Good point that oil in 1987 isn't as oil is today. I went with 0W because I think it's important to get oil everywhere ASAP. Our weather will usually break in early-mid March, and then I'll change it again. It won't need it in terms of mileage, but as Grant said, oil is cheap. I'll likely never be able to afford another engine, so taking care of this one is mission #1.

Jagboi asked how far I drive it. Not very (I'm retired), but I do find myself taking longer paths to my destinations just to get the engine up to temperature, which is as good as an excuse as any to drive it and drive it and drive it

Thanks,

John

 

 

Thanks for that Vee. The problem I have here is that it's very difficult to get it up to temperature (180 F or so) when it's cold, and that's with 95% of the radiator blocked. I've decided to prevent overheating in the summer...this done by ditching the engine driven water pump and fan, and installing an electric water pump and dual electric fans...and accept that winters are going to present a challenge. Normally it's in a heated garage in the winter, but circumstance dictate that it sit outside this winter. I don't mind the chilly drive, I just want to save the engine. So I now have an oil pan heater in place which should help.

I will add that while it's surprising to see an XJ-S on the road any time of year, I do get double-takes due to driving it when it's -5 or so out...the fun never ends

Thanks,

John

 

It remains a fact that, at 80 degrees C or above, there is no virtually viscosity difference between 0W - 20, 30 or 40 weight oils. Take a look at this and fill in your desired weights, you have to get to 15W - 40s before any significant high-temp viscosity differences appear. Always assuming the link provides accurate results, of course.
https://www.widman.biz/English/Calculators/Graph.html