What weight oil..

[Adrian87]

I have been running Castrol Syntec full synthetic on the new motor, I believe it has 5w50 in it now, or maybe 20w50...

Problem is when I start the car it takes a couple of seconds before the oil pressure shoots up..it goes to 75psi and it's fine everywhere else but I just don't like seeing 0 while the engine is starting up. What would the best weight be to eliminate this problem? I've replaced the cover and put in the blue spring, that helped my startup oil psi and my hot idle psi increased a few lbs. Just want to get rid of this startup problem, there's no noise anywhere but I don't want to take any chances.

Also, would it be a terrible idea to switch to Mobil 1 or should I stick with the Syntec?

 

[buickboy]

What oil filter are you using. May not have a anti drainback valve.
Yes, zero oil pressure is not good.
Mitch

 

[Adrian87]

I'm using the Wix 51040...is there a different model that I should be using?

 

[EdMacKenzie]

you can try the 51036, it is the bigger oil filter, it is what I use on mine

 

[turbosam6]

I hope you put some miles on that motor before going synthetic.

Electric or mechanical gauge?

 

[83ttypecooled]

oil pressure

Hi,
My TTA rattles when started when the oil filter check valve has quit, so I know it's time for an oilchange. Copy?

 

[Adrian87]

Yes I went through one oil change of conventional then switched, and it's a mechanical VDO guage.

 

[nero]

A good synthetic oil is what you want!! With my RC dual fans, 160 T-stat and Royal Purple... my system never sees more than 170* F!!

 

[TurboDave]

Originally posted by EdMacKenzie
you can try the 51036, it is the bigger oil filter, it is what I use on mine

I was told for quite some time by several "experts" that the WIX filters were the way to go for good filtering and a good anti drainback valve.
After using any and all wix filters that would fit my 86 (biggy adapter) and 87 (standard) I could NOT find a single WIX that had what I would consider a working anti drainback valve.
What I mean by that is, after the car sits a week, it should start up with virtually instant oil pressure and no lifter clatter.
The WIX filters couldn't accomplish that.

Nor could many of the other so-called premium brands (mobile1 stp, etc etc)
Finally followed a suggestion and tried baldwin filters on my two GN's. Whalla!! they do have an anti drainback valve that actually works! some of the best filter media on the market, and because they are used heavilly in the commercial market, they're built like tanks!!

 

[RobsIron]

Does the drainback really make a difference? The oil pump pickup is well into the oil. Does having 3/4 of a quart more in the pan help? I always thought having a full oil filter at start up is better. Thats why we fill 'em up when changing oil....to help oil pressure at start up. Thoughts?

 

[granatl]

I can vouch for the anti-drainback valve. I just changed my oil last week and used a K&N Gold filter, instead of my usual AC one. When I start the car in the morning, the idiiot light and pressure gauge indicate no oil for like 2 seconds, whereas I'd have some pressure while cranking before.

 

[RobsIron]

I'm running Mobile 1 filters. I don't know if the have a drain back or not. When starting the oil pump sends oil directly to the filter. Common sense tells me if the filter is empty then its got to fill the filter before getting oil to the bearings. Hence I would want my filter full at start up. The pan has plenty of oil in it for start ups. What do you guys think?

 

[RobsIron]

I'm bad. I just realized its ANTI-Drainback. I shouldn't be on line during work. Ha. My cars have remote filters that mount upright anyways so I guess the Anti- drainback isn't an issue. Sorry...I'm a dummy.

 

[Adrian87]

I've heard of the Baldwin filters, but only on here. Is this something that AutoZone could order for me?

 

[RobsIron]

Hey Adrian, The K&N Granatl is using is an excellant choice. Also, I run Mobile 1 15w 50. I used Syntec in my first GN for over 8 yrs. and I drove it hard. No need to change if you like it.

 

[Adrian87]

Originally posted by granatl
I can vouch for the anti-drainback valve. I just changed my oil last week and used a K&N Gold filter, instead of my usual AC one. When I start the car in the morning, the idiiot light and pressure gauge indicate no oil for like 2 seconds, whereas I'd have some pressure while cranking before.

I might be confused here but isn't he saying that since he switched to the K&N that NOW he doesn't have psi for the first 2 seconds? If that's true, then that's exactly where I'm at right now. Does anyone know where to get the Baldwin filters?

 

[granatl]

Yes, my K&N Gold is bad. I don't know if all K&N are bad, or not, but the one I bought definitely is bad.

 

[RobsIron]

Yeah, You're right Adrian. I think I've confused you more than help. I don't know much about the Baldwins. Summary: Get a filter WITH an Anti-Drainback valve. Use a synthetic 10w-40, 15w-50. Some guys think 20w-50 is to thick. I don't except in REAL cold weather. Hope this helps.

 

[Adrian87]

Hahah no that's cool man, but I would like for someone to tell me where I can pick up one of these Baldwin filters at...

Thanks everyone!

 

[TurboDave]

They can't be found in your average auto parts house. Mostly found in parts places that sell heavy duty parts, etc.

I found mine in my local Ace Hardware store, but then again, this was in WI farm country and they sold to the farmers and construction trades.
You'll have to expend some energy on the phone. Let your fingers do the walking so-to-speak.