot 'swear by'? I'm currently running semi-synthetic 15w40 but may go to a thicker oil for summer.

Thanks!

Phil.

Posted: Fri Jun 11, 04 11:22 am
by Alex
15W40 is the best all round oil, 20/50 can cause the lifters to pump up.

With a Fram HP8, 5 litres is a good amount, slightly more than the recommended but it prevents the pick up scavanging.

Posted: Fri Jun 11, 04 7:33 pm
by Anonymous
Alex, just read your reply 'lifters might pump up'. What are the symptons of that? I only ask as I have filled up with 20/50 (A engine) since new cam was fitted and sometimes get blow of smoke after hitting throttle hard. I fitted new valve stem oil seals, could they be iffy?

Posted: Fri Jun 11, 04 7:52 pm
by Alex
When the lifters pump up the power drops off as the valves stay open, similer to valve bounce.

Stem seal wear usually shows as smoke on the over run as vac in the chambers pulls the oil past them.

Are you sure it is blue and not a bit of over fuelling when you hit the gas?

Posted: Fri Jun 11, 04 8:01 pm
by Guy
Depends on the type of stem seals used, either the stock umbrella type which i personally leave in the box or the total seal type (with a spring clip) normally require some machining work to the head.
Are you sure that its oil smoke and not black fuel smoke when you hit the throttle hard, or is it on the overrun after hitting the throttle blue smoke?

Posted: Fri Jun 11, 04 8:13 pm
by Anonymous
Hard to be sure when looking in the rear miror but, smoke appears after i've trudled along in traffic and then stomp the throttle. It seems to be blue smoke but, is not apparrent on the over run. I can also blast the throttle (not under load) when static and little or nothing appears. However, tail pipes are a bit wet although plugs show a little soot (no wetness) and the electrode tips are light brown at best.

Posted: Sat Jun 12, 04 6:28 pm
by Dave-R
If you want to read a bit more on oils.

http://www.xpowerforums.com/Motor_Oil_FA_Questions.htm

BTW I use Castrol GTX Magnatec 15W-40.