Oil Type
So I just got a 1982 FB RX7. The previous owner had full synthetic oil in it and because it's so thin it leaks a bit through all the seals in the engine. Is my best bet to revert back to conventional oil? Or can I get away with a blend without it leaking?
Any help would be appreciated! Thanks Corey |
Synthetic or mineral it doesn't make any difference in leaking. If it leaks with synthetic it will leak with any oil and with any viscosity. Change the gaskets or seals or live with the leaks
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My experience is completely counter to Sgtblue's. I have multiple vehicles that leak with synthetic oil that stop leaking when switched to conventional. Use "high-mileage" oil to gain the benefit of swelling agents for the gaskets.
That said, the only way to determine if your leaks will stop is to change the oil and see. The seals may be too far gone to fix, but it doesn't hurt to try different oil brands before performing a rebuild. |
Sometimes switching to a thicker oil like 20W-50 will reduce the oil consumption and smoke. Adding Motor Honey usually helps too. It rarely makes a difference whether the oil is conventional, synthetic, or a blend, so if the engine is blowing through a lot of oil then you may as well just use conventional and save some money.
However, ultimately your engine will need a rebuild in order to actually fix the problem, and the faster that is accomplished the better your chances of being able to reuse the expensive hard parts of the engine. New 12A housings are no longer in production, so you really don't want to risk ruining yours if you can help it. |
Originally Posted by Sgtblue
(Post 12059857)
Synthetic or mineral it doesn't make any difference in leaking...
The detergent properties of synthetic and it's better lubricity may exacerbate leaks, but it doesn't cause them. It's an old car, with a lot of miles. Switching back to traditional oil won't heal worn seals or brittle failing gaskets. Myths about Synthetic Oils - Is it safe to switch to synthetic motor oil? | HowStuffWorks Myth #3 ---> Five Common Engine Oil Myths leaks!...synthetic to conventional at high mileage | Passenger Car Motor Oil (PCMO) - Gasoline Cars/Pickups/Vans/SUVs | Bob Is The Oil Guy |
so theres the kicker. The 1982 only has 39,000 miles on it. So it's not like the engine is worn down at all. Any thoughts?
thanks corey |
As someone mentioned try the High mileage Castrol or a thick viscosity oil..like 20w-50.
These engines are not happy with that watery 5w30 oil designed for EFI based newer engines..it just doesn't cut it. I'm not saying you are using that,I'm saying that it loves a good thick oil. Give it a shot. You have zero to lose and Happy driving to gain! |
Originally Posted by Cjkacz
(Post 12059841)
it's so thin it leaks a bit through all the seals in the engine.
What makes you think that the oil leaks a bit through all the seals?
Originally Posted by Cjkacz
(Post 12059925)
so theres the kicker. The 1982 only has 39,000 miles on it. So it's not like the engine is worn down at all. Any thoughts?
Originally Posted by Sgtblue
(Post 12059909)
The detergent properties of synthetic and it's better lubricity may exacerbate leaks, but it doesn't cause them.
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So
1) not sure it's ALL the seals 2) previous owner (based on he's actually correct) Basically said that's the reason it drips. (He is a "car guy" and owns a 67 Cobra) and is an in law, so I trust his judgment. But again, I'm new to this. And have heard several different things. I'm changing the oil tomorrow to a conventional 10w30. Currently it has 5w30 in it. |
Originally Posted by Cjkacz
(Post 12060338)
Basically said that's the reason it drips.
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I haven't gotten underneath myself to check it out. So I'm not 100%. I'll know more tomorrow
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Originally Posted by cjkacz
(Post 12059925)
... The 1982 only has 39,000 miles on it. So it's not like the engine is worn down at all. Any thoughts?
Originally Posted by sgtblue
(Post 12059909)
switching back to traditional oil won't heal worn seals or brittle failing gaskets.
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Okie dokie! So it appears the engine itself isn't leaking the oil, or the pan or gaskets. It's one of the lines from the engine to the oil cooler. How hard is this to replace?
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If your good with wrenches, hour job maybe, it'll take you longer to find them than replace them lol
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Originally Posted by Cjkacz
(Post 12060561)
Okie dokie! So it appears the engine itself isn't leaking the oil, or the pan or gaskets. It's one of the lines from the engine to the oil cooler. How hard is this to replace?
Some people talk a good repair but have no Sockets..! It's the small guy with the Dirty fingers that can conquer the Big guy with the white over alls!..and the callused internet fingers! (de-cypher...chuckle!) If you peek into the 1st gen Specific section you can use some resources to find threads associated with replacing the line. I am guessing it could be a crush washer or seal on the line. The difficulty of replacing it is honestly based your ability to do so.If you find out how and then Get at it,then you'll see. Best of luck to ya..work safe. |
I should note that the first gen front mount oil coolers have a tendency to develop cracks in the threaded neck where the lines connect. Some of this is due to owners thinking the connection is loose and they try tightening it. This is a non-no. The hairline cracks can be hard to see. Clean the area well and inspect. Replace the crush washers and hope for the best.
Find the thinnest wrench you can to remove the lines from the oil cooler. I had to take a wrench and grind it down. Harbor Freight has cheap metric wrenches that work good for this. |
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