Oil & Coolant - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

1968CHEVYC10 · 06-20-2010, 01:25 AM

Gonna flush my radiator and change my oil tomorrow. What's recommended? It's a 350ci with 150,000 miles. I was thinking 10W-30 maybe a synthetic? Idk I don't want to find some "new" leaks, but I'm sure it'd be good for the motor. Also how many quarts of oil? Coolant, I have no idea, pre-diluted? concentrate?
Thanks Yall, I know these are simple questions but I think they're pretty important.

Jacfourteen · 06-20-2010, 03:46 AM

most of the stock oil pans are 4 quart + 1 for the filter = 5 total quarts for a oil and filter change.

Longhorn Man · 06-20-2010, 07:36 AM

i wouldn't bother with synthetic on an engine of this era with that many miles. Just pick a name brand high quality oil and get some zink additive from your dealer to help save your camshaft. Any filter will get you by, fram being less than craptastic, and wix/napa gold being at the top of the pile (as far as normal budget friendly filters go).
5 quarts is the norm as mentioned before... a quart or two under the seat (still in the bottles) is a good idea.
On coolant, I have a hard time convincing myself that a premixed coolant is a good idea... however, it is getting harder and harder to find straight coolant these days. Stick with a traditional green coolant. If your coolant right now is green, then I'd just drain and fill. If it is brown, or if you have white crap building up on the inside, in the tubes of the rad, then a good flush with prestone super flush (best one on the market today) and then fill, and you're done.

BOZO · 06-20-2010, 08:36 AM

Rotella T is a good oil that still has zinc in it. The zinc is needed to keep flat tappet lifters alive. It is what I use on all my vehicles that don't have catalytic converters.

SweetandLong68 · 06-20-2010, 09:13 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BOZO

Rotella T is a good oil that still has zinc in it. The zinc is needed to keep flat tappet lifters alive. It is what I use on all my vehicles that don't have catalytic converters.

I have heard that this is not the case anymore about Rotella T. Anyone able to deny or confirm this? I would always ad a bottle of GM EOS to be safe to help save those flat tappet cams! I am going roller soon!

lata
CHRIS

1968SWBBigBlock · 06-20-2010, 09:17 AM

FYI - Rotella no longer carries zinc - they were one of the last to carry it but diesels had to meet some of the same standards regarding oil - time to update the choices

For a high mileage oil I like the Pennzoil high mileage oil seems to work better than regular oil - slows down any smoke issue

I am a wix/napa gold oil filter fan - cheap insurance in my book

BADPURPLE70CHEVY · 06-20-2010, 10:00 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by SweetandLong68

I have heard that this is not the case anymore about Rotella T. Anyone able to deny or confirm this? I would always ad a bottle of GM EOS to be safe to help save those flat tappet cams! I am going roller soon!

lata
CHRIS

It still has zinc in it for now. I sell it in my 6 stores.

BADPURPLE70CHEVY · 06-20-2010, 10:03 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 1968SWBBigBlock

FYI - Rotella no longer carries zinc - they were one of the last to carry it but diesels had to meet some of the same standards regarding oil - time to update the choices

For a high mileage oil I like the Pennzoil high mileage oil seems to work better than regular oil - slows down any smoke issue

I am a wix/napa gold oil filter fan - cheap insurance in my book

True they updated rotella but you can get it with the zinc from the right supplier. We are still able to get it.

**Stocker** · 06-20-2010, 10:22 AM

I've always used 2 gallons straight Prestone and fill the rest of the way with water for a rough 50/50 mix. Pre-mixed may be handy, but you pay nearly as much for product that is 50% water. Great profit for Prestone....

1968SWBBigBlock · 06-20-2010, 10:39 AM

BAdpurple - while the fact that you can special order Rotella mixed with the old formula it sounds like the exception and not the rule - kind of like playing Russian roulette with your motor.
I play it safe and use Lubriplate GPO motor oil (they advertise they have enough zinc) but to be safe i still run 1/2 bottle of EOS with every oil change.
I sleep better at night that way

Longhorn Man · 06-20-2010, 11:52 AM

most of the 'over the counter' rotella has LESS zink than the typical gasoline oils.
You can run that in yours, but I refuse to run it in mine.

SweetandLong68 · 06-20-2010, 02:47 PM

Are the any distinguishing markings on the Rotella bottle let us know which is which? I wouldnt mind running it if i KNEW what it was.... Until then just more GM EOS

At least until my new hydraulic roller motor is done! Then wont have to worry so much anymore!

lata
CHRIS

GASoline71 · 06-20-2010, 03:40 PM

I've been using Pennzoil 30wt or 10w30wt since the 70's in everything I have ever driven (excluding diesels) and Wix filters. Nowadays I add the ZDDP additive in the same oil. Never had a prob... just make sure to use the additive for your flat tappet camshafts.

Gary

BADPURPLE70CHEVY · 06-20-2010, 03:46 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by SweetandLong68

Are the any distinguishing markings on the Rotella bottle let us know which is which? I wouldnt mind running it if i KNEW what it was.... Until then just more GM EOS

At least until my new hydraulic roller motor is done! Then wont have to worry so much anymore!

lata
CHRIS

I get it in bulk and use 700-1,000 gallons a month. I get it from a company called bladen oil company. I have to keep the msd sheet on hand with the breakdown for all my products for safety reasons. Its all about peace of mind as mentioned above. Your truck your decision. I know what you mean about roller motors thats what i have.

SweetandLong68 · 06-20-2010, 05:11 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BADPURPLE70CHEVY

I get it in bulk and use 700-1,000 gallons a month. I get it from a company called bladen oil company. I have to keep the msd sheet on hand with the breakdown for all my products for safety reasons. Its all about peace of mind as mentioned above. Your truck your decision. I know what you mean about roller motors thats what i have.

Sounds good man! I am not sure how many gallons of oil we go through a month but I am sure it is ALOT! hahah Thanks for the info although. The EPA has got us again! No more ZINC! BOOOOOOOO

lata
CHRIS

BLK96 · 06-20-2010, 05:24 PM

Valvoline Racing oils still contain ZDDP.

1968SWBBigBlock · 06-20-2010, 05:47 PM

Yes valvoline racing oils do contain zinc - BUT - they do not have detergents designed for longer term street driving
The race oils are designed to be changed frequently.

SweetandLong68 · 06-20-2010, 05:50 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BLK96

Valvoline Racing oils still contain ZDDP.

I have 2 cases of this for my flat tappet 383 in my Malibu that I bought a whileeeee back..... Hope to sell the motor/trans before I use up all the oil! I heard they dont have the zinc anymore either...Who knows anymore...

lata
CHRIS

Sinister · 06-20-2010, 06:01 PM

I just add ZDDPlus to my oil and don't worry about it.

Longhorn Man · 06-21-2010, 08:01 AM

don't blame the EPA on the lack of zink... blame the auto makers who got sick of replacing catilitic converters pro bono. They are the ones who convinced the feds to drop the zink content, and they had been trying for 15+ years to do it. The feds were actually in OUR corner on that one.

1969stepside · 07-20-2010, 10:38 PM

the rotella that still has the zink has a flower looking thing on the back of the bottle it has three points a red leaf blue and a yellow its hard to explain it but once you see it you will know and i only use ac delco oil filters PT# PF 1218

1969stepside · 07-20-2010, 10:39 PM

yeah valvoline 20w-50 racing still has ziink as well

marks1972 · 07-20-2010, 10:52 PM

ok i guess that is why i am having to replace my cam and lifters soon. havent heard anything on the zinc thing. havent been paying attention. been putting in the same old oil that i always put in and never looked twice. VAL 10W 40 so what is it that the zinc does. and where do i get this stuff

GRX · 07-21-2010, 12:08 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Sinister

I just add ZDDPlus to my oil and don't worry about it.

^^^ = http://www.zddplus.com/

mrein3 · 07-21-2010, 01:02 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Stocker

I've always used 2 gallons straight Prestone and fill the rest of the way with water for a rough 50/50 mix. Pre-mixed may be handy, but you pay nearly as much for product that is 50% water. Great profit for Prestone....

Back on your anti-freeze question and Stocker touched on it.
The ONLY way to get the right mix of 50-50 into your coolant system is to:
1. Flush with fresh water then drain it.
2. Consult your owner's manual to determine the capacity of the system.
3. Fill 1/2 of the capacity with straight (not pre-mixed) anti-freeze.
4. Top off with straight water.

Anything else won't get you the 50/50 you need to keep your block from freezing and cracking in cold weather. There is NO way to drain all the water out of your block with the engine installed in the vehicle. Because of that basic fact you need to follow the above steps to insure the correct protection of your engine.

In the absence of documentation of your capacity, start with 2 gallons of straight like Stocker does. Most small block Chevrolet systems are on the order of 16 quarts. If you're still worried purchase one of those anti-freeze testers and make sure it tests to -40 or better when you're done.

06-20-2010, 01:25 AM	#1
1968CHEVYC10 Registered User Join Date: Aug 2009 Location: Tomball, TX Posts: 578	Oil & Coolant Gonna flush my radiator and change my oil tomorrow. What's recommended? It's a 350ci with 150,000 miles. I was thinking 10W-30 maybe a synthetic? Idk I don't want to find some "new" leaks, but I'm sure it'd be good for the motor. Also how many quarts of oil? Coolant, I have no idea, pre-diluted? concentrate? Thanks Yall, I know these are simple questions but I think they're pretty important. __________________ '68 C10 LWB 6.2NA/NP833 3.73's

06-20-2010, 03:46 AM	#2
Jacfourteen Big Red - Now its a SWB! Join Date: Jun 2009 Location: Oroville, Ca Posts: 1,624	Re: Oil & Coolant most of the stock oil pans are 4 quart + 1 for the filter = 5 total quarts for a oil and filter change. __________________ 68 3/4 ton (Project)-350 Small Block, .030 over, 10:1 comp, 3998993 heads, C3BX edelbrock intake, comp cams XE268, Holley 670 SA, long tube headers, dual flow 40's, E-fan, Alum rad, currently under the knife getting shortened and bagged build thread 41 3/4 ton (wife's)-flatbed, fully restored to original 01 Tahoe LT 4WD (my daily driver)-Magnaflow Muffler, Rollin on 22's 02 Ford Mustang Convertable (Wife's Car)-Flowmaster 50, Clear corners, Intake, sittin on 18's

06-20-2010, 07:36 AM	#3
Longhorn Man its all about the +6 inches Join Date: Jan 2001 Location: Hilliard Ohio Posts: 2,693	Re: Oil & Coolant i wouldn't bother with synthetic on an engine of this era with that many miles. Just pick a name brand high quality oil and get some zink additive from your dealer to help save your camshaft. Any filter will get you by, fram being less than craptastic, and wix/napa gold being at the top of the pile (as far as normal budget friendly filters go). 5 quarts is the norm as mentioned before... a quart or two under the seat (still in the bottles) is a good idea. On coolant, I have a hard time convincing myself that a premixed coolant is a good idea... however, it is getting harder and harder to find straight coolant these days. Stick with a traditional green coolant. If your coolant right now is green, then I'd just drain and fill. If it is brown, or if you have white crap building up on the inside, in the tubes of the rad, then a good flush with prestone super flush (best one on the market today) and then fill, and you're done.

06-20-2010, 08:36 AM	#4
BOZO Old School Join Date: Jan 2010 Location: Dover,AR Posts: 185	Re: Oil & Coolant Rotella T is a good oil that still has zinc in it. The zinc is needed to keep flat tappet lifters alive. It is what I use on all my vehicles that don't have catalytic converters. __________________ #1 Project...69 Chevy swb Fleetside (Dad's truck) #2...1983 El Camino SS (Choo Choo Custom) #3...1974 Datsun truck (4.3L V6/4L60E) #4...1951 Cadillac Limo (1975 Caddy running gear) #5...1938 Dodge M38 3/4 ton Military truck #6...1968 Sportster XLCH trail bike 5 GMC & Chevy parts trucks 68 to 72 Last but not least; My 1978 Harley Davidson Electraglide (trusted & reliable companion for the last 30 years)

06-20-2010, 09:17 AM	#6
1968SWBBigBlock Active Member Join Date: Oct 2006 Location: Ohio Posts: 1,643	Re: Oil & Coolant FYI - Rotella no longer carries zinc - they were one of the last to carry it but diesels had to meet some of the same standards regarding oil - time to update the choices For a high mileage oil I like the Pennzoil high mileage oil seems to work better than regular oil - slows down any smoke issue I am a wix/napa gold oil filter fan - cheap insurance in my book __________________ 1968 SWB 454 + .040, 490HP x 540 FT pounds of Torque 10-1 Kb Forged pistons, recon rods w/ ARP wave loc bolts 781 heads Ported with 2.19/1.88 SSTvalves Lunati 60204 cam, Micro Trol lifters, Ported Edelbrock Performer Rpm manifold armor coated, Pertronix Triple Strike Ignition Holley 770 Street Avenger carb,Headers armor coated Built by Watson Ruppel Performance in Sarahsville Ohio. Hardshift Tranny Built Turbo 350,TSI 10" 3000 stall 12 Bolt Eaton Posi 4.10 Richmond Gears moser axles 18.5" x 31" Hoosier Pro Street Radials ET Classic 5 Wheels - polished Power Steering, Power Brakes,Disc Brakes,Tach & Gauge Dash, Tilt,Factory Air (gone) Custom Paint & Body Work Special thanks to my wife, my son and my money tree

06-20-2010, 10:22 AM	#9
Stocker 20' Daredevil (Ret) Join Date: May 2003 Location: Jefferson State Posts: 13,593	Re: Oil & Coolant I've always used 2 gallons straight Prestone and fill the rest of the way with water for a rough 50/50 mix. Pre-mixed may be handy, but you pay nearly as much for product that is 50% water. Great profit for Prestone.... __________________ - Mike - 1972 K20 LWB 350/350/205 RIP El Jay

06-20-2010, 10:39 AM	#10
1968SWBBigBlock Active Member Join Date: Oct 2006 Location: Ohio Posts: 1,643	Re: Oil & Coolant BAdpurple - while the fact that you can special order Rotella mixed with the old formula it sounds like the exception and not the rule - kind of like playing Russian roulette with your motor. I play it safe and use Lubriplate GPO motor oil (they advertise they have enough zinc) but to be safe i still run 1/2 bottle of EOS with every oil change. I sleep better at night that way __________________ 1968 SWB 454 + .040, 490HP x 540 FT pounds of Torque 10-1 Kb Forged pistons, recon rods w/ ARP wave loc bolts 781 heads Ported with 2.19/1.88 SSTvalves Lunati 60204 cam, Micro Trol lifters, Ported Edelbrock Performer Rpm manifold armor coated, Pertronix Triple Strike Ignition Holley 770 Street Avenger carb,Headers armor coated Built by Watson Ruppel Performance in Sarahsville Ohio. Hardshift Tranny Built Turbo 350,TSI 10" 3000 stall 12 Bolt Eaton Posi 4.10 Richmond Gears moser axles 18.5" x 31" Hoosier Pro Street Radials ET Classic 5 Wheels - polished Power Steering, Power Brakes,Disc Brakes,Tach & Gauge Dash, Tilt,Factory Air (gone) Custom Paint & Body Work Special thanks to my wife, my son and my money tree

06-20-2010, 11:52 AM	#11
Longhorn Man its all about the +6 inches Join Date: Jan 2001 Location: Hilliard Ohio Posts: 2,693	Re: Oil & Coolant most of the 'over the counter' rotella has LESS zink than the typical gasoline oils. You can run that in yours, but I refuse to run it in mine.

06-20-2010, 02:47 PM	#12
SweetandLong68 Your UncleBen Join Date: Dec 2002 Location: Indian Trail, NC Posts: 590	Re: Oil & Coolant Are the any distinguishing markings on the Rotella bottle let us know which is which? I wouldnt mind running it if i KNEW what it was.... Until then just more GM EOS At least until my new hydraulic roller motor is done! Then wont have to worry so much anymore! lata CHRIS __________________ 68 C10 shortbed -- Street/Strip

06-20-2010, 05:24 PM	#16
BLK96 Registered User Join Date: Dec 2008 Location: OKC, OK Posts: 29	Re: Oil & Coolant Valvoline Racing oils still contain ZDDP.

06-20-2010, 05:47 PM	#17
1968SWBBigBlock Active Member Join Date: Oct 2006 Location: Ohio Posts: 1,643	Re: Oil & Coolant Yes valvoline racing oils do contain zinc - BUT - they do not have detergents designed for longer term street driving The race oils are designed to be changed frequently. __________________ 1968 SWB 454 + .040, 490HP x 540 FT pounds of Torque 10-1 Kb Forged pistons, recon rods w/ ARP wave loc bolts 781 heads Ported with 2.19/1.88 SSTvalves Lunati 60204 cam, Micro Trol lifters, Ported Edelbrock Performer Rpm manifold armor coated, Pertronix Triple Strike Ignition Holley 770 Street Avenger carb,Headers armor coated Built by Watson Ruppel Performance in Sarahsville Ohio. Hardshift Tranny Built Turbo 350,TSI 10" 3000 stall 12 Bolt Eaton Posi 4.10 Richmond Gears moser axles 18.5" x 31" Hoosier Pro Street Radials ET Classic 5 Wheels - polished Power Steering, Power Brakes,Disc Brakes,Tach & Gauge Dash, Tilt,Factory Air (gone) Custom Paint & Body Work Special thanks to my wife, my son and my money tree

06-20-2010, 06:01 PM	#19
Sinister Between Trucks... Join Date: Mar 2002 Location: Los Angeles, CA. Posts: 3,830	Re: Oil & Coolant I just add ZDDPlus to my oil and don't worry about it. __________________ Beat it to fit, Paint it to match...

06-21-2010, 08:01 AM	#20
Longhorn Man its all about the +6 inches Join Date: Jan 2001 Location: Hilliard Ohio Posts: 2,693	Re: Oil & Coolant don't blame the EPA on the lack of zink... blame the auto makers who got sick of replacing catilitic converters pro bono. They are the ones who convinced the feds to drop the zink content, and they had been trying for 15+ years to do it. The feds were actually in OUR corner on that one.

07-20-2010, 10:38 PM	#21
1969stepside Registered User Join Date: Feb 2008 Location: Johnson City Tennessee Posts: 1,176	Re: Oil & Coolant the rotella that still has the zink has a flower looking thing on the back of the bottle it has three points a red leaf blue and a yellow its hard to explain it but once you see it you will know and i only use ac delco oil filters PT# PF 1218 __________________ Greater love hath no man than to lay down his life for a friend. Members i Have met Earl Slick68 1969 Stepside Build thread http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...=1#post4253546 Chevy Trucks the longest lasting most dependable trucks on the road

07-20-2010, 10:39 PM	#22
1969stepside Registered User Join Date: Feb 2008 Location: Johnson City Tennessee Posts: 1,176	Re: Oil & Coolant yeah valvoline 20w-50 racing still has ziink as well __________________ Greater love hath no man than to lay down his life for a friend. Members i Have met Earl Slick68 1969 Stepside Build thread http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...=1#post4253546 Chevy Trucks the longest lasting most dependable trucks on the road



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07-20-2010, 10:52 PM	#23
marks1972 Registered User Join Date: May 2010 Location: Atoka, TN Posts: 240	Re: Oil & Coolant ok i guess that is why i am having to replace my cam and lifters soon. havent heard anything on the zinc thing. havent been paying attention. been putting in the same old oil that i always put in and never looked twice. VAL 10W 40 so what is it that the zinc does. and where do i get this stuff __________________ Mark 1968 C-10 SWB 307/munci 4spd/411possi 1986-1990 1972 Cheyenne-10 LWB 350/TH350 IF SHE WHOULD HAVE KEEPT THE SHIRT ON THEY WOULDNT HAVE BROKEN UP THANKS ADAM SANDLER U. S. Navy Seabee "CAN DO", "The difficult we do at once. The impossible may take a little bit longer.","We Build We Fight", "Work Hard Play Hard"

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