[MilesA]

Hi, I've got a Nov '99 Aero with 75K on the clock. After forever being worried about the oil in it, I've decided to change the oil and filter myself. What oil would you chaps/chapesses recommended for such a beast?

Also, after reading various stories about the dreaded sludge, is this something I should be concerned about with my particular model? In a moment of desperation when I found little oil in the engine, it was topped up with standard Castrol GTX. Would you recommend any sort of flush to rid the block of sediment? I can't guarantee the oil used in it previous to my ownership.

These forums can be a little unnerving, I've been been reading them off and on since I got the car in Nov '05 and have been forever paranoid about it blowing up. So far, only trouble was the DI cassette failing back in May - that said, it's replacement has resolved the various "Check engine" faults it was flashing at me. Still, the car is comfortable and deceively fast, for overtaking I'd say it was quicker than my old Impreza Turbo!

 

[sgould]

Aeros sould only have used fully synthetic oil from new, if properly serviced.

Just use this - like Mobil 1.

 

[MilesA]

Thanks for the reply.

Any point in flushing the engine to remove the suspect oil, or just change it for Mobil 1 and leave it to naturally clean the block?

 

[saabtech]

hi i am a saab tech and would say that whilst its a good precaution that you change the oil regularly i would not become paranoid about it as in the 9 years these cars have been out i have never changed an engine or seen one changed on an aero in our dealership, it doesnt seem to be an aero issue. although theres always a first.

 

[MilesA]

To be honest, it's needing an oil change anyway - my previous job entailed short stop start journeys around town. Which are never the best for one's engine oil.

Thanks for the reassurance.

I seem to be lucky - ie I've a fully functionality SID

 

[murphwiz]

If you have any doubt about oil used previously or service history, you just have to drop the sump.
It's cheap insurance, the problem with flush is, it will not clear the strainer, which becomes blocked quite easily.

 

[MilesA]

Ok, sounds like a plan. Time to start mugging up with the Haynes manual.

Got weekend ear-marked for front disc and pad replacement, sounds like I'm going to be spend even more time in the garage

 

[murphwiz]

Sump removal instructions can be found: here.

 

[MilesA]

Um, that looks a little too tech for me. Can manage the brakes meself (done them before), but may get a professional to help with the sump - especially with removing bits of 6 year old exhaust systems!