Oil change and spark plugs

[84riv]

Hello to all I am new to this forum, I recently bought a 84 buick riveria from a friend of mine for about 100 bucks. So far I have gotten it back up to running condtion, Its a good car although I found out my friend for as long as he's owned the car he's never change the oil. I was wondering whats a good oil I was thinking of going with royal purple. If anyone knows of another good oil source please let me know, also a good engine cleaner cause I can only imagine the sludge in it. Whats some good spark plugs ? I want to take the cat off and just run straight dual pipes for a nicer sound. Any adivce would be great thanks !

[maxwedge]

Welcome to AF. If the oil truly wasn't changed for x years you have more to worry about than using some highline synthetic. Pull a valve cover and look at the top of the engine, see if it is sludged up and post back for addt'l info. That engine, 307 Olds I presume engine code Y, is not sensitive to plug brand. Do not use any engine flush, recipe for disaster.

[84riv]

I just did a gasket change on the cam no sludge but the oil is very dirty

[84riv]

got a question I cleaned the carb blew some smoke out the exhaust but since then been having this black wet stuff coming out anyone know what that is?

[wrightz28]

Just carbon in the system, that'll happen.

Back to the oil, like Maxwedge said, no fluch What you can do is change the oil, use something cheap, and change it again at 1500 miles. Note the condition of the oil at that time, if, it's still, gunky, repeat.

I bought my wifes Taurus and the oil was about the same, hell the filter was rusty We were fortunate enough tho that a freind at a quick lube owed a favor,so he did it my way and continually kept filling, running and draining it until it drained clear.

Oh, plugs good old AC/Delco is what the General perscribes

AND removing the cats will have no gain to sound or performance. Only impact will be to have a polluting vehicle, do the right thing and don't remove them.

[84riv]

Thanks for the info ! oh what about the dual exhaust the pipes. When i turn the steering wheel its a loud screech is that the belts? and I was looking at the steering column under the hood at first I was concerd about it cause it looked bent but I was told by a older mechanic thats normal and they came off the line like that I just wanted a second opinion about that.

[84riv]

one more thing, the transmisson pan has a slow leak also could this be a gasket thats worn and needs to be replaced? Also can certain gaskets be saved.

[wrightz28]

Steering shafts have u-joints in them to allow changes in angles, not bends. Could account for the squeal?

as for the exhaust, you can still do a dual if you're that determined to do so and put a cat on each side. What dtermines the exhaust tone is the muffler and it's baffle design.

Careful with the trans. Assuming your friend never changed the engine oil, he definately never changed the trans. If the fluid is not redish pink and smells burnt, even if the gasket is leaking, it's in your best interest to leave it alone. Draining the old fluid out will drain out the friciton material that used to be in the clutch packs and then you will have a huge problem.

[84riv]

Since I checked on the ground its a redish pink and dont seem to smell anything burning So whats my best choice to stop the slow leak and when i get my oil changed is it alright to get some of that clear oil substance called lucas.

[84riv]

I am having a major problem just recently I had the oil changed on the car and while driving in traffic it started running hard and smoking like crazy so i had to pull over at a gas station i poped the hood to find that the other cam gasket was now leaking oil and smoking then the other one i just changed was doing the same im at my wits end and now considering putting it up for sale for parts cause trying to get home i had to put it in N and keep my foot on the gas anyone have any ideas of what else might be going on