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Mod | | | Forums66 Topics128,154 Posts1,056,861 Members48,456 | | Most Online14,466 Apr 26th, 2026 | | AD Chevy Trucks Over 6,000 pictures Brad Allen has an awesome collection of Chevrolet factory pictures that he has set up from film strips. Check them out!
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on the Internet for over 30 years! and not clogged down with Ads! Again, thanks! | | | | Joined: Oct 2005 Posts: 738 Shop Shark | | Shop Shark Joined: Oct 2005 Posts: 738 | 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 My Machine | | | | | Joined: Jan 2014 Posts: 3,690 'Bolter | | 'Bolter Joined: Jan 2014 Posts: 3,690 | 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 Posts: 29,270 Bubba - Curmudgeon | | Bubba - Curmudgeon Joined: Sep 2001 Posts: 29,270 | 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?
| | | | | Joined: Oct 2005 Posts: 738 Shop Shark | | Shop Shark Joined: Oct 2005 Posts: 738 | 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 My Machine | | | | | Joined: Sep 2001 Posts: 29,270 Bubba - Curmudgeon | | Bubba - Curmudgeon Joined: Sep 2001 Posts: 29,270 | 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. | | | | | Joined: Jan 2014 Posts: 3,690 'Bolter | | 'Bolter Joined: Jan 2014 Posts: 3,690 | 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
| | | | | Joined: Sep 2001 Posts: 29,270 Bubba - Curmudgeon | | Bubba - Curmudgeon Joined: Sep 2001 Posts: 29,270 | 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). | | | | | Joined: Jan 2014 Posts: 3,690 'Bolter | | 'Bolter Joined: Jan 2014 Posts: 3,690 | So what about the dipstick issue I mentioned?
1951 3100
| | | | | Joined: May 2001 Posts: 1,907 'Bolter | | 'Bolter Joined: May 2001 Posts: 1,907 | 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.
| | | | | Joined: Sep 2001 Posts: 29,270 Bubba - Curmudgeon | | Bubba - Curmudgeon Joined: Sep 2001 Posts: 29,270 | 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? 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. | | | | | Joined: Dec 2008 Posts: 1,922 'Bolter | | 'Bolter Joined: Dec 2008 Posts: 1,922 | 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 | | |
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