oil drain plug and fluids

[Alleycat124]

I tried to do an oil change yesterday and my drain plug is stripped. I ordered two and the allen key to take it out properly just to make sure I am not in this situation again. I will weld a bolt to the existing stripped one then wrench the original out. Then put in the new one. I ordered them from Auto Ricambi and had them deliver them to Ogdensburg New York, any excuse for a drive. I took my shifter extension off and replaced the broken clip with one that I found on ebay from Germany. Luckily the seller understood the urgency so he sent it registered mail. I put all of the rubber spacers in the right order and took her for a ride what a difference. I am going to use Rotella for the oil. Here I am looking everywhere for Rotella normal oil not realizing I could use diesel, I learn something new every day.
For brake fluid should I use Dot 3 or 4? any specifics to watch for?
The GL1 Tranny fluid is impossible to find even from Napa.
The person who owned my car died so I have 0 information on it. I figured I better change out all of the fluids to be on the safe side. I absolutely love driving this car. It takes a while to get used to shifting, clutch, steering, braking etc. but hey thats half the fun.

[wizard124]

My manual says DOT 3

[johnsje6]

I found Pennzoil GL-1 transmission oil at Advance Auto Parts, not sure if they are in your area or not.

[TX82FIAT]

Don't drain the tranny oil until you are able to get the fill bolt out of the trans case. See if you have a farm supply house near you as some of the older tractors require GL1 non EP oil. Basically straight 90 weight mineral oil. Consider adding some zinc to the engine oil. Assume that the drain plug is stripped with respect to the Allen key and not the threads that go into the oil pan.

Sounds like you are somewhat new to driving a manual transmission and your right. As long as you are not in stop and go traffic it is a great way to drive and it is fun to shift through the gears. In no time you will be downshifting to control and accelerate through appropriate turns and double clutching your shifts. One big thing to keep in mind as you explore Spiders capabilities. Make sure the brakes are in good working order and understand the increased braking distance compared to modern disc brakes. This is a light car that is now over 30 years old that had safety standards back in the day that ultimately led to FIAT existing North America.

Enjoy the ride, have fun, be safe and smart.

[Alleycat124]

I am being careful especially since my main other car that I drive is a 1956 Chev with a few horsepower under the hood. Disk brakes for sure. 4 speed manual and my wifes car which I drive quite often has a really short throw and 5 speed. All of my cars have always been standard. Thanks on another note for the information on the Pennzoil GL1. i have a friend who works for John Deere so I will ask him.

[kilrwail]

You can buy Pennzoil Synchromesh at the Pennzoil garage on Merivale Road near Clyde - it is GL-1 and suitable for all transmissions with yellow metal synchros - about $15 per litre. Good luck and enjoy!

[Alleycat124]

Thanks again Clyde and Merivale is not far from my place at all.

[Alleycat124]

Mission accomplished I picked up Rotella for the oil Pennzoil syncromesh oil for the tran and Dot 3 for the brake. I am going to flush the rad next. I hate having 0 information from the previous owner. Thanks all for your help.

[gandyrail]

don't forget the diffi;
changed mine right off and it was black stuff

[Alleycat124]

I bought Rotella from CAPS in Ottawa, Mobil 1 filter from Canadian Tire. Pennzoil synchromesh GL1 gear oil from Jiffy Lube.
Two magnetic oil plugs mine was stripped and allan key from autoricambi.us . One gear oil plug from a well known and respected Fiat mechanic in Carlsbad Springs. One Hanes manual from Amazon and one Eliminator Battery from Canadian Tire. All this to get me started.