Fluids and Filters

[Frankd1]

So it looks like I am going to stick with Shell Rotella T 15w40 for the engine oil and for the oil filter I picked up a Napa Gold 1068 (wix 51068) which cross references to Fram ph43.
It looks like I can also use wix 51189 (fram ph7) but it seems very wide compared to the 51068...

As far as transmission fluid goes, I know to use a GL1 non EP but I am having a heck of time finding it anywhere....any suggestions on where to purchase?

What about the rear diff?

Thanks

[nibbes123]

For the diff. regular 80/90 EP for the trans I use VR20/50 Valvoline Racing Engine oil .

Nick

[mattyd7]

NAPA is best bet to find GL-1 on the shelf. You can use their website to find a store with it in stock and reserve it ahead of time. If you don't have a NAPA nearby, your next best bet is a tractor/farm supply store. Some have it for old tractors.

I think sucking it up and paying to have it shipped to you is worth it to save the headaches of looking all over if neither of those options are near your house. You don't need to change it that often, buy a few gallons to make the shipping worth it and you'll have years worth of oil.

[Frankd1]

Thanks guys!

I'm guessing this is the stuff from Napa:

http://m.napaonline.com/parts/PartsDeta ... 0509237186

[mattyd7]

Yes that should be the right stuff. Or at least I hope so because that's what I've been using!

[Frankd1]

I will pick up a few jugs of that stuff then, thanks!

[wizard124]

After my rebuild, I started using Red Line MT 90 synthetic. Safe for brass synchros
http://www.redlineoil.com/product.aspx?pid=46&pcid=7

My NAPA stocks it

[baltobernie]

I would think that being north of the border, the synthetic transmission oil would be a genuine benefit. I noticed the shift effort difference vs. GL-1 in our moderate climate.

You can use the larger can size oil filter in Spiders without air conditioning. With the demise of IAP, I can no longer obtain the Delgrosso "Clean" brand filter, my #1 choice. A/R might pick these up, but they already sell another Italian filter, UFI, which has great specs:
http://dcfiats.org/tech/filter-B.pdf

Frankly, driving these cars a few thousand miles per year, just about any oil and filter should be satisfactory with annual changes.

[vandor]

> You can use the larger can size oil filter in Spiders without air conditioning.

A/C has nothing to do with oil filter sizes on Spiders. On some Fiats did, so it was easier for vendors to just list filters for all Fiats w/o AC and with AC.
But on Spider the A/C compressor is mounted on the passenger side, so no clearance problems for the oil filters.

However, on Spiders with the alternator on the passenger side (early 1977 and earlier) the oil filter connection is closer to the block, so a large diameter filter will not fit.

[Frankd1]

Good to know re the different filter sizes.

I run synthetics in my two other vehicles that are driven through the winter - Toyota Corolla and GMC envoy. I find the synthetics are a plus.

My Spider won't see snow or cold (or rain) but I'm glad there are a few options for the tranni and diff fluids.

I had it out yesterday as it was an awesome day but sadly I think that may be the last. I'll try Thursday again as it's supposed to be 10c/50f....we'll see

[baltobernie]

However, on Spiders with the alternator on the passenger side (early 1977 and earlier) the oil filter connection is closer to the block, so a large diameter filter will not fit.

Thanks for clarifying this. I'll revise the article.

[Ramzi]

Bernie,

The UFI filter we carry is actually not on your list

P/N 23.124.00
diameter 108.3 & height 113.0. comparable with the 'Clean' filters IAP carried. And slightly larger than those your list. UFI filters are the choice of at least 7 of Formula 1 teams, including Ferrari , McLaren, Mercedes, Sauber and Williams. That explains the cost I suppose.

And BTW... The reason we carry this filter is because Bernie compiled this list and shared it with us years ago. Kudos and thank you for your work!

R

[bradartigue]

Bernie, I'd stay away from some filters:

Real cheap ones, like the auto store brand or FRAM filters, which seem to dislike our cars enough for people to have them fail over the years
OEM FIAT filters from the 80s, which have been stored in hot warehouses and likely have deteriorated the paper filter element

I'd stick with the ones known to work every time, Bosch, UFI, Mann.

[Frankd1]

I think WIX/NAPA gold and purolator have a pretty good reputation as well

[baltobernie]

Thanks, Ramzi, for the update. I'll include this info as well. I'd just as soon have the thread die, but the topic comes up several times per year, as new owners join the forum.

Hard to believe I wrote this almost 5 years ago! Time flies when you're having fun