Engine Oil.

[Panamared]

Please I like to know if the 20W-50 is a good choice for the 240z engine.

Shell HELIX Super 20W-50 to be exact.

If there´s another better oil let me know please (viscosity and lubrication).

[beandip]

I am not familiar with Helix . So I have no opinion there . However I wouldn't use that wt oil 10w-30 Is a Far better choice. Gary

[nahurry]

i've been using 20w 50 castrol in my 73 for 15 years.

[sblake01]

I use 10W-30 also and have for years. I've had no oil related problems. You might even notice a slight increase in gas mileage over 20W-50.

[ChrisA]

Hi Juan,

Shell says this about their 20w-50.

"SHELL HELIX Super 20W50

API, SH/CD, EC1, CCMC G4/PD2, JASO SG

Guaranteed quality lubricant based on a blend of high viscosity mineral oils and selected additives. A strong performing oil which beats its equivalent competition, it provides reliable enhanced engine protection in normal motoring conditions. Recommended for naturally aspirated, turbo-charged diesel and petrol passenger cars. The No.1 selling Shell oil for petrol and diesel engines in over 100 countries.

Dependable all round protection

Long operational oil life

Excellent engine cleanliness for maximum engine performance and life

Ensures adequate viscosity at all operating temperatures"

It appears to me that there would be no problems with the Shell oil. I don't recommend a 20 weight oil if you have consistent temperatures below 20 degrees f. If you do, then I'd go with a 10 or 15 weight oil.

Regards,

Chris A.

[John Coffey]

Any SF or higher rated multi-viscocity oil is fine for a street driven L6 engine.

http://www.pennzoil.com/autosmarts/carsmarts_story.asp?storyid=ccr20030901og

[bpilati]

I would say the choice of oil depends on the condition of the engine, the location of the car, and its use.

[Panamared]

Thank you for the advice guys.

Gary why You recommend to use the 10W instead of the 20W?

Chris (bpilati) I live in the tropics so You can imagine temps here.

John You said is ok to use this oil for street driven L6 engine.

nahurry.. The castrol You are using is synthetic oil? .

Stephen...Thanx for the tip.

Im asking beacuse I´m not sure what the datsun handbook recommend.

And I also have some qts of oil that can be use (Helix) but if it´s not the best choice I would go with the 10W.

Thank You.

Juan.

[beandip]

Thank you for the advice guys.

Gary why You recommend to use the 10W instead of the 20W?

Chris (bpilati) I live in the tropics so You can imagine temps here.

John You said is ok to use this oil for street driven L6 engine.

nahurry.. The castrol You are using is synthetic oil? .

Stephen...Thanx for the tip.

Im asking beacuse I´m not sure what the datsun handbook recommend.

And I also have some qts of oil that can be use (Helix) but if it´s not the best choice I would go with the 10W.

Thank You.

Juan.

For here in the lower 48 states, 10w30 is the best all around weight oil for winter and summer. In winter there are a few northern states where temps drop to -20 F or less , a thinner oil would be advised there. But I don't think many early Zs will be on the road in this kind of temp . Opinions on oil is like a nose , everyone has one . Ha ha . (I cleaned that up) . Gary:rambo:

[The Wingnut]

Of note is that if you have been using a specific oil for any length of time, stick to it. Changing oils has more of an effect on wear than one would think(other threads have discussed the sometimes disasterous results of switching to synthetic after running organic). There's a lot more in oils than just lubricant, the key to long engine life is keeping it clean and consistent, and initially choosing a weight / grade that suits the engine's use.

For the record, I've been using Castrol GTX 10-40.

[Panamared]

Thank You so much Gary.

The Wingnut. Thank you.

The reason Im asking is because Im going to overhaul the engine for the first time (it's my first zed, and it was forgot for 10 years by last owner) so I want to do the things right the first time.

I know the last owner never did anything to this engine (totally an idiot), so after 10 years Im going to overhaul it.

[DatsunZsRule]

10W30 is all I run as well in my Z. 20W50 is just way to darn thick. The only time 20W50 should be used is if you live in a state like Arizona where it gets like 110 degrees in the shade. I bought my Z from Arizona and thats what the previous owner of my Z used. Once I got her and had her shipped up to me, the first thing I did was changed the oil to 10W30. Made a huge difference. My oil pressure guage started working a hell of alot better too obviously . we've had 30 below 0 weather this winter here in MN. but my beauty is stored winters Like Gary stated Not many classic Z's are subjected to winters. They shouldn't be

As for brands I won't touch that question being that everyone tends to get defensive about the brands they use. I'm guilty of it too