ccs009@ucdavis.UUCP (Capt. Vandervecken) (07/26/85)
> > Finally, another tech. question: What are the causes of dry starts (the > phenomenon where you get valve train noise for the first 2-5 seconds after > start up until you oil pressure has built up. I've noticed this problem > on my MGB and my '65 Mustang, and my heart sinks every time I hear the noise. > (I've checked the oil pump and the wear is within specs. And the valve train > (with the exception of the cam, which I haven't checked ) is in good shape.) > It seems to me it must cause excessive wear to parts. I've heard suggestions > of oil additives or synthetic oil to cure the problem. Anyone have any ideas > on the problem? I presently run Castrol GTX 20-50 and change my oil every 2K > miles. You might try to drop the pan and clean the oil pickup strainer, this can get clogged with sludge and gunk as the years roll by, or you might try a lighter weight oil ( 10w-40 ) especially if you live in colder climes, heavieroil would be harder to get into the engine if it sits a while. Do you drive the car(s) regularly? if not try starting them at least once every two days, and always be sure to let the car warm up before driving. -Dennis Michaels @ the Univ of CA , Davis