1st Generation Specific (1979-1985) 1979-1985 Discussion including performance modifications and technical support sections

1985 GSL-SE - preferred motor oil

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Old Jul 9, 2005 | 07:34 PM
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1985 GSL-SE - preferred motor oil

I haven't been on the website for quite some time so please feel free to flame me for the noob question. I have 122,400 miles on my 13B RX7, which I bought from the original owner almost 8 years ago. Initially I used 10W40 oil. Then a few years ago I bought a case of Castrol GTW 10W30 at Costco and used that. My last oil change was with Quaker State 10W30.

What is the preferred motor oil and weight of members for this engine? I understand that the engine would not benefit from a switch to a full synthetic oil, is that correct?

Lastly, would the engine benefit from using any fuel additives, eg. Chevron Techron. I have never used any fuel or oil additives since I've owned the car.

Thanks
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Old Jul 9, 2005 | 07:35 PM
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I forgot to add that I live on the coast of British Columbia where the temperature never gets below 0 Fahrenheit or above 90 Fahrenheit.
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Old Jul 9, 2005 | 07:41 PM
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Also what is typical oil consumption for a rotary with this many miles on it. I am using a litre about every 1600 miles.
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Old Jul 9, 2005 | 07:48 PM
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Originally Posted by murdo
Also what is typical oil consumption for a rotary with this many miles on it. I am using a litre about every 1600 miles.
my original 13b motor has 140k on the clock, but it doesn't consume that much oil as you mentioned. i use 20w50; might try synthetic blend in the future.
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Old Jul 9, 2005 | 07:56 PM
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Well I strongly suspect the 20W50 influences your lower oil consumption as its a much heavier oil. It strikes me that is too heavy an oil for a 13B motor.
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Old Jul 9, 2005 | 08:17 PM
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Castrol 20w50
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Old Jul 9, 2005 | 09:14 PM
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oil

Originally Posted by murdo
Well I strongly suspect the 20W50 influences your lower oil consumption as its a much heavier oil. It strikes me that is too heavy an oil for a 13B motor.
20w50 castrol in the warmer temps and if you want in winter 10w40.
Remember that these are very hot(internally running engines) and you need a weight of oil that will lubricate at higher temps.
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Old Jul 9, 2005 | 09:19 PM
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Originally Posted by murdo
I haven't been on the website for quite some time so please feel free to flame me for the noob question. I have 122,400 miles on my 13B RX7, which I bought from the original owner almost 8 years ago. Initially I used 10W40 oil. Then a few years ago I bought a case of Castrol GTW 10W30 at Costco and used that. My last oil change was with Quaker State 10W30.

What is the preferred motor oil and weight of members for this engine? I understand that the engine would not benefit from a switch to a full synthetic oil, is that correct?

Lastly, would the engine benefit from using any fuel additives, eg. Chevron Techron. I have never used any fuel or oil additives since I've owned the car.

Thanks


Only Castrol GTX 20w50 oil for me and my flock.
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Old Jul 9, 2005 | 09:21 PM
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someone comment on this i will be using penzoil 15w 40 in my next oil change.. that should be ok right??i live in southern ontario but i dont run in the winter
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Old Jul 9, 2005 | 09:25 PM
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Originally Posted by rx7owner
someone comment on this i will be using penzoil 15w 40 in my next oil change.. that should be ok right??i live in southern ontario but i dont run in the winter
The weight sounds fine. If you notice your burning a good bit of oil between oil changes step up to a 20w50.

As for the brand...... well I only use Castrol so I can't help you there.
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Old Jul 9, 2005 | 10:05 PM
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ive only ever used 10w30 in my Rx7s, havent had probs
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Old Jul 9, 2005 | 10:05 PM
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But it gets very cold in Ontario in the winter, so you wouldn't want to use 20W50 then would you at well below 0 Fahrenheit in January.
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Old Jul 9, 2005 | 10:15 PM
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Originally Posted by murdo
But it gets very cold in Ontario in the winter, so you wouldn't want to use 20W50 then would you at well below 0 Fahrenheit in January.
Nope. My rotaries don't come out in the winter. I try not to bring them out below 30 degrees.
I drive one of my trucks then.
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Old Jul 9, 2005 | 10:30 PM
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10W-40.

My preference would be to perform the 2-cycle oil mod to the OMP, and run synthetic for the internals. That route sounds like the best of all worlds to me.
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Old Jul 9, 2005 | 10:34 PM
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Originally Posted by hammmy
10W-40.

My preference would be to perform the 2-cycle oil mod to the OMP, and run synthetic for the internals. That route sounds like the best of all worlds to me.

10w30... The shorter the range, the less viscosity enhancers, and hence more oil is in that quart.

To stabalize it over a broader range, they add more "non-oil" chemicals to it.
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Old Jul 9, 2005 | 11:02 PM
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I use Canadian Tire's home brand el-cheapo 10w30 religiously. In my mind it's the filter and the frequency of changes that matters. Beyond that, I just want non-synthetic and cheap!

Jon
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Old Jul 9, 2005 | 11:17 PM
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Originally Posted by vipernicus42
I use Canadian Tire's home brand el-cheapo 10w30 religiously. In my mind it's the filter and the frequency of changes that matters. Beyond that, I just want non-synthetic and cheap!

Jon
exactly, thats what ive always done with my cars and ive yet to have problems.
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Old Jul 9, 2005 | 11:56 PM
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Originally Posted by Pele
10w30... The shorter the range, the less viscosity enhancers, and hence more oil is in that quart.

To stabalize it over a broader range, they add more "non-oil" chemicals to it.
Yup. Still, I don't get worked up over what oil is used. My 7s are all 20+ years old, and I don't drive them hard or stretch the cooling capacity. I reckon I will buy a case of 10W-30 next time, though.
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Old Jul 10, 2005 | 12:06 AM
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I use 20W-50 in my 12a w/193K on it. The brand is one few have heard of, but it is approved for use in airplanes, so it must be good. Even carries the military spec for aviation approval.
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