IP oil

There is a oil fill plug on the IP. I assume it is separate from the crankcase. What type of oil should be used ? Can I drain it and refill with sythoil? If so would Mobile 1 be OK or a diesel specific, also what viscosity?

[tcane]

The injection pump is lubricated by the main oil system driven by the oil pump. Look for a small black plastic line running from the engine block close to where the power steering pump mounts and connects to the side of the IP. There is an oil fill hole that is used when the fuel pump is removed/changed (because the oil runs out), the IP is removed and some oil is lost because it is not kept in an upright/level position, the oil is drained for some reason (like a rebuild/calibration), etc. So whatever oil you run in the crankcase also lubricates the IP. When you do an oil change the oil in the IP is not changed because of the way the oil return is designed. The IP oil return is either two small holes or a small slot located about one inch above the center line of the IP cam - meaning the IP cam, bearings, and other componets are partially/completely immersed in oil all the time.

Tom

[JimSmith]

Steve019,

On the car you have, I think you have a little red cap with "OEL" embossed on it. When you unscrew the cap there is a little dip stick attached, and between the IP and the block there is a little vent connection. The oil in your pump is pristine, clear oil, not black engine oil. Check the level with the dip stick, and if it is low, top it off with whatever you use for the engine. I once thought I needed to add a bunch of oil because I could not see the oil level on the dipstick since it was so clear. I poured a quart in that thing before I found out it was leaking out the vent line and pouring on the driveway (at my buddy's house, and his father was not impressed even if the quart or so was Mobil 1 back in the mid 70's). Anyway, the old cars did not have a connection to the engine oil system as far as I know. And under that red cap is a reservoir for the pump. I do not know how much goes in, but I do know the level is sort of self regulating - too much just leaks out. I hope this helps, Jim

Thanks for the info. I am systematically trying to work all of the bugs out of her. So far I have been successful, great car! This is my daily driver and I can't afford to break down so I am trying to be proactive.