V8-250 Saloon: Running-In Oil

[classiclife]

Hello,

Within the next couple of weeks I will be firing-up my new fully rebuilt V8 saloon engine and I will be interested to know, from those who have been in a similar situation, as to which make and spec running-in oil was used.

I am currently looking at the Penrite 15W/40 running-in option:
http://penriteclassicoils.co.uk/product/running-in-oil/

But in the meantime, I am considering all potential choices.

Any insight, much appreciated.

Regards.

Richard.

[CHRIS J]

Hi Richard
I used to use Penrite oils many years ago but they are expensive, A few years ago we had a visit to MORRIS LUBRICANTS factory arranged by the DLOC and was impressed with the high quality of the production.
They test all grades produced in their labs to a high standard.
I now buy my oils locally from SES (SUSSEX ENGINE SUPPLIES) If I buy more than 4 x 5lt cans at a time get a good trade price.
For running in the V8 I used Golden Film Classic SAE30 as this will reduce the chance of bore glaze then changed to classic golden film 20-50
So far no problems with the V8.
If you log on to Morris Lubricants and search sae30 have a look at the data sheet.
Happy new year Chris

[classiclife]

Dear Chris,

Happy New Year.

Many thanks for your reply and that is very useful plus timely, as ironically I have factored the Morris running-in oil as a possible choice as well.

I will look at their {Morris} site and read what they have to say.

After you drained your flushing oil, did you do anything extra to ensure all the flushing oil was drained from the tappet chest / valley area where some of the oil sits even after draining ?? Or did you let it drain for as long as possible and then fill with the 20W/50 with the addition of a new oil filter ??

I know some folk pour in about a litre of oil or so, to try and push any previous residue oil out.

Again, many thanks.

Best wishes.

Richard.

[CHRIS J]

Hi Richard
I do not think you need to try and flush out all the old oil from the tappet chest, it should not be that contaminated after only 500 miles or less.
the important thing is to change the oil each year or sooner maybe 6 months after all a new filter is only about £7.
I am not an expert on these engines but I sometimes think you can worry too much about getting it just right.

Chris

[buckfield]

Hi, I used penrite oil SAE 15W-40, after the rebuild, and keep changing it until it settles down, I now use a standard 20/50 with no signs of smoke apart from a little after idling for a few mins, but that soon clears quickly, I remember a discussion on the old forum, about when running in the new oil rings etc to not "potter about" in low revs and to to take up the revs a bit, and work the engine to bed in the new rings, but not to "thrash" the engine, whether this made any difference I don't know but after the running in using the method I have had little to no smoke since the rebuild 15 years ago or so, I never flushed the chest area after that. think russ carpenter may be the chap to ask. all the best Tony