I did my first oil and filter change on RX7. Previously, I have asked for the recommendation on oil viscosity. Most people replied 20W-50.

I went with the Penrite 20W-60 mineral oil (it is a high-performance Australian brand). Pricey at $27.90 (that's about US$22) but I want all the best for my baby :-) I'll let you know guys how it goes with that one. So far I'm really impressed. The pressure is quite good - just under 3 kg/cm2 (that's between the second graduation mark and 4) at the working temperature. Goes to just above 6 at the 7K rpm. It also appear that the engine runs slightly quiter.

I found interesting that the previous owner had a wrong oil filter installed. It was a smaller one for FD engines instead for FC - they both fit. I went back to FC-type filter it has more volume so hopefully will clean better. I used the Ryco brand premium filter.

My overall impression is that it was a very easy job - everything is really easily accessible. The only problem I had was with sliding the oil pan underneath the car. My baby hughs the ground so low that it just barely fitted. Not having enough space to put my hand in when unscrewing the oil drain I have made a bit of a mess on the floor.

Just want to say, photos of my RX7 are comming soon!

DrEvil

 

i would have thought 20w/50 was far too thick for a modern engine like that, never mind 20w/60!!. im using 10w/30 semi synthetic with no problems

 

In warm/hot weather... 20W-50 is fine to run. I run it every summer. You can run it in colder weather however it will make for hard starts and will not lubricate as well until it gets warmed up. That is why most people recommend running 10W-30 during the colder months.

 

20W-50 is actually the recommended weight via the owners manual, for higher temperature weather. If it is often below ~60* F or so, go for 10W-30.

 

does temp really matter? does the oil-bypass pellet keep oil from going to the engine when cold?

 

No...the oil gets extremely thick when its cold.

 

I live in TN and heres some quick stats to give you an idea.

Winter 0 (hardly ever) - 50
Spring 40-80
Summer 65-100
Fall 40-80

Those are large generalizations.

Here's what I'm thinking:

Winter 10w30
Spring 20w50
Summer 20w50
Fall 20w50

Spring/Fall 15w40?

I tried searching for this info but I couldn't find something this specific. Sorry if this is found somewhere else (I'm ADD and miss a lot of stuff )

 

mineral oil ?

Why not a detergent oil ?

Please explain why you went with mineral oil?

James

 

Why on earth would I go with detergent oil? Mineral oil does the fine job.

 

Sorry, I was mixed up.

James

 

I've never even heard of those brands.

 

Ne opinions of my oil ideas?