[edit] Change engine oil
Ideally the oil filter is replaced when changing oil.
When engine is warm (not hot), let oil drain (in a container) for a couple of minutes by removing the sump plug. By removing the filler cap and allowing air from above, it drains faster.
If desired, remove filter with a special tool (oil filter strap wrench) when the oil is draining.
Put plug with (replaced) washer back in oil sump.
If the filter is replaced too, lubricate the filter seal and screw it back in place. Don't use the wrench.
Fill up at top.
[edit] Oil to use
Always use semi synthetic oil and never fully synthetic because the engine was not designed for that sort of oil.
Oils that are most likely suitable are:
- 15W/50 Haynes mentions it as Duckhams Hypergrade.
- 10W/40
- 15W/40
- 20W/40
- 20W/50
The codes above (SAE code) refer to multi grade oils. The numbers are measures for viscosity. The higher the viscosity, the higher the SAE grade number is. Considering a 15W50 multi grade oil: The second number means that the viscosity of this oil corresponds to the viscosity of a single grade 50 oil at 100°C (212°F) operating temperature. The first number in front of W (winter) stands for the viscosity when the engine is cold (-18°C) and in this case corresponds to a single grade 15 oil.
[edit] Change transmition oil
add here
[edit] "The Oil Company Conspiracy Theory"
There is a persistent story that oil changing after x miles/kilometers is not as necessary as claimed by oil companies. Some people claim they haven't changed their oil for as many as 100,000 miles. There is some substantiation to this claim. Apparently old and dirty engine oil lubricates better than new and clear oil. Also remember that old Renaults (Dauphine) and some Volkswagen beetles do not have an oil filter at all!
A possible problem of old oil is that the engine cooling suffers from it. But other than that, some people claim, it is only beneficial for oil companies and a reduction of oil disposal is beneficial for the environment. Still it must be clear that an engine without oil does not survive
[edit] See also
R4 oil changing (Includes pictures)
Forum tread
