What have you done to your square lately??

DoubleDingo · Dec 1, 2024

JamesSam said:
Actually using the Lucas stabilizer was recommended by someone I trust. I will take your feedback in to consideration. When I change the oil I don’t plan to use stabilizer. This use of the stabilizer was intended to get things back to normal so to speak. My engine was really dry just as it was indicating through the guage and noises it was making. Thanks @DoubleDingo

Others will agree against using the stabilizer. I recall at least one thread in the past where we discussed it as a group, and majority said no to using it.

bucket · Dec 1, 2024

DoubleDingo said:
Others will agree against using the stabilizer. I recall at least one thread in the past where we discussed it as a group, and majority said no to using it.

Yeah, I was one that often used it from time to time. Until more recently where I saw actual, in depth test results of the stuff. It's just a thickener, nothing more. Running it will actually dilute the overall additive package in the oil that you use it with.

Grit dog · Dec 1, 2024

JamesSam said:
Actually using the Lucas stabilizer was recommended by someone I trust. I will take your feedback in to consideration. When I change the oil I don’t plan to use stabilizer. This use of the stabilizer was intended to get things back to normal so to speak. My engine was really dry just as it was indicating through the guage and noises it was making. Thanks @DoubleDingo

So the only problem was it was almost out of oil?
I saw you post pics of the dipstick, but??
Idk how long or how many miles you’ve had the truck, but it’s really a good practice to get a baseline on how much oil an engine uses. Especially an old car.

Grit dog · Dec 1, 2024

Grit dog said:
So the only problem was it was almost out of oil?
I saw you post pics of the dipstick, but??
Idk how long or how many miles you’ve had the truck, but it’s really a good practice to get a baseline on how much oil an engine uses. Especially an old car.

And then don’t totally trust that baseline until you make sure it doesn’t vary much.
I basically never pop the hood on my new/newer vehicles between oil changes. But the 454 in the 86 is a random oil user. And a previous owner (before the guy I bought it from) confirmed it. That basically new engine, old but low mile actual GM crate motor, will sometimes drink a quart in only a few tanks of gas. Other times it’ll not appear to use any. Me and the kids have learned it’s the one vehicle we have that have to keep an eye on oil level.

Ajax19 · Dec 1, 2024

Grit dog said:
And then don’t totally trust that baseline until you make sure it doesn’t vary much.
I basically never pop the hood on my new/newer vehicles between oil changes. But the 454 in the 86 is a random oil user. And a previous owner (before the guy I bought it from) confirmed it. That basically new engine, old but low mile actual GM crate motor, will sometimes drink a quart in only a few tanks of gas. Other times it’ll not appear to use any. Me and the kids have learned it’s the one vehicle we have that have to keep an eye on oil level.

All engines burn a bit my 83 burns (and leaks valve cover gaskets started to go) about 1/2 quart every few tanks and my basically brand new drz(dirtbike owned since new) burned a 1/2 quart every 1k miles since new only has 5k on it now and I change oil every 1k no smoke just how ice engines are I've never had a engine that didn't consume some oil especially if you are agressive driver and these trucks with only a 3-4 speed spining 3k rpm down the road in a big V8 even my 05 5.3 burns about 1qt per oil change it's normal and should be checked regularly I check mine once a week but don't always need to add just depends on how much driving I do, check out project farm and you can see not only do ice engines burn a bit but oil will actually evaporate off aswell so between cylinders burning oil pcv also consumes it if it ain't smoking like a sob and using a qt every time you drive it's probably ok and I want to add that when I swapped to synthetic on my bike oil consumption did drop a tiny bit but still use close to 1/2qt I believe it was Ford had a recent engine that they said 1qt every 500 miles was acceptable

JD Miller · Dec 1, 2024

Changed the oil and filter and lubed tie rods last night and this morning on My Cummins Diesel :waytogo:

Oh wait,,,, thats not my square cheby it was my Dodge CTD :birgits_tiredcoffee

JamesSam · Dec 1, 2024

bucket said:
Yeah, I was one that often used it from time to time. Until more recently where I saw actual, in depth test results of the stuff. It's just a thickener, nothing more. Running it will actually dilute the overall additive package in the oil that you use it with.

I am not planning to make the stabilizer a regular occurance.

JamesSam · Dec 1, 2024

I am seldom looking under the hood of my 2007 CRV and my wife's 2015 Highlander. I constantly check on the truck. Oil, transmission, coolant. Always looking for leaks. Currently the radiator or it's hoses(fairly certain the lower hose needs a re-clamp after all that last radiator stuff I posted) are leaking but not enough to stop operating correctly. I have not seen oil leaking. I replaced the sending unit myself about a year ago and it was not causing issues. The last time I had the oil changed I had the gasket on the pan resealed(I had the garage do it not me) because it was seeping. The engine doesn't smoke, and I love that. It is original to the truck and I have only put about 7K on it. 148 when I bought it and it is approaching 155. Which is why I was basically having to convince myself that it needed oil badly. Looking at the dip stick oil would deceptively be up in between the add 1 quart and full dots but only on one side of the stick(IDK! It was really throwing me off) so being nervous about it I was reluctant to pull the trigger, then when the guage and strange sounds began I started to realize I needed to get to the bottom of it. Now I am about 1000 miles off from next oil change. The longer I have the truck and do things to it the more I realize I can frett less and know to more confident. I love the truck and am always afraid of doing something that would destroy the engine or transmission or anything else. I plan to change the oil myself this time and want to switch to something like the Amsoil Z rod for high mileage engines, and likely thicker oil with more zinc as suggested by you fine folks. No Stabilizer with this change. I will be looking for oil burning more often now, confidently. I want to be doing more to my truck but our budget and time do not allow me to. I am often envious of what I see a lot of you all accomplish on your rigs. I am appreciative of all of your feedback. Will be posting next updates. ASAP.

JD Miller · Dec 1, 2024

Used my air compressor to blow as much Elsinore Dirt out from under my dash board and interior. Re installed my cleaned glove box. Then lubed tie rod ends, ball joints, pitman tie rod etc.

JamesSam · Dec 1, 2024

JamesSam said:
I am seldom looking under the hood of my 2007 CRV and my wife's 2015 Highlander. I constantly check on the truck. Oil, transmission, coolant. Always looking for leaks. Currently the radiator or it's hoses(fairly certain the lower hose needs a re-clamp after all that last radiator stuff I posted) are leaking but not enough to stop operating correctly. I have not seen oil leaking. I replaced the sending unit myself about a year ago and it was not causing issues. The last time I had the oil changed I had the gasket on the pan resealed(I had the garage do it not me) because it was seeping. The engine doesn't smoke, and I love that. It is original to the truck and I have only put about 7K on it. 148 when I bought it and it is approaching 155. Which is why I was basically having to convince myself that it needed oil badly. Looking at the dip stick oil would deceptively be up in between the add 1 quart and full dots but only on one side of the stick(IDK! It was really throwing me off) so being nervous about it I was reluctant to pull the trigger, then when the guage and strange sounds began I started to realize I needed to get to the bottom of it. Now I am about 1000 miles off from next oil change. The longer I have the truck and do things to it the more I realize I can frett less and know to more confident. I love the truck and am always afraid of doing something that would destroy the engine or transmission or anything else. I plan to change the oil myself this time and want to switch to something like the Amsoil Z rod for high mileage engines, and likely thicker oil with more zinc as suggested by you fine folks. No Stabilizer with this change. I will be looking for oil burning more often now, confidently. I want to be doing more to my truck but our budget and time do not allow me to. I am often envious of what I see a lot of you all accomplish on your rigs. I am appreciative of all of your feedback. Will be posting next updates. ASAP.

Was in response to many but mostly @Grit dog and @Ajax19 recent responses. I forgot to add multiquotes.

Ajax19 · Dec 2, 2024

Got calipers and pads for the 75 popped one of the 16" wheels on they are 265/75r16 and fit great rest of the brake parts should be here tomorrow I'm going to paint the wheels either white or black or silver one of the rims is all ready white otherwise I'd leave the crusty chrome kinda matches the rest of the truck lol

ChuckN · Dec 2, 2024

Ajax19 said:
Got calipers and pads for the 75 popped one of the 16" wheels on they are 265/75r16 and fit great rest of the brake parts should be here tomorrow I'm going to paint the wheels either white or black or silver one of the rims is all ready white otherwise I'd leave the crusty chrome kinda matches the rest of the truck lol

I like the wagon wheel look, its a classic.

ChuckN · Dec 2, 2024

Today, I’ll be returning the non a/c heater boxes that were given to me, to their rightful owners. All the internals were really corroded beyond reasonable use, and what initially was a fun project to tinker with, took on a life of its own. I would’ve had to source most of the internal metal parts, and then there’s eliminating the front dash vents, finding a nice non-ac bezel that I liked, and no use putting that dash pad back on without reupholstering it or replacing it…all for more or less aesthetic. I am getting more fond of @Rustisbest idea of a firewall block off plate and call it good for now.

Think I’ll change the differential fluid today, plan on a cruise to the country side tomorrow, and try to get a view of Mt Baker and the Sisters range.

Drauka99 · Dec 2, 2024

I got the last of the headlight pigtails replaced and all the headlights and bezels back in place. Mounted the tucked rear bumper brackets, I need to get the rear bumper cleaned up and installed.

Truck82 · Dec 2, 2024

Replaced the fuel filters. Nothin fancy.
Found a spare door key behind the dash. My grandpa said it’s been there for 25+ years!

What have you done to your square lately??

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