What oil are you using?

If I remember correctly you check it immediately after shutting the car off. Someone correct me if I'm wrong.

 

+1----check the oil hot, not cold...

 

That only works if you check the oil very quickly after the engine is turned off (the longer that you wait, the lower the level will show). It's most accurate to check the oil level with the motor warm and running. Use appropriate safety precautions.


Shell Helix is an awful oil. Worse is AGIP.


I use Redline's 5w40 in the engine, and Redline's 75w90NS (presently, Superlight Shockproof previously) in my tranny/diff.

 

Just had mine oil changed and my mechanic swears by Motul. This is what is in my car...
http://www.motul-oil.co.uk/

 

I have used Redline since I could pick them up easily and it has been in my car for the last more than 2 yrs. And I believe they do have higher boiling point than the Shell. I have used it on my previous turbo charged cars as well. Never a problem....

 

Overfilling the oil is an easy way to blow a headgasket, clog up your MAF, soil an air filter or two, and sometimes even burst an oil filter.

I'd suggest draining or vacuuming-out as much as you just added cold, prior to restarting your motor.

 

Blow a head gasket? Burst an oil filter? By overfilling the oil?

Eric, you done good to ask. The person or place that sold the car to you should have explained the procedure.

 

Sure! http://ca.answers.yahoo.com/answers2/frontend.php/question?qid=20071201060551AAkibqU

 

I think not. Overfilling the oil would have no effect at all on oil pressure, and could not possibly cause the filter to burst. No way. And as for blowing the head gasket, I'd have to have that one explained to me. I don't think so.

 

I just switched from Mobil 1 0/40 to AMSOil 5/40
I've always like Mobil 1, but recently, I dunno, I hear too much about additives.
I friend of mine talked me into trying AMSOil. I remember it from my crotch rocket days as being the best for bikes.
The reviews I read said it stacked up better than lots of other oils, but hey, I'm just an enthusiastic amateur.

 

+1. Do you know what weight they put in? I think I'm down a quart...

 

What does everyone think of Castrol Syntec?

 

Motul is good stuff... thats what my friend who got me into f-cars uses.... ...........I think I have Mobil1 in there this time.... carried over from my p-car days.......

 

I have Redline engine oil (5W40) and gearbox oil (75W90NS) in my 348 currently. I think I will try something else on the engine oil in the upcoming fluid change - possibly Royal Purple or Mobil 1 0W40. The Redline oil is great - I just want to try something different. I will stick to Redline for the gearbox oil though.

 

Their 0w-30 is one of the best (you will only find it at Autozone). It has very good used oil analysis on the oil forums. It is actually almost a 40 weight if you read the specs more closely. I am thinking of switching to it from Mobil 1. Mobil 1 0w-40 has a bad trait of dropping to a 0w-30 within 1500 miles of use. Confirmed in several oil analysis done on www.bobistheoilguy.com oil forums. Their 5w-40 looks good as well, but I don't know anything about it.

Here are the various Castrol viscosities:

http://www.castrol.com/castrol/genericarticle.do?categoryId=82915470&contentId=6006933

 

+2, check it hot, and immediately upon shut down. Do not check it while running, esp with Shell, as it will be foamy and harder to read.

 

+3 .....right after shut down, using an asbestos glove....

 

Damn straight....I use two shop towels, one to insulate the oil cap, the other to wipe the stick with. Try not to drop any oil on the exhaust manifold (it will smoke) and not on the convertible top or paint...

 

TRIVIA:
If oil crackles and pops (like your favorite cereal as a kid) when a drop hits your exhaust manifold...it means that you've got condensation (or worse levels of water) in your oil.

 

Are you sure about that??? I'm pretty sure you can blow head gaskets and oil filters if you overfill the oil. Bwaaaahaaaa!!!!!!
Sorry ND I couldn't resist,.. LOL... you have got to quit readin' those internet sites they're leadin' you down the wrong path.

 

Please allow me to ask a simple question. Why would you not read the Owners Manual on such an expensive car? Even if the PO didn't leave it with the car, they are readily available and very important to read.

 

Redline all the way, my mechanic used to recommend Mobil 1, but made the switch to Redline last year, I trust Mr. Helms.