20 replies to this topic

[Ethel]

The "50" of 20W50 relates to the viscosity at 100 degrees C. Since the oil (without a cooler) will be coolest when it's slopping about in the finned gearbox casing, a typical 80 degree inline oil stat would be about right. The more even the temperature across the whole engine the better for the gaskets & bolts keeping it together.

[Gadgets]

Can you get a sandwich block with built in thermostat where the oil filter fits onto a series engine?

[Gr4h4m]

Ok,

Thanks for all of your advice and opinions. I have a mocal thermostat that I can use. It's set at 79 degrees C.

I think what I will do...once I get the car running properly, use the best oil I can get and make sure I know the optimum running temperature of the oil and fit just a standard oil return and oil temp gauge. If it creeps up past the recommended temp I will then use the thermostat with the correct temperature release on it.

Has anyone used a sandwich plate for the oil filter before with a thermostat built in? In my opinion they look much neater.

Any recommendations of oil brands, types and weights?

Try Valvoline Racing 20w50. That is one of the best. Also Millers, Penrite or Castrol Classic, all 20w50 are excellent as is the Halfords 20w50.
If the temperature without an oil cooler runs consistently at over about 110 C to 115 C and oil cooler would be a good idea. On my cars I usually run a cooler and in Winter I blank off part or all of the cooler with baking foil.

I spoke to millers about oil temp and I was advised if ctv got to 110 and over to chuck it away, and put fresh in.

I have found oil temp rises with sustained motorway driving. On a roads giving it the beans it's ok I guess as your on and off the throttle and the engine is slowing down as well as going.

[KernowCooper]

If you have a cooler and the oil temperature is below where it should be under normal circumstances then you would get increased wear on several engine components like cams/shells etc.

[cal844]

my 998's oil is starting to lack viscosity.(20/50 comma classic) dont panic i have good pressure (60psi with warm engine)

i usually only drive at 50-60 mph when going to work and home.

what else other than oil and oil filter do you Guru's suggest i change? (5000 miles and around 14 months from last service)

[jeffm5150]

My experience - I have a 13 row cooler for my 1330 but I live in a very hot part of the US where temps regularly get over 43 degC in the summer. With 20w50 valvoline oil my sump temps reach 120 degC with flat out driving on a road course for 20 minutes in 25 degC ambient temps. Note that this is sump temp measured with a sensor next to the drain plug. Actual oil temps will be lower than that entering the engine since it hasn't gone through the cooler yet. My power unit has a Quaife LSD so that seems to add a bit of heat to the oil.

You asked what the ideal oil temp is ... I've always been told it's just over 100 degC. That's hot enough to burn off any water in the oil (very important) and provide optimal lubrication but cool enough to not break down the non-synthetic oil.

I block my cooler off in the cooler weather since any external cooling causes the oil temp to never reach the optimal 100 degC mark.

Hope it helps