I'm a first time Mopar owner and stumbled upon a 1968 Polara while searching for a 67 impala. I must say I am very pleased with my purchase but know nothing about classic cars. I've always wanted to pretend like I knew my way around cars and at this point I'm realizing that I need to know a little something to sound convincing. So I've been reading up on all sorts of everything in preparation of my new past time (recently single and have money and time that was set aside for girlfriend) and stumbled upon the Forums, which was basically the equivalent of finding treasure, which is awesome.
I wanted to start with a basic question(s) I've seen asked here before except, I have read so much and know so little, I'm not sure what to do. The engine oil is low, and I would like to add more. What should I add? I don't know what is in there now, does it matter? For future reference what should I use?

Thanks in advance for any advice for this rookie

 

First of all welcome to the forum.... Ask all questions you have... First of all on you oil question. I have several questions of my own. Was the car being driven before you bought it? How many miles are on it? I would be changing the oil in any car I just bought, especially of it has been sitting for any time...

 

W -

In addition to what M said, try to find old copies of the Clilton's manuals for you car or similar models. Yes, you might have to resort to eBay for some of those.

Vintage cars are actually quite simple in design, but with today's oils and gas, some things aren't as simple as they used to be.

Holler back with the info that M requested, and there might be a few follow-up question on the general health of the car, then we can go from there.

Archer

 

welcome to the forum

drain the oil that is in there now
start fresh
this might help: https://moparforums.com/forums/f62/o...-engines-2333/

 

Hi all,
The car was being driven more or less everyday and I've been getting it on the road a little bit over the past week. It reads 65xxx but the numbers don't really line up and I heard that means someone was tampering with the odometer? I read this post 67 GTX and found it to be helpful, but my novice status still leaves me filled with doubt about what to do. I bought some Rotella T because I heard the name mentioned as a possible solution to the Zinc issue, then I heard there was no Zinc, or not enough to get the desired effect. So still I've yet to do anything but have the next two days off and want to make steps in the right direction. I'm going to drain and add new stuff. What should I use?

 

I've been through this "oil thing" in the Mastercraft boat site that I'm a member of as I own an old Mastercraft with a big block Chevy. Anyways, I've been told that the new formulas will work just fine in a stock engine with standard cam specifications. It's when you get into an aggressive cam profile, with flat tappets, that you can wipe a lobe.

That being said.... I now run Castrol "High Mileage" as this oil is supposedly formulated with the zinc that we need. Valvoline has an oil with extra zinc but, my local parts store only stocked it in 40 wt. and I didn't want to run anything that heavy (in my boat).I have heard about using the Rotella though have not used this myself.

I am no expert on this, but this is what I have learned from people that I trust.

 

The odometer could have been messed with, a lot of people do it to sell the car faster, trick people, get passed registration fees if they apply for milage, check the title if you got one with the car, it should say the milage unless they tampered with it and got a new title to match the odometer now, if so there is no way to check how much it had originally.

 

Welcome to the forum, change out the oil for sure. These guys should know what they are talking about as far as what kinds.

 

First get a good quality filter such as Napa Gold or Wix. As far as oil there was a good article in the October 2010 issue of Mopar Action on Mobil 1 synthetic oils. Well worth your reading. I had a good supply of SF grade oil from the early 90's that had zinc in it but that supply is nearly depleted. I'm switching to Mobil 1 15w-50 based on the article, which has the zinc our old flat tappet engines need. As a bonus, Mobil is offering a rebate right now on this oil. If there are any apparent leaks from any gaskets or seals it's always a good idea to address those issues quickly.

 

Again thanks for the advice it is much appreciated.
So I went ahead and changed out the oil and put in Rotella T and a new oil filter. The oil filter is Mobile 1. Should I get that Napa Gold filter and swap it for the one I have?

 

Welcome!

You can use the filter that you are using now til your next oil change.