Mixing Oils?

I run SWEPCO 360 15W-40 in my '74 Dino GTS, but am about to take a longish trip in the car, and my shipment of oil hasn't arrived yet (SWEPCO ain't a stock item in the Northeast). The oil level is fine, and the slow drip seems to drain about a pint every 6-8 weeks. Nonetheless, I'm concerned that if I'm on the road and the oil runs low, I won't have access to the same oil to top up.

Are there any issues evident in adding a quart of, say Shell Rotella T Heavy Duty 15W-40 "Triple Protection" oil to the case? I expect to change the oil and filter within the next 500 miles. Would I be better off just running it a little low for 100-200 miles?

 

Add the oil. It's ok to mix and match brands.

Might consider 20W-50 next time though.

Enjoy the drive.

DM

 

Don't run it low. Mixing brands won't hurt anything. You are about to change oil anyways.

 

I figured as much, but I'm no molecular chemist!

 

I wouldnt sweat it. Just be sure to use a reputable brand such as Mobile One and not some gas station special. I usually carry a qt with my in both my cars just to be sure should the need arise. Cant put a price on peace of mind

 

If you have a leak or two do to age, run a slightly heavier/ thicker oil if the car will allow it.

 

I took the car for it's first real haul -- from Westchester out to Long Island. It was a hot day, hazy and sunny. He (she? it?) ran just great, and I stopped in at Berlinetta Motor Cars in Huntington to get an objective opinion on the car, and a quote to do a concours/A+ paint job on it this winter. Doug was very complimentary -- he drove it about a bit. Seemed particularly impressed with the synchros and the suspension, which is super tight. Agreed that one quarter had been re-sprayed whenever, for a ding, and the rest was original paint that looks like...original black paint! Seemed to enjoy driving it. Some awesome cars in his shop. 2 Daytona Spiders (1 real), a GTO, a 330, a 308, and a couple others...

Went and played golf... shot 74... then drove home after a little rain. Got caught in the usual Long Island cluster f---- traffic, and the engine stayed calm and cool in 40 minutes of stop and go, with the a/c running most of the time (it was hot and muggy out). Got into the open and sang its way home. 180 miles, almost 21 mpg, and it hot started on the first turn 5 times today!

I swear when I got to my driveway the car didn't want to stop going. Tomorrow, a nice bath and a well-deserved rest. Maybe. Didn't check the oil yet -- we'll see if it dropped any. It was fine at the turn.