What oil to add and how much

[Edjsunfulvia]

I have obviously been negligent and should add oil before I start up my 1.3.

Any one any idea how much to start with and what is the best grade that I am likely to be able to get at the small Shell at the end of my road.

V many thanks.

[davidwheeler]

I use 10/40 semi synthetic from my local Motor Factor (cheaper because no advertising costs as per branded).      It is in any case way superior to anything available in the 70s.   Fill to the upper line on the dipstick, the lower line is the lowest possible level allowable.

[Richard Fridd]

Looks reasonably clean in the photo. Assuming no leaks, some remaining oil is normally a slightly darker colour once the oil is consumed to this level. Or wasn't the oil sump full to begin with? Not the "small Shell at the end of the road", but my local garage decants oil from their bulk supply into a customer's container if required. One comment I did once  hear was " I won't top it up until I get this oil leak is fixed". I never did grasp this principle.

  Richard

[waterman42]

This seems a not unimportant topic, it's probably had an airing before. The how much is not rocket science but the what is something else.

I have been told by two different Italian car service specialists that they never use anything but the manufacturer's recommended oil, and not just meaning the type and viscosity grade but the specific make, as used during the design and development of the engine. Admittedly this is in relation to modern cars operating with higher stresses and tighter tolerances but is it irrelevant to older motors, especially those with engines that were advanced for their time compared with the 'agricultural' blocks that you find in lesser marques? Is it really the case that the price difference between 'branded' and 'supermarket' is down to advertising? I watch classic car TV programmes and read magazines and I don't see much by way of advertising motor oils. Is a reason not the technical back-up and continuous product development of the brand companies (yes they would say that wouldn't they!)? Probably the non branded oils just follow on a few years later, but maybe not always as some additives will be expensive and if included will erode their price advantage. So not really knowing for sure but since it's just the equivalent of a few beers more at an oil change I'm sticking with the branded stuff!

[fay66]

I use Select Classic XL 20/50w
From Smith and Alan on ebay, designed  to original spec for Classic cars.
I Paid £27.95 for 5 litres, but I think you can find it a bit cheaper.
Brian
8227

[HBG]

The most useful bit for info missing from most car manuals is how much does it take to raise the level from min to max? Sorry, I don't know the answer for any of my vehicles.

I used Millers CFS 10/50 fully synthetic. I think 10/ 50 is what the manual stipulates.  My car allegedly had an engine rebuild by the last owner and so I felt it suitable and so far so good. I've always had good results with Millers fully synthetic on many different vehicles.