Datsun Roadster Forum-311s.org

I think it's been at least a month since we had a dashpot oil thread, so here goes again. In searching this site and others, I found about every possibility from air to lard (maybe that's an exaggeration) for the dashpot, but didn't see any discussion of 0-20w. I happened to be at the parts store getting oil for something else and was looking for some straight 20 wt for my dashpots and all they had was 0W-20. Any thoughts positive or negative? Royal Purple was about 9 bucks a qt which would last a couple of lifetimes. Or I could just be seriously overthinking.

My friend Mike found a great source last week. RC car shops sell small bottles of fluid in many different weights. I was able to really fine tune the right weight using these vials. They even carry bottles in 2.5 weight increments. (for example 17.5, 20, 22.5).

I'm using a 20-w20 non detergent oil. Seems ok? I would think 0-w20 would act more like a zero weight oil as it would really wouldn't heat up and thicken in a dashpot like it would in an engine. But that is pure speculation. I rwally don't know.

The bottles shown above would be ideal!

rahjr60 wrote:I think it's been at least a month since we had a dashpot oil thread, so here goes again. In searching this site and others, I found about every possibility from air to lard (maybe that's an exaggeration) for the dashpot, but didn't see any discussion of 0-20w. I happened to be at the parts store getting oil for something else and was looking for some straight 20 wt for my dashpots and all they had was 0W-20. Any thoughts positive or negative? Royal Purple was about 9 bucks a qt which would last a couple of lifetimes. Or I could just be seriously overthinking.

Ace hardware here has straight 20 wt 3 in one oil. Seems to work for me.

I'm currently using the 20Wt oil on my 67 2000.

I originally was using 3in1 oil (which I was told was 20 Wt). Turns out the version I bought was more like 5Wt.

With the RC Oil (Marked 20Wt) I was able to find the perfect match.

datsun65 wrote:I'm currently using the 20Wt oil on my 67 2000.

I originally was using 3in1 oil (which I was told was 20 Wt). Turns out the version I bought was more like 5Wt.

With the RC Oil (Marked 20Wt) I was able to find the perfect match.

My 3:1 oil is marked 20 wt on the bottle. I've been told 3 in one comes in different weight too.
I too have a perfect match ... but I'd be willing to try
your 15 wt

msampsel wrote:

rahjr60 wrote:I think it's been at least a month since we had a dashpot oil thread, so here goes again. In searching this site and others, I found about every possibility from air to lard (maybe that's an exaggeration) for the dashpot, but didn't see any discussion of 0-20w. I happened to be at the parts store getting oil for something else and was looking for some straight 20 wt for my dashpots and all they had was 0W-20. Any thoughts positive or negative? Royal Purple was about 9 bucks a qt which would last a couple of lifetimes. Or I could just be seriously overthinking.

Ace hardware here has straight 20 wt 3 in one oil. Seems to work for me.

+1, for the 3 in one oil. Works well for me. Link:

http://www.ebay.com/itm/3-in-One-Electr ... SwmrlUtaRd

Here is a link for the other oil:

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Team-Losi-Racin ... Sw4GVYLR87

As usual, the 311s gang has vast knowledge. I have also read that the 3 in 1 oils may not have the advertised viscosity, but many use it successfully. The RC oil is a new twist though. For some OT entertainment, google "team losi shock oil" and you can find a video of their lingerie spokesmodel hawking the stuff. She may not know what the oil is for, but I think she understands the silicone basis of the product. Nudge, nudge, wink, wink.

Marvel mystery oil??

I have used a variety of oils. Hydraulic jack oil was cheap and worked great, as did Marvel Mystery Oil, and ATF.