oil in my 86

[powerinit]

My grandfather told me today that his 98 chevy pickup shook when it started yesterday because the engine got going before the oil pump got going, due to it having heavier oil in it. Then he told me to watch it in my 86 brougham. Now im just paranoid that something will happen to it. Just before winter without thinking (plus the store was out of almost everything else) I bought 40 weight oil, which is in it now. Could that oil problem happen to my car? its been running fine. Thnx for any help

[PeteA216]

If its running fine, and the oil light isnt staying on for long periods of time after startup, then I wouldnt worry about it even thought 40 weight is pretty thick. If you are paranoid then just drain it and put in the 10w 30 it should have.

[silicon212]

An engine with worn out bearings (contributing to lower than normal oil pressure) will produce a certain "knock-rattle-it's-about-to-explode" noise on startup, lasting for a second or two or three. If you're not hearing this when you start up, no worries. Run the 10w30 that Pete recommends, change your filter too. No sense running clean oil through a dirty filter. If it does make that noise on startup, then keep the thicker oil in it. Maybe not straight 40, but something like 20w50 - that will keep the oil pressure up. ALso, if it makes that noise on startup, a can of STP or Slick 50 treatment will help protect the bearings when they've got no oil.

In summary, oil pressure should build nearly immediately upon startup. If it doesn't, Slick-50, 20w50 and a future rebuild. If it does, you've got a healthy engine.