Oil consumption...
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Feb 2010
Posts: 109
Likes: 0
From: Stuttgart
Oil consumption...
I know there are a lot of posts about oil. I did search them, believe me, but i didn't find my specific case.
first of all, i just checked the oil. No oil in the engine
How is it possibile? I actually see the oil pressure. I'm not sure when the oil was changed the last time... i bought the car 650 miles ago (550 driven in one day) and i just checked the oil now (i know, i should have done it before!).
Car does not smoke though. No blue smoke, no smell like something burnt.
Second.... which oil? I live in Atlanta... i read a lot, but i still have doubts.
Third... normal oil pressure? I'm honest, i haven't searched this yet... i will, but if you can post a link i appreciate it
Oh... 1973 L82.
Thanks!
first of all, i just checked the oil. No oil in the engine
How is it possibile? I actually see the oil pressure. I'm not sure when the oil was changed the last time... i bought the car 650 miles ago (550 driven in one day) and i just checked the oil now (i know, i should have done it before!).
Car does not smoke though. No blue smoke, no smell like something burnt.
Second.... which oil? I live in Atlanta... i read a lot, but i still have doubts.
Third... normal oil pressure? I'm honest, i haven't searched this yet... i will, but if you can post a link i appreciate it
Oh... 1973 L82.
Thanks!
Melting Slicks
Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 2,669
Likes: 3
From: Kingston Ontario
No engine runs without oil for much time in system; unless a television commercial for some engine treatment product. 
Place car in garage, insert oil pan below engine and remove oil drain plug. Measure quantity of oil in pan.
Completely drain oil and add four quarts. Replace dip stick with correct size dip stick and continue normal operation. Your current dip stick is too short, otherwise this post would be asking; "Why does my engine make this awful clacking noise!"
Place car in garage, insert oil pan below engine and remove oil drain plug. Measure quantity of oil in pan.
Completely drain oil and add four quarts. Replace dip stick with correct size dip stick and continue normal operation. Your current dip stick is too short, otherwise this post would be asking; "Why does my engine make this awful clacking noise!"
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Feb 2010
Posts: 109
Likes: 0
From: Stuttgart
No engine runs without oil for much time in system; unless a television commercial for some engine treatment product.
Place car in garage, insert oil pan below engine and remove oil drain plug. Measure quantity of oil in pan.
Completely drain oil and add four quarts. Replace dip stick with correct size dip stick and continue normal operation. Your current dip stick is too short, otherwise this post would be asking; "Why does my engine make this awful clacking noise!"
Place car in garage, insert oil pan below engine and remove oil drain plug. Measure quantity of oil in pan.
Completely drain oil and add four quarts. Replace dip stick with correct size dip stick and continue normal operation. Your current dip stick is too short, otherwise this post would be asking; "Why does my engine make this awful clacking noise!"
anyway... i'm going to change oil this weekend....
which one? synthetic?
Le Mans Master
Joined: Oct 2000
Posts: 6,362
Likes: 30
From: Oak Harbor WA
Review the oil sticky at the top for some recommendations.... or better yet review the owners manual that stipulates which type of oil to use: the rating they give oils is somewhat specific so you should look at that from the owners manual.
I doubt you'll need synthetic in that old of an engine but I could be wrong again today.....refer to above statement.
I doubt you'll need synthetic in that old of an engine but I could be wrong again today.....refer to above statement.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 7,471
Likes: 989
From: RI, Now Franklin/Nashville TN
78 L-82 4 speed with 65,000 original miles-have used Mobil 1 group IV full synthetic in different grades since 1986, currently 15W-50, good weight at 15W for slightly below freezing and excellent high temperature protection as a 50 weight when very hot, since it is the only grade with 1,200 PPM ZDDP for flat tappet engines now ($23 at Walmart for 5 Qt container). Zero oil consumption issues but have a rear main seal leak that has existed since 1983 prior to synthetic use. I did have to change the valve stem seals in the early 90's since they were going bad and the umbrella seals solved the oil burning issue at that time, not very noticeable but trace oil deposits on rear bumper at that time. Normal oil pressure is and always has been 40-45 pounds when hot and about 50-60 PSI when cold at startup. Hope that helps.
Last edited by jb78L-82; Apr 16, 2010 at 05:58 AM.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Aug 2005
Posts: 1,164
Likes: 1
From: Europe, France
I bought a chrome dip stick at Summit's a few months ago and it was way too short, even if the notice said that it would work with my 1973 L-82. It was made by Mr Gasket.
I couldn't see the oil level on it and I knew the level was good. So, I didn't use it and kept the old part.
I think the only dipstick/tube that could work would be a direct genuine replacement part like the one they sell at Corvette America :
http://www.corvetteamerica.com/cf/di...%3A%20dipstick
I couldn't see the oil level on it and I knew the level was good. So, I didn't use it and kept the old part.
I think the only dipstick/tube that could work would be a direct genuine replacement part like the one they sell at Corvette America :
http://www.corvetteamerica.com/cf/di...%3A%20dipstick
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Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Feb 2010
Posts: 109
Likes: 0
From: Stuttgart
i changed the oil... everything was fine
Now if i check it i see the level using the dipstick.... good!
With the new oil the pressure seems better... i get around 45 cruising when car is warm
Now if i check it i see the level using the dipstick.... good!
With the new oil the pressure seems better... i get around 45 cruising when car is warm