checking oil

[urbanmaser]

I was just wondering how often you should check the oil on a 4200???? Is there a warning light to tell you when you are getting low and if so can you rely on it?????

 

[conaero]

Coming from a 3200 I wondered this, as the 3200 was a weekly or tankly check, it loved the stuff.

As for the 4200 they don't seem to burn oil at all. I checked mine a few times to start off with, it never budged, now I don't bother. I suspect that the oil warning light, like many Italian cars means your engine is ******* when it comes on.

Other than that, low oil would be attributed to low oil pressure, so watch for the gauge and make sure is not less than 2.25 bar (2.4-2.7 is normal) at idle and should be hard over above 2k rpm. If any of this looks not normal then check your oil.

To do this, you do it with the engine running and up to temperature, checking the reservoir (dry sump) on the left side of the engine bay. It should be between the min and max mark, but its very tricky to get an accurate reading as the reservoir is constantly recycling, so the oil get frothy.

 

[urbanmaser]

Thanx Matt........coming from an Alfa which seemed to drink oil as much as fuel I was a bit worried about how much oil the Maserati would burn.

 

[bill]

its those turbos on the 3200... 0.7 ltr per 1000 km! technically a 2 stroke!

 

[Parisien]

its those turbos on the 3200... 0.7 ltr per 1000 km! technically a 2 stroke!

Very drole Bill.....................

Checked mine a month ago, seemed a bit high, a bit late to suck it out now......!


P

 

[lozcb]

God you 3200 / Alfa guys Know nothing of oil consumption untill you have owned an RX8 , Had mine from virtually new, and at least a pint of oil every 3 tankfulls guaranteed , used to go on long journey's will an oil tanker on tow , the way i drove it i was lucky to get 16-18 to the gallon fuel wise , but must admit the handling was something else , best handling car ive ever driven ,certainly made me look good round the roundabouts here in Milton keynes cornering/ drifting wise it would eat either of the massers hands down

regards loz

 

[bigbob]

That's why RX8's are rocket cheap.

 

[markp4200]

Checked mine a month ago, seemed a bit high, a bit late to suck it out now

Parisien,
Mine was high when it was with Emblem last and Darren took some out; shouldn't be over-filled.
Can't believe it doesn't seem to use any oil! Amazing.

 

[dem maser]

Can't believe it doesn't seem to use any oil! Amazing.

same with me, my 3200 does not seem to need any oil, i have had it for year now and have never topped up, then again its just had a service and was always in and out of the garages, but i have not put any in, my alfa ctv v6 was the same, they drink but mine i remember telling them on the alfa forum was not drinking any, and i did 5k a year in it

 

[conaero]

How strange how do you drive your cars Dem?

 

[nfm]

Agree on the 4200, my level hasn't moved in the 4k since I got it and it gets plenty of energetic runs. My oil has just been changed and it is difficult to spot the level when the oil is brand new but if you look very closely it can be seen (precisely on the line - well done MP Supercars).

You should check all levels regularly anyway, just for good order. I would be wary of relying on a warning light keeping you right and it only takes a minute or two.

Cheers

 

[dem maser]

they all are my 2nd cars as i drive them mainly weekends or to an event but i stil do about 6k a year in both the 3200 and the gtv and like i said i have never topped up, the gtv is even more remarkable as ive had it for 4 years and apart from servicing ive never touched it

 

[Andy3200manual]

My 32 doesn't use that much but still morethan a 42 it seems.

 

[Garry_c]

My 3200 AC is definately in the 1 litre per 1000 miles category, I generally check it about every 300 miles to be on the safe side and I do get the 'OIL LEVEL' indicator on the dash after about six fuel fills.

 

[X1ons]

My 4200 has stayed pretty much constant over the last few thousand miles!

Out of interest, on a 4200 manual, what's the best exact spec oil to get when I do need to top up?

Due a 12 month service in 2 monthe so may make it until they change it.

Loz - I had an RX8 from new for 2 years, oil was always an issue. I agree re the handling, I go to chuck my 4200 in to corners the same way I did with the RX8 and nearly end up in a field! Did you do the Pro Drive handling day that comes free with the RX8?

 

[jpmondalek]

I believe Ferrari/Maserati use Shell Helix when they ship their cars.

As for the grade, Maserati recommends 5W40. Ferrari uses a higher 10W40 grade, which is more $$$. As long as you are at 5W40 or better, you should be fine.

For reference, this is the expensive stuff:

http://www.formuladynamics.com/products/4200_10w60_oil_change_kit/4200_10w60_oil_change_kit.php

 

[jpmondalek]

General question to the group, how often do you change your oil?

 

[conaero]

Mine gets done every year or 8k miles, but some years i do an intermediate change also, just the oil, not the filter.

 

[X1ons]

I'd have thought yearly was more than enough with the annual service? Unless extreme conditions/ very high mileage??

Mine due next month at service.

 

[JAGPURR]

Hi all,
I have found a firm in Darlington who will supply 5Ltrs of Shell Helix 5w-50w delivered anywhere in mainland England for £36.50. Give Joe a ring at Smith & Allan 01325 462228 or check their website or they can even be found on Ebay. Unless anyone knows a better source of course.
Regards