oil viscosity BUICK CENTURY 1994 Owners Manual

When to Add Oil
If the oil is at or below the ADD line, then you’ll need
to add some oil. But you must
use the right kind. This
section explains what kind
of oil to use. For crankcase
capacity, see “Capacities and Specifications” in the
Index.
NOTICE:
Don’t add too much oil. If your engine has so
much oil that the oil level gets above the
cross-hatched area that shows the proper
operating range, your engine could be damaged.
Just fill it enough to put the level somewhere in the
proper operating range. Push the dipstick all the way
back in when you’re through.
What Kind of Oil to Use
Beginning midyear 1993, oils of the proper quality for
your vehicle will be identified with this new “starburst”
symbol, The “starburst” symbol indicates that the oil has
been certified by the American Petroleum Institute
(API), and is preferred for use in your gasoline engine.
I
You should look for this on
the front of the oil
container, and use
only oils
that display this new
symbol.
You should also use the proper viscosity oil for your
vehicle,
as shown in the following chart:
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RECOMMENDED SAE VISCOSITY GRADE ENGINE OILS
FOR BEST FUEL ECONOMY AND COLD Sw“nwl’l li, SELECT THE LOWEST
SAE
VISCOSITY GRADE OIL FOR THE EX. _____ TEMPERATURE RANGE.
HOT
WEATHER 7
”F
t 100
+ 80
+ 60
+ 40
+ 20
0
f
SAE 5W-30 PREFERRED
IF NEITHER SAE 5W-30 NOR SAE 1OW-30
GRADE OILS ARE AVAILABLE, SAE 30 .,. GRADE MAY BE USED AT TEMPERATURES
ABOVE 40 DEGREES F (4 DEGREES C).
ANY OTHER GRADE OIL NOT RECOMMENDED DO NOT USE SAE 1OW-40, SAE 2OW-50 OR
WEATHER
As shown in the chart, SAE 5W-30 is best for your
vehicle. However, you
can use SAE 1OW-30 if it’s going
to be
0°F (-18°C) or above. These numbers on an oil
container show it.+ viscosity, or thickness. Do not use other
viscosity
oils, such as SAE low-40 or SAE 20W-50.
If you cannot find oils with the new “starburst”symbo1
on the front of the-container, you should look for and
use oils containing the following three things:
SHor SG
“SH or SG” must be on the oil container, either by
itself
or combined with other quality designations,
such as
“SH/CD,” “SH,SG,CD,” “SG/CD,” etc.
These letters show American Petroleum Institute
(API) levels of quality.
SAE 5W-30
Energy Conserving I1
Oils with these words on the container will help you
save fuel.
These three things are usually included in
a doughnut
shaped logo (symbol) on most containers. If you cannot
find oils with the “starburst” symbol, you should look
for oils with the doughnut shaped symbol, containing
the three things noted above.
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Explanation of Scheduled Maintenance
Services
Below are explanations of the services listed in Schedule
I and Schedule
11.
The proper fluids and lubricants to use are listed in
Section D. Make sure whoever services your vehicle uses
these. All parts should
be replaced and all necessary
repairs done before you or anyone else drives the vehicle.
NOTE: To determine your engine’s displacement and
code, see “Engine Identification” in the Index.
1. Engine Oil and Filter Change* -- Always use SH
or SG Energy Conserving I1 oils of proper viscosity.
The
“SH or SG’ designation may be shown alone or
in combination with others, such as “SH/CD’ or
“SH, SG, CD,” “SG/CD,”etc. To determine the
preferred viscosity for your vehicle’s engine (e.g.,
SAE 5W-30 or SAE 10W-30), see “Engine Oil” in
the Index.
2. Chassis Lubrication -- Lubricate the transaxle shift
linkage, parking brake cable guides, underbody
contact points and linkage. If your vehicle is equipped with grease fittings, lubricate the suspension and steering linkage. 3.
Tire and Wheel Rotation and Inspection -- For
proper wear and maximum tire life, rotate your tires
following the instructions in this manual. See “Tires,
Inspection
& Rotation” in the Index. Check the tires
for uneven wear or damage. If you see irregular or
premature wear, check the wheel alignment. Check
for damaged wheels also.
4. Engine Accessory Drive Belt(s) Inspection --
Inspect the belt(s) for cracks, fraying, wear and
proper tension. Replace as needed.
5. Cooling System Service* -- Drain, flush and refill
the system with new or approved recycled coolant
conforming to GM Specification 1825M. Keep coolant
at the proper mixture as specified.
See “Coolant” in the
Index.
This provides proper freeze protection and boil
protection, corrosion inhibitor level and maintain
proper engine operating temperature.
Inspect hoses and replace if they are cracked,
swollen or deteriorated. Tighten screw type hose
clamps. Clean the outside of the radiator and air
conditioning condenser. Wash the pressure cap and
neck
To help ensure proper operation, we recommend a
pressure test
of both the cooling system and the
pressure cap.
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Section D: Recommended Fluids and
Lubricants
NOTE: Fluids and lubricants identified below by name,
part number
or specification may be obtained from your
GM dealer.
USAGE
Engine Oil
Engine Coolant
Hydraulic Brake
System
FLUID/LUBRICANT
API service SH or SG Energy
Conserving
I1 oils of the proper
viscosity. The
“SH” or “SG’
designation may be shown alone or in
combination with others, such as
“SH/CD,” “SG/CD’ or “SH,SG,CD,”
etc.
To determine the preferred
viscosity for your vehicle’s engine, see
“Engine Oil” in the Index.
50/50 mixture of water (preferably
distilled) and good quality ethylene
glycol base antifreeze (GM Part
No.
1052753 or equivalent) conforming to
GM Specifications 1825M or approved
recycled coolant conforming to GM
Specification 1825M.
Delco Supreme 11
Q Brake Fluid (GM
Part
No. 1052535 or equivalent)
DOT-3 brake fluid.
USAGE
Parking Brake
Guides
Power Steering
System
Automatic
Transaxle
Key Lock
Cylinders
Automatic
Transaxle Shift
Linkage
Chassis
Lubrication
Windshield
Washer Solvent
~ ~~~ - -_ - -~
FLUIDlLUBRICANT
Chassis lubricant (GM Part No.
1052497 or equivalent) or lubricant
meeting requirements of NLGI Grade
2, Category LB or GC-LB.
GM Hydraulic Power Steering Fluid
(GM Part
No. 1052884 or equivalent).
DEXRONQ- III or DEXRONB- IIE
Automatic Transmission Fluid.
Lubricate with Multi-Purpose
Lubricant (GM Part
No. 12345120),
synthetic SAE 5W-30 engine oil or
silicone lubricant (GM Part
No.
1052276 or 1052277).
Engine oil.
Chassis lubricant (GM Part
No.
1052497 or equivalent) or lubricant
meeting requirements of NLGI Grade
2, Category LB or GC-LB.
GM Optikleena Washer Solvent (GM
Part No. 1051515) or equivalent.
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