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Wedge TR8 Oil Change

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RSMTR8

RSMTR8

Jedi Trainee
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Just curious, what are other TR8 owners using at oil change time? Synthetic or not? I usually keep 20/50W Synthetic, but was curious what everyone else was doing? Also, how often do you think I should have my transmission fluid checked? Yearly, or more?! Also, has anyone let a Quick Lube place do the Oil Change on their TR8? I was thinking about taking it to the Penzoil Place and have them do an oil change and check the transmission fluid, think they can handle that?! Should I bring a filter with me, or think they might have 1 there that would fit?



Thanks!

Rod
 
I would definetly bring my own oil filter. Some of the guys in those quick lube places aren't the sharpest knifes in the drawer. They may try to put one on that the book says should fit. Better safe then sorry is what I like to say.
 
The oil filter for the 8 is a pretty commmon one, always can find it at Wal mart but I would make sure you know what type it is so when they type Triumph into the computer and only motorcycles come up and they start scratching their heads you can help.
 
[ QUOTE ]
when they type Triumph into the computer and only motorcycles come up and they start scratching their heads you can help.

[/ QUOTE ]

Had exactly that situation happen to me last week. My battery went flat when I was in Loveland, CO and I had to go to a parts store where they don't know me. When I told the guy Triumph he immediately looked up motorcycles and said that model doesn't exist. He even showed me the screen. So I said, "mine has four wheels". This was an older chap and after I said that he apologized and said "I totally forgot about the cars!". Then chuckled and said "boy, don't I look stupid". I let him off easy. /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/wink.gif

Yesterday I had a chap approach me in a parking lot and say. "I've heard of TR7's but what is a TR8, it looks like a TR7." When I told him the primary difference was the V8. His response, "Holy crap, that thing has a V8?" I'm getting used to that kind of response. /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif

As far as using a quick lube place. When you go in, ask for the manager. Explain to him that your car is rare and significant (even if prices don't quite agree yet). Also explain that you have no doubt about his employees or their training but that this is an unusual car and you are just being cautious, not that you don't trust his people. Let him know that if you are happy you plan to continue to use his services. This approach usually works for the shop to get 'acquainted' with your car and if the employees see the manager take a personal intrest in your car they are more likely to be very careful with it. Plus, if you bring it back they will remember it and its specifics. Lube shops tend to like seeing odd or eyecatching cars in their shops because it builds confidence among their other clients. /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/wink.gif

/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/cheers.gif
 
My favorite is when they look in the computer and it is not there and they do not want to beleive anything you tell them. The local Autozone has gotten the message so when I am looking up parts (esp engine)they automatically look up the BOP GM cars. More often than not they will not have parts listed for the TR8 but the BOP cars will have all the parts listed. The old guy in the store do not want to assist, they will look up TR8 only and get mad when told to cross reference the GM cars. Then they are insistant that the engines are not the same. Apparently they think I think all 3.5 liter engines are the same. Their arguement is Chrysler has a 3.5 liter out now and it is not compatable. I just now wait to talk to the manager or the two younger workers.
 
Think they can handle the transmission fluid as well?!


Rod
 
It shouldn't be a problem. If you are using ATF, they will have plenty of it. If you are using the GM Synchromesh fluid or RedLine, you might have to take/bring your own. You might also ask beforehand of the manager that your manual trans takes a specific fluid (whichever you are using) and are they equipped to fill gearboxes with specialty fluids and not GL4/5. Sometimes they might not have something simple like a hand transfer pump. Sometimes they do. If the hose on their ATF gun is long enough they can just lower it below the car from above and fill it that way. You have to go planning on spending some extra time chatting with the manager.
 
got ya, I have the Synchromesh in there now, and want to continue to use that since I have not had any problems. I was thinking since the Synchromesh is a Penzoil Product, that I would go to the Penzoil Lube place and have the oil and the trans done............What ya think on oil Synthetic or not? Also, anybody know the correct oil filter model #? Also, how many quarts of oil do I need, and how much of the transmission fluid. I just spoke to the place I was going to take it, and ofcourse they do not stock 20/50 or the GM Trans Fluid. WOuld have to bring them with me, and want to buy the correct amount.


Rod
 
I don't use synthetic in any of my Triumphs currently. That is more of personal choice than anything else. Use it if you want to. My TR8 usually takes five quarts of oil when I change the oil. For the filter I have been using a NAPA filter. 1452 I think. Don't remember off hand. It is a common filter though. Should be easily listed in the Parts Store's Data Base.
 
I am pretty sure it is a Fram PH6a oil filter (check cause it might be a PH8a) Walmart always has it
 
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