New engine in Suzuki: oil recommendations?

[PythonDR]

I'm about to purchase a rebuilt engine for my '88 Suzuki Samurai. For those not "in the know", the engine is an aluminum block 1.3l carbureted unit.

Unfortunately, these engines do not have a sterling reputation for longevity; they are reliable, but by the time they hit 80k-100k miles it's not uncommon for them to have lost some compression and be consuming oil at a rate guaranteed to warm the hearts of the Saudi Royal Family.

In the past I've used Havoline oil exclusively in all my vehicles (my Dad owned a Texaco station in the 60's, what can I say.) I'm now wondering if I should change my lubrication habits to prolong the life of this new engine?

Any thoughts? Ideas? Recommendations?

Thanks!

-=[ Grant ]=-

 

[cmlind]

Havoline is one of the best oils out there. You could keep using it and change regularly 3-5k. Use 5w30 if the temps get down to 0 degrees and if you want 10w30 if warmer than 20 degrees. Brand probably doesn't matter much. I don't even think synthetics would help you much unless you live in an area where it routinely gets -10 below.

 

[tamu_man]

I agree.

 

[hominid7]

Havoline 10w30 changed at no more than 3000 miles sounds like a good plan to me!

 

[brian fix]

Havoline is a fine oil,change 3-4 k ,or Schaeffers 5w30 will be a better choice in a problem engine,,,many good oils on market right now with the SM class,,,,,,use oil lab checks,,and monitor how things are in engine..............BL

 

[mikemc]

Havoline sounds good. I have not seen any concrete proof that there is a better oil choice for 3-5K intervals.

 

[87sammy]

I use Havoline 5w30 in mine. It's 1/2 a quart low when I change the oil at 3k. The reason I went with the 5w30 is cold idle is 3k rpm for about 5 minutes , I figured the thinner oil will flow better when cold.

 

[PythonDR]

Man, I thought I needed some of this super-duper Redline or Royal Purple or Unobtainium XLV...now you tell me I've been doing things right all along?!?

It's funny, though...my Dad always told me, from the time I was old enough to know what oil was, to always buy Havoline. I always thought it was misplaced brand loyalty on his part, but over the years I've bought Havoline probably 95% of the time.

(Are you sure I don't need some special synthetic that costs $25 a quart and is only available during months with an 'R' in its name? Really?? )

-=[ Grant ]=-

 

[PythonDR]

Oh, man, I really shouldn't hang out around this place...

Should I go to the trouble of loading it with that miracle elixir, German Castrol? Lots of people seem very impressed with it; if it will help the longevity of a notoriously short-lived engine, I'll do it.

Also, anyone with good recommendations for break-in procedures?

-=[ Grant ]=-

 

[87sammy]

Most people use synthetic oil to extend oci's. Make your oil selection based on how long you want to kept it in your engine. Mine has 75000 miles on the original engine and still going as strong as a 65hp engine can.