The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network - View Single Post - 230 Oil Change

**'68OrangeSunshine** · 09-01-2017, 02:42 AM

On an L6, with the side-saddle oil filter, pre-filling the oil filter at oil changes is pointless. It will fill about 30 seconds after you crank the starter if your distributor is cranking the oil pump properly, and there it is. Pre-filling the filter could spill some oil on the deck, and then you'll have to clean it up. I just dip my finger in the clean oil and moisten the rubber gasket on the oil filter before I spin it on.
As for oil, the old school oil is the best for old school engines. I use Valvoline SAE 30 Racing. It has enough ZDDP already without needing extra additives [which can increase the acidity of the oil]. The viscousity needed can vary with the elapsed mileage. Thicker oil for-more worn rings. 20-W50 might be a good choice if there are a lot of temperature swings in your normal climate.
Check the Owners Manual for oil pan capacity. I have a 292. They have a deeper [6 Qt] oil pan than 230/250s. I would guess 4-5 Qts, but I've only had 292s.

09-01-2017, 02:42 AM	#13
'68OrangeSunshine Senior Member Join Date: Feb 2002 Location: Tucson, AZ USA Posts: 7,628	Re: 230 Oil Change - Everyone has an opinion On an L6, with the side-saddle oil filter, pre-filling the oil filter at oil changes is pointless. It will fill about 30 seconds after you crank the starter if your distributor is cranking the oil pump properly, and there it is. Pre-filling the filter could spill some oil on the deck, and then you'll have to clean it up. I just dip my finger in the clean oil and moisten the rubber gasket on the oil filter before I spin it on. As for oil, the old school oil is the best for old school engines. I use Valvoline SAE 30 Racing. It has enough ZDDP already without needing extra additives [which can increase the acidity of the oil]. The viscousity needed can vary with the elapsed mileage. Thicker oil for-more worn rings. 20-W50 might be a good choice if there are a lot of temperature swings in your normal climate. Check the Owners Manual for oil pan capacity. I have a 292. They have a deeper [6 Qt] oil pan than 230/250s. I would guess 4-5 Qts, but I've only had 292s. __________________ Every 25 years I like to rebuild that 292, whether it needs it or not.