Re: [Amc-list] 1967 232 six with 122K miles- grade of oil?

[Matt Haas <mhaas@xxxxxxx>]

One thing I would do on a six with obviously bad valve stem seals is 
drop the oil pan and make sure the oil pump pickup tube is clear. The 
fact that it smokes a little on startup is a good sign that the oil pump 
isn't plugged up but a plugged up oil pump (which is what did in the 
engine in my 68 American) can cause some expensive damage.

Oil wise, 10w30 works just fine. Since dropping the pan in the car is a 
pain, it may not be a bad idea to yank the motor and replace all the 
gaskets (as well as clean and paint the engine). With new gaskets, you 
can switch to a synthetic based oil. With old gaskets, you'll probably 
end up with some leaks. Synthetic oil doesn't cause the leaks but it has 
a lot of detergent in it which will clean up any sludge currently 
preventing leaks around the gaskets.

BTW, if the oil pump pickup tube has chunks of valve stem seal in it, be 
aware that there are two different pickup tubes and oil pumps. You can 
use either one (and AMC apparently did in some years) but you need the 
correct tube for the oil pump.

Matt

On 8/12/2008 8:38 AM, Frank Swygert spouted this sage advice:
> John, I wouldn't run anything heavier than 10-40. 10-30 should be fine. You don't want to run a "straight weight" as it's a bit thick at start up. You could run 20-50 (I'm assuming that's what you meant by 20-40 -- no such weight!) because of the mileage, but if you do change the oil to 10-30 or 10-40 for cold weather (below 40 or so) driving. If you park it in a garage through the winter you should be fine leaving 20-50 in all year round. 
> 
> Smoking at start-up that quits shortly after is a classic sign of bad/worn valve stem seals. In your case it's normal, they harden and fall apart with age. The seals can be changed by a competent shop without removing the heads, or if you've plenty time it's not hard to do yourself. You don't need compressed air, though that's what a shop will use. I use a piece of cord small enough to fit in the spark plug hole. Run the piston down. insert about 3' of cord, then run the piston up to compress the cord against the valves, one cylinder at a time. Safer than air, but takes a bit longer. 
> 
> -------------
> Date: Tue, 12 Aug 2008 00:30:24 EDT
> From: JohnBherna@xxxxxxx
> 
> I have a 1967 Rebel with 122K miles.  Runs fine, smokes very little at first 
> start but not after that.
> 
> What grade of oil should I use, 30 weight, 40 weight, 10-30, 20-40?
> 

-- 
mhaas@xxxxxxx
Cincinnati, OH
http://www.mattsoldcars.com
1967 Rambler American wagon
1968 Rambler American sedan
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