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Joined: Oct 2005
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Shop Shark
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Hello!

My goal this spring is to get ol' Gertrude tuned up and happy. She is in desperate need of an oil change.

What weight oil is a good year round oil? She doesn't get driven enough to require much more than bi-annual semi-annual oil change.

How much oil does my 235 require?

Anyone know a good place to get the old school canister oil filters?

Thank you!

Kyle

Last edited by Fort Knox; 05/11/2017 10:04 PM.

"Never tell people how to do things. Tell them what to do and they will surprise you with their ingenuity." - George S. Patton

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Lots of trustworthy sources here use a 15w-40 diesel oil.

Filter depends on what kind you have. Mine takes a Fram C4 or equivalent. Can't remember the wix number off the top of my head.


1951 3100
Joined: Sep 2001
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Bubba - Curmudgeon
Bubba - Curmudgeon
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10W-30 was recommended by GM
10W-30, 10W-40, 15W-30, 15W-40 would be OK

bi-annual - every two years
semi-annual - twice a year
Factory recommendation: 2,000 miles
I usually change mine annually (once a year, in the Fall), unless I travel more than 2,000 miles in a year.

5 qts plus capacity of oil filter (if installed - 1qt or 2qt, usually)
Oil filter changed every 2,000 miles
There were many styles (brands/sizes/years) of filters that were used on 235s.

Do you have an owners manual and/or a Shop Manual?

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tclederman -

Thanks for the grammar edit, I fixed it above.

I have the owners manual somewhere. She has been in storage for a little over a year, still trying to sort out all my manuals and documents from a move / divorce. I know that dang manual is somewhere.

Does anyone run Lucas Oil Stabilizer? My 1993 GMC with the 6.5td loves that stuff.

Kyle


"Never tell people how to do things. Tell them what to do and they will surprise you with their ingenuity." - George S. Patton

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Bubba - Curmudgeon
Bubba - Curmudgeon
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Kyle,

I understand lost/hidden/stored manuals. I moved to NC around a year ago and I am still looking for manuals/documentation.

Regarding oil filter: you might find yours in this Stovebolt.com Tech Tip

Good luck with your truck.

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Related question. The bypass filters were optional equipment. They add a quart of capacity. I believe it will drain to crankcase when not running.

Fair to assume dipstick will be inaccurate after engine sits a while?


1951 3100
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Bubba - Curmudgeon
Bubba - Curmudgeon
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GM optional 235 by-pass oil filters we usually 1qt, but a 2qt filter was also an option in many years.

One was on my 1954 3104 235 engine (RPO canister was painted black).

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So what about the dipstick issue I mentioned?


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The 15W-40 diesel oil lubricant is traditional oil from petroleum.

I've noticed that synthetic/traditional blend is 10W-40.

Pure synthetic is 5W-40.

I take that to mean synthetic is a much better lubricant at cold temperature and they can get away with a less viscous oil on cold startup.

I use 6 quarts 10W-30 Mobil One synthetic (NAPA 1072 bypass oil filter) in my 261 and now change it once a year although I could go much longer than that. It gives me a chance to crawl under my '48.


1948 3/4-Ton 5-Window Flatbed Chevrolet

34 Years. Now with a '61 261, 848 head, Rochester Monojet carb, SM420 4-speed, 4.10 rear, dual reservoir MC, Bendix up front, 235/85R16 tires, 12-volt w/alternator, electric wipers and a modern radio in the glove box.
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Bubba - Curmudgeon
Bubba - Curmudgeon
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Originally Posted by JW51
Related question. The bypass filters were optional equipment. They add a quart of capacity. I believe it will drain to crankcase when not running.

Fair to assume dipstick will be inaccurate after engine sits a while?
Originally Posted by JW51
So what about the dipstick issue I mentioned?
Put in 5 qts at an oil change and check the dipstick.
It should read at the mark.

If you have a 1qt oil filter (that drains back to the pan with the engine off), add one qt of oil.

Then, check the dipstick and scribe/mark it at the new level.

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I've noticed that synthetic/traditional blend is 10W-40.

Pure synthetic is 5W-40.

I take that to mean synthetic is a much better lubricant at cold temperature and they can get away with a less viscous oil on cold startup.

Or not


Moderated by  Phak1, Woogeroo 

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