TR4/4A tr4a oil

[canam1212]

Hi guys, I am helping a friend start up a 66 tr4a that has been sitting in her garage, on blocks for 18 years. I have cleaned out all the fluids, changed all brake lines and parts and changed all fuel lines and pump. Even cleaned out the fuel tank and coated it with the por 15 tank paint.
My question ( for now ) is what type of engine oil would you recommend for a car that has been sitting so long?
Thanks Bruce

 

[Andrew Mace]

I'd be tempted to go with an inexpensive straight 30 weight oil, run it awhile, and change it (and filter) again, then going with 20W-50. It's worth the one shot of "sacrificial" oil to help flush things out.

 

[Geo Hahn]

I second that approach and would think it a good idea at a minumum to crank the engine with the coil disconnected to build some oil pressure before starting.

Alternately some rig a fitting to spin the oil pump to the same end.

Hawaii? 18 years? I'm guessing this could be a low miles example. My TR4 came from Maui where the owner only drove it every Saturday night to go bowling in Kahului. It sat for about 16 years (1984-2000).