Oil

[Kent124]

So I've heard Rotella is now reformulated with lower zinc for modern diesel engines.

Are most of you now using a ZDDP additive? Or are you using Valvoline Racing 20W50 NOT STREET LEGAL or the equivalent?

[vandor]

So I've heard Rotella is now reformulated with lower zinc for modern diesel engines.

Are most of you now using a ZDDP additive? Or are you using Valvoline Racing 20W50 NOT STREET LEGAL or the equivalent?

First of all, as far as I know Fiat engines have not had troubles because of oil with lower zinc contents. So it may be a non-issue, but I guess we don't really want our cars to be the testbed...
I've used the Valvoline VR1. It will mess up the converter if the car has one, so I only use it on non-cat cars. I've also been using Castrol GTX in my own car with no ill effect so far.

[Kent124]

I've been using 15w40 Rotella. VR1 comes in 10w30, 20w50, SAE30, SAE40. Which would you recommend?

[vandor]

I've been using 15w40 Rotella. VR1 comes in 10w30, 20w50, SAE30, SAE40. Which would you recommend?

I used 20w50, but it gets hot here in Texas. If you live in a milder climate I recommend 10w30. Fiat recommends that grade for temperatures up to 95F.

[4uall]

I just did an oil change after buying the car 2 weeks ago. Lucky for me, the old salty dog that works at Part Source has an old Fiat as well. He recommended a 5W50 synthetic (Castrol). I also picked up a magnetic drain plug bolt.

Hope this helps,

Jay

[124ADDHE]

Not to nitpick here guys but the fiat workshop manual states no thinner than a 15-40 unless you are below -15 (5F)....I run 15-40 in the winter, keep my car outdoors and can start and run in the coolest temps but i have a block-heater. 20-50 in summer.

[redek]

The EPA seems to constantly take the good things out of gas/oil. You can increase the zinc content, with an additive, if you want the peace of mind.

[kilrwail]

I used Castrol GTX 20W50 for over thirty years, until the API category changed to SL. I now use Brad Penn 20W50 which retains a high ZDDP content (over 1300 ppm), in both the Spider and Porsche.

[vandor]

Not to nitpick here guys but the fiat workshop manual states no thinner than a 15-40 unless you are below -15 (5F)....

The 1971 owner's manual lists several single and multi-weight grades and their temp ranges. 10w30 is recommended for temps up to 95F.

[4uall]

I too looked at the owners manual however, as my mechanic informed me these manuals are 30+ yrs old and technology has changed etc. That being said everyone has different methods so as long as there is oil in her that's a start

[124ADDHE]

Ok, my manual is dated 1990, so maybe thats why there is a difference. Anyway, 30 @ running temp seems light to me, but I like rpm

[kilrwail]

The 1978 owner's manual calls for SAE 30 or 20W40 between 32 F and 95 F.

[4uall]

Thought I would give this thread a little bump, as I am about to do my spring oil change I am going to go and pick up



and some 80/90 for the differential (transmission change was already completed)



let the comments begin

[4uall]

To be used in my differential oil

[fiat218]

I got oil too