General Oil change guide

Currently reading:
General Oil change guide

dk500

Member
Joined
Aug 17, 2013
Messages
260
Points
53
Hi
Trying to open the oil change guide that I have seen fiat500 post previously and having no luck !
Any clues ?
Thanks
Darryl
 
If you mean this part & if the filler plug is not damaged then fit a 1/2" drive extension onto the square filler plug then it is easier to get a spanner onto the square drive.
ImageUploadedByFIAT Forum1442056974.620554.jpg
 
Hi Toshi
Thanks for the reply. Apologies I really did but explain properly !
Below is cut and paste from another thread about oil change.
But I cannot seem to open them to know how to do oil change
Darryl

https://www.fiatforum.com/500-classic/348110-right-type-oil.html





https://www.fiatforum.com/500-classic/348589-500-d-oil-change-guide.html





Those links should answer the questions but basically...yes there is a filter and 20/50 seems a good way to go with oil.


Nice car...welcome to the forum.
 
Hi Darryl,

If you are asking how to change the engine oil in a 500, it isn't difficult and what follows is a brief description of the method.

1) Run the engine until it is hot.
2) Place a suitable container (at least 3 litres in capacity) under the sump plug area.
3) Remove the oil filler cap on the top of the engine.
4) Remove the sump plug and let the hot oil run out into the container.
5) Go have a cup of coffee while the oil runs out and the engine cools down.
6) Once the oil has run out remove the centrifugal filter cover and clean the sediment out of it. This can be quite fiddly and is probably the main reason why the filter is never cleaned. If the oil hasn't been changed for a while or the filter housing serviced, there maybe quite a build up of gunk. These engines do not have a formal filter as you know it, but rather the oil goes through a centrifugal slinger on the rear of the engine that just throws the sludge against the outside wall where it stays. Primitive but effective.
7) Replace the filter cover with a new o-ring. The cover bolts are eccentrically arranged so that the cover only goes on one way (it also has the timing markings on it). Don't overtighten the bolts as the engine is alloy and you'll strip the threads. The recommended torque is around 6ftlb.
8) Replace the sump plug with a new seal.
9) Fill the engine with your favourite mineral oil (20W50 or thereabouts) through the filler at the top of the engine. Use just under 3 litres in the first instance.
10) Replace the filler cap.
11) Check the oil level on the dipstick.
12) Start and run the engine checking that the oil pressure light goes out and that the engine isn't leaking.
13) Stop the engine and recheck the dipstick. Top up as necessary.
14) Document all of this somewhere - date, mileage, type and volume of oil etc.

I've attached a couple of photos.

Hope this answers your question.
Chris
 

Attachments

  • Oil change 4.jpg
    Oil change 4.jpg
    119.7 KB · Views: 345
  • Oil change 3.jpg
    Oil change 3.jpg
    168.8 KB · Views: 311
  • Oil change 2.jpg
    Oil change 2.jpg
    141.3 KB · Views: 350
  • Oil change 1.jpg
    Oil change 1.jpg
    127.6 KB · Views: 351
Last edited:
Thanks, I can't get links to work unfortunately !
 
I live in the US in the northeast where it gets cold in the winters. I am currently using 10W30 oil in my '70 500F. Is this wrong?
If you do actually use the car a lot when the temperatures are near and below freezing, then that grade would fit the bill. But I guess that you get hot weather in summer, just as we do in Scotland sometimes:rolleyes: and so the recommended 20W50 would be more appropriate in summer.
I am not an expert but I don't think you would be damaging the engine other than possibly encouraging leakage and burning a bit more oil past the piston rings and valves.
 
If you do actually use the car a lot when the temperatures are near and below freezing, then that grade would fit the bill. But I guess that you get hot weather in summer, just as we do in Scotland sometimes:rolleyes: and so the recommended 20W50 would be more appropriate in summer.
I am not an expert but I don't think you would be damaging the engine other than possibly encouraging leakage and burning a bit more oil past the piston rings and valves.


What is everyone using? Synthetic, blends or conventional motor oil?
 
Only getting around to the oil change now, seeing as the weather has improved! Could someone confirm if when I take the bolts for centrifugal filter cover off, does the pulley come off also ?
Thanks
D
 
Hi Darryl---No, the pulley will stay in place, only the oil-filter cover will come off. As Chris (Bambino) mentioned, and I have on a previous page, make a note where the timing mark on the cover is vis-a-vie the pulley, as the cover has one of the timing marks on it. If you have a standard tin sump, start being careful once you have put 1 QUART in (2 pints)--the capacity of the tin sump is 1.85 US QUARTS (a gnats cock over 3 pints)---only the aluminium sumps can accommodate 3+ litres.
thumb.gif
smile.gif
 
Hi Tom
Thanks for the info !
I have the new seal and will pick up oil in halfords tomorrow.
It actually has a 126 - 650cc engine, would you reckon it is a similar quantity of oil ?
" a gnats cock " - excellent will get great use of that term !
Darryl
 
Hi Darryl;
According to 'Haynes', the 126 engine (both capacities) has 4.5 pints in the sump (2.56 litres), so go carefully after about 3.5 pints, as no matter how carefully you drain the sump, you will be surprised how much oil still stays in the engine. Happy oil change!
thumb.gif
smile.gif
 
Hi
Just starting oil change, draining the oil at the moment. Just looking at sump plug, it doesn't have any seal on it !
Any ideas ?ImageUploadedByFIAT Forum1459342826.079559.jpg
Darryl
 
Back
Top