1966 L79 - Oil Change Guidance

[Edmund C.]

Gents: I plan to change my oil tonight in the garage. Can one of you wise hands please advise the following for my 1966 L79:

1. What is the modern Delco filter number;
2. What specific oil brand and type do you recommend (I live in Houston - she's hot);
3. What's the exact capacity of the crank case (I never seem to get it precisely right); and
4. I like putting in a small amount of Marvel Mystery Oil (are you generally OK with that).

Any guidance on these sophmoric questions would be most appreciated. Many thanks. Best, Ned

[Larry M.]

Re: 1966 L79 - Oil Change Guidance

Ed:

1. If you still have the original metal canister filter housing then go to NAPA and buy the NAPA Gold Filter #1143. This is a WIX filter and should still be made in the USA. Not certain you will find an AC DELCO filter anymore............but is was PF-141. The NAPA Gold is far superior to the DELCO at this time.

2. I would buy Shell Rotella 15W-40 motor oil. Spec CJ-4 or CK-4. CJ-4 is preferred if possible. Buy 6 quarts.

3. The oil pan on the 1966 L79 holds 4 quarts + 1 quart for the filter. You will add 5 quarts and this should fill her up. The extra quart from above is for topping up over the coming months.....and to serve as a reminder of exactly what oil you added.

4. You don't need the MMO, but I won't tell you NO.

Larry

[Edmund C.]

Re: 1966 L79 - Oil Change Guidance

Larry:

Thanks man. I do not have the metal cannister filter; so, will the NAPA Gold Filter #1143 still work? Have a great weekend an dthanks again. Best, EWC

[Leif A.]

Re: 1966 L79 - Oil Change Guidance

Ned,
Larry answered your questions precisely with what I do. If you're using a spin-on conversion oil filter, then use the Wix #51060 or #51061 replacement.

[Larry M.]

Re: 1966 L79 - Oil Change Guidance

Larry:

Thanks man. I do not have the metal cannister filter; so, will the NAPA Gold Filter #1143 still work? Have a great weekend an dthanks again. Best, EWC

No the #1143 is for those still running the original metal can. You need to tell me what is on your car at this time for me (or anyone) to get a cross reference and a recommendation. But otherwise just bring it to NAPA with you and get one of their Gold filter to match what you already have.

Your old filter should have a label or part number painted on the shell.

Larry

[Edmund C.]

Re: 1966 L79 - Oil Change Guidance

Hey Lief. Many thanks. Hope that all goes well.

[Duke W.]

Re: 1966 L79 - Oil Change Guidance

Ed: 2. I would buy Shell Rotella 15W-40 motor oil. Spec CJ-4 or CK-4. CJ-4 is preferred if possible. Buy 6 quarts. Larry

Brand makes no difference... just make sure the API donut has CJ-4 or CK-4 is the FIRST listed service category. Walmart has a good selection including their Super Tech house brand. Just buy the least expensive.

[Michael W.]

Re: 1966 L79 - Oil Change Guidance

1. I like putting in a small amount of Marvel Mystery Oil (are you generally OK with that).

An old friend once said that this is similar to putting a dab of mayonnaise in a tub of axle grease. If mixed well, it won't hurt the taste of the grease at all.

MMO was a popular thing in '50s but that was a long time ago.

[Leif A.]

Re: 1966 L79 - Oil Change Guidance

Hey Lief. Many thanks. Hope that all goes well.

Ned,
Also, fill the new filter with oil and smear some oil on the new gasket (that's already installed on the filter) before spinning in place. Spin the filter on until it bottoms out and then give it another quarter turn...don't over tighten the filter. Additionally, don't over tighten the drain plug...finger tighten and then just "snug" with the wrench.

[Duke W.]

Re: 1966 L79 - Oil Change Guidance

Ned, Spin the filter on until it bottoms out and then give it another quarter turn...don't over tighten the filter. Additionally, don't over tighten the drain plug...finger tighten and then just "snug" with the wrench.

Spin-on filters are usually tightened one-half to three-quarter turn from the point that the gasket contacts the seat. Instructions should be on the box sometimes on the filter itself. The torque spec for the oil drain plug is 20-25 lb-ft, but this often over-crushes the OE type nylon gasket resulting in seepage. The solution is to use a modern design gasket with the proper torque spec.

[Jim T.]

Re: 1966 L79 - Oil Change Guidance

Edmund you asked about an AC Delco oil filter. I use the AC Delco PF2232 Duraguard in my 68 L79, 1970, and 1985 Corvettes. Have used this filter for years, it is AC Delco diesel pickup truck filter. I also use diesel oil 15-40 in my Corvettes for engine protection. Always prefill my new oil filters before installing them.

[Ed S.]

Re: 1966 L79 - Oil Change Guidance

Edmund,

Get the engine to operating or near operating temp, then shut it down, wait about 20 to 30 minutes, then drain the oil. Be prepared to move your hands out of the way of the still-pretty-warm oil when you unscrew the oil plug & filter. You will get the greatest amount of old oil out of the engine when the engine & oil are good and warm. Enjoy!!

[Edmund C.]

Re: 1966 L79 - Oil Change Guidance

Fellows: Many thanks. Worked great.