engine and drivetrain engine oil opinions

[jimk]

Right.

I should have mentioned that I'm talking about dinosaur oil (non-synthetic).

But does the weight matter with a rebuilt engine?

I run Joe Gibbs Racing BR (which is a 15W50 High Zink Break In Oil) on a new engine. After about 100 miles of HARD break in, I switch to Amsoil 20W50. This is a vintage racer and sometimes street car. If I was going to run the car as a daily driver in winter, I might consider a 10W40 with a ZDDP additive, depending on the oil pressure I was seeing. The zink is very important to the cam lobes on our type of engine, especially during break in. The oils approved for modern engines (API SH - SN) in xW30 weight or lighter do not have anywhere enough zink for us so I would not use any oil lighter than a 10W40 even if the engine made enough oil pressure with it.

I have also never had a leakage or consumption problem on any engine using synthetics, including a Corvair I raced. I lost no oil except when parts launched out of the block which was a common occurrence. I use Mobil 1 synthetic in every other 4 cycle engine at my house (all non-race cars, motorhome, lawnmotors and generators).

Why not go with Amsoil 10W-40 high zinc oil if you are looking towards a 10W-40? That's all I have ever used. Check their web site.

[Kidasters]

You have bad gaskets. It aint any thinner than dino. It will wash the dino crud out and show you where the bad gaskets are at. I have no leaks and haven't used dino since 1978.

Agree. I use Red Line 15/50 synthetic, and have no leaks.

That said - I run Brad Penn 20/50 in my Porsche, and have no issues either.

Plus - it's only 5 bucks a quart.

No matter what you run, I think consensus is to run a higher viscosity oil. If it gets cold where you live, get an oil pressure gauge and be careful until the car is at operating temp. I started the 02 this morning (temp in the 40's) and oil pressure was running around 60 - 70 psi.

Ken

[02Les]

Hmmm! Seems nobody thought to mention what BMW recommended way back when.

Here's a pic of the sticker in my Touring. Probably the same for all models.