recommended oil for high mileage svx

I Just bought my first SVX. a 92 SVX with 148,000 miles. The last owner had only driven it a few hundred miles for the last 2 years. Should I run a full petroleum base, synthetic blend, or full synthetic motor oil for this SVX. I also don't have maitenence records for this car. What other maintenence should I do?

[NikFu S.]

I seem to recall most of the high mileage club using either Valvoline or Castrol synthetics, but I could be mistaken.

For maintenance, you'll have to see if anything is due, which means looking at stuff and listening for things.

> Do you get a roaring noise from the rear
> Does your transmission shift sluggishly
> Is there any odd clicking or clanking noises coming from the engine bay
> Is there an excessive oil leak
> Do you frequently smell something burning
> Does steam rise from the side of the vehicle
> Does your radiator/ps pump/coolant res./windsheild fluid leak
> Do you feel a slight or strong wobble when moving at any speed
> Does your windsheild fog up under seemingly unfoggy conditions
> Does any part of your exhaust rattle
> Is your suspension squeaky
> Do your belts squeal
> Are your tires any good
> If your drivetrain is AWD, do your rear wheels get power
> If the moon was made of barbecue spare ribs would you eat it
> Do you get power light codes upon start up
> Does your A/C blow cold air
> Do all your windows and power features work

These are relevant things to look for.


Here are a couple recommended modifications:

< External transmission cooler installed in series with the radiator, possibly with a filter, to combat wear from excessive heat
< Smallcar (or whoever) automatic shift kit

Hope that helps and welcome to the site.

[thundering02]

personally I run Valvoline Max Life in everything that Ive changed after a couple of changes the Teg would burn less than half the oil of the other brands.

[Chiketkd]

Originally posted by thundering02
personally I run Valvoline Max Life in everything that Ive changed after a couple of changes the Teg would burn less than half the oil of the other brands.

I run Valvoline Max Life as well. Great product.

-Chike

Originally posted by NikFu S.
I seem to recall most of the high mileage club using either Valvoline or Castrol synthetics, but I could be mistaken.

For maintenance, you'll have to see if anything is due, which means looking at stuff and listening for things.

> Do you get a roaring noise from the rear
> Does your transmission shift sluggishly
> Is there any odd clicking or clanking noises coming from the engine bay
> Is there an excessive oil leak
> Do you frequently smell something burning
> Does steam rise from the side of the vehicle
> Does your radiator/ps pump/coolant res./windsheild fluid leak
> Do you feel a slight or strong wobble when moving at any speed
> Does your windsheild fog up under seemingly unfoggy conditions
> Does any part of your exhaust rattle
> Is your suspension squeaky
> Do your belts squeal
> Are your tires any good
> If your drivetrain is AWD, do your rear wheels get power
> If the moon was made of barbecue spare ribs would you eat it
> Do you get power light codes upon start up
> Does your A/C blow cold air
> Do all your windows and power features work

These are relevant things to look for.


Here are a couple recommended modifications:

< External transmission cooler installed in series with the radiator, possibly with a filter, to combat wear from excessive heat
< Smallcar (or whoever) automatic shift kit

Hope that helps and welcome to the site.

Ok sounds like i'm going with Valvoline max life. Thanks. As far as other things mentioned. I bought the car with a slipping tranny and it only lasted me 70 miles before I killed it under hard acceleration. I'm planning on putting my 98 Forester 5-speed and 4:11 in it. There is a light roar from the rear which the last owner said has been like that for awhile but hasn't got any loader. Not sure if it is a wheel bearing or something else. I'll have that checked out. I already bought new tires for it. I went with BFgoodrich traction T/A in stock size. The power windows are sluggish. the right rear window usually takes a couple times of lifting the button before it will go back up. The Moon roof usually doesn't open until you hit the button a few times and then opens and closes sluggishly. The brake light warning lamp on dash comes on sometimes but my tail and brake lights seem to be working fine.

[NikFu S.]

Interesting. My brake lamp indicator came on breifly today as well. First time I have ever seen it.
I wonder why that could be?

[rbalach]

The brake lamp could be related to the alternator dying. The first time mine started to die, the brake lamp and a couple of other lights would come on occasionally when i pulled up to a stop and the engine rpms dropped to idle. The second time the alternator quit nothing came on (probably because i was on the highway, who knows). But i'd say have your alternator checked.

If you have a voltmeter, start the car up and check the voltage across the battery terminals. I checked mine yesterday and i saw 14.2v with the engine idling ie: the alternator is working fine.

good luck

[n00b on demand]

Originally posted by NikFu S.
Interesting. My brake lamp indicator came on breifly today as well. First time I have ever seen it.
I wonder why that could be?

Open the brake fluid resevoir cap and close it. It should go away.

[dcarrb]

Originally posted by NikFu S.
Interesting. My brake lamp indicator came on breifly today as well. First time I have ever seen it.
I wonder why that could be?

Depends on which light illuminated. The BRAKE light has to do with fluid level; the STOP LAMP light indicates a blown bulb or faulty electrical connection.

dcb

yeah mine is the stop lamp indicator not the brake lamp indicater.

[svx_commuter]

I have been using 5 and 1/2 quarts of mobil 10w-30 and a quart of Lucas oil stablizer. This has been working out great. Slowed up the rear seal leak and valve cover leaks. The engine starts right up in the cold weather too so it's not just a thicker oil. I put in all my engines. Great stuff

are leaking seals and valve covers common on SVX's

[immortal_suby]

Originally posted by SilVerXtc
are leaking seals and valve covers common on SVX's

yes

[n00b on demand]

Originally posted by svx_commuter
I have been using 5 and 1/2 quarts of mobil 10w-30 and a quart of Lucas oil stablizer. This has been working out great. Slowed up the rear seal leak and valve cover leaks. The engine starts right up in the cold weather too so it's not just a thicker oil. I put in all my engines. Great stuff

I also use mobil high mileage oil. I dont even think my oil is leaking anymore...its been a month now and the level is still at full.

[NikFu S.]

I got cornfused. It was the STOP LAMP and a bulb went out today.