Compatible Lubricants for Classic Engines Course
Online 300-hour course in compatible lubricants for classic engines. 6 modules covering SAE J300 (engine oil viscosity grades), API 1509 (engine oil classification system) and advanced Excel. Assigned tutor and open enrolment.
Compatible Lubricants for Classic Engines Course — studying from New Zealand
Vehicle restoration and classic engine work in New Zealand is supported by an active enthusiast community and a well-established network of specialist workshops, particularly around the main centres. Historic vehicle registration and compliance fall under the New Zealand Transport Agency Waka Kotahi, and the Vintage Car Club of New Zealand promotes preservation of historic vehicles. Restoration professionals often combine fabrication, engineering and heritage conservation skills.
Fees for New Zealand: NZ$1,470 (New Zealand dollar), with instalments and employer sponsorship available.
Relevant bodies in New Zealand
Typical roles
Questions from New Zealand
Is restoration engineering recognised by a professional body in New Zealand?
There is no specific statutory register for classic vehicle or heritage restoration engineers in New Zealand. Heritage matters can involve Heritage New Zealand Pouhere Taonga, and vehicle roadworthiness is governed by the NZ Transport Agency Waka Kotahi. SEIUM's qualifications are private and not accredited by any national body, so their value depends on the employer or client.
Where do classic restoration specialists work in New Zealand?
Work is found in independent restoration workshops, classic car dealers, museums, and specialist fabrication businesses, many clustered around the main centres. Clients and employers usually judge by workmanship and a portfolio of completed restorations. A private qualification may complement that evidence but is rarely a deciding factor on its own.
Can I study this while running or working in a workshop here?
Yes. The course is fully online and taught in English, so you can study from home in New Zealand without a student visa. Specialist courses total 300 hours, postgraduate diplomas 800 hours and master's programmes 1,900 hours. An assigned technical tutor supports you, and fees can be paid in instalments.
Take the controls.
Run a real engineering trade-off from this field. Move the sliders, watch the model react in real time and beat the challenge.
What you will be able to do
Explain the differences between vintage and modern oils.
Analyse the role of additives such as ZDDP, detergents and viscosity modifiers.
Select lubricants for engines with flat tappets and other sensitive cases.
Choose compatible lubricants for gearboxes, axles and other circuits.
Interpret oil analysis to adjust maintenance intervals.
Assess the cost and risk of each lubrication alternative.
Design a lubrication plan for a historic vehicle.
Who it's for
- Lubrication technician for classic vehicles who wants to specialise in Compatible Lubricants for Classic Engines.
- Restorer of historic engines who wants to specialise in Compatible Lubricants for Classic Engines.
- Technical adviser for a lubricant manufacturer who wants to specialise in Compatible Lubricants for Classic Engines.
- Maintenance mechanic for collections who wants to specialise in Compatible Lubricants for Classic Engines.
- Used oil analyst who wants to specialise in Compatible Lubricants for Classic Engines.
- Technical manager of a classic car club who wants to specialise in Compatible Lubricants for Classic Engines.
- Graduates in engineering or sciences seeking to enter the restoration of classic vehicles.
What you'll work with
- SAE J300 (engine oil viscosity grades)
- API 1509 (engine oil classification system)
- ACEA oil sequences
- SAE J306 (transmission oil viscosity grades)
- ASTM D445 (kinematic viscosity)
- ASTM D2896 (base number)
- Royal Decree 679/2006 (management of used industrial oils)
6 modules · 300 h
1.1Function of the lubricant1.2Viscosity and service classifications1.3Reading an oil label1.4Mineral, semi-synthetic and synthetic oils1.5What changed in modern oils1.6Engines with wide clearances1.7Filtration and its evolution1.8Common myths1.9Reliable technical sources1.10Workshop: documented selection for three engines
2.1Anti-wear phosphorus and zinc2.2Reduction by catalytic converters2.3Detergents and dispersants2.4Antioxidants and anti-foaming agents2.5Viscosity index improvers2.6Oils specific to classic cars2.7Additives added by the user2.8Risk of over-additivation2.9Available evidence2.10Practice: comparison of two commercial oils
3.1Cam-follower friction3.2Premature wear and its causes3.3Running-in oils3.4Running in a rebuilt engine3.5Engines with bypass filter3.6Engines without filter3.7Two-stroke engines and oil mixing3.8Dry-sump engines3.9Special cases by manufacturer3.10Practice: lubrication plan for a rebuilt engine
4.1Manual gearbox oils4.2Synchromesh and aggressive oils4.3Axle and hypoid oils4.4Limited-slip differential additives4.5Automatic transmission fluids4.6Power steering4.7Chassis and bearing greases4.8Compatibility with bronzes and seals4.9Change frequency4.10Practice: transmission fluid plan
5.1Intervals for low-mileage vehicles5.2Degradation by time rather than mileage5.3Condensation and milky oil5.4Oil consumption and its diagnosis5.5Leaks and seals5.6Oil analysis and its interpretation5.7Particles and their interpretation5.8Vehicle oil history5.9Record-keeping and labelling5.10Practice: interpreting an oil analysis
6.1Show vehicle and daily-use vehicle6.2Annual cost of lubrication6.3Oil purchase and storage6.4Used oil management6.5Communication with the owner6.6Common errors and resulting failures6.7Choice when information contradicts6.8Keeping knowledge up to date6.9Documented real cases6.10Final project: lubrication plan for a collection
How you'll learn
100% online training on the SEIUM campus, with downloadable material, recorded classes and an assigned technical tutor. No fixed timetable: students progress at their own pace within the intake, which makes it possible to combine with work.
Each module combines theory, guided reading of the original standard and applied exercises. The working software is Advanced Excel, Python (pandas), Minitab, in free, academic or evaluation versions. Tests are based on real procedures for interpreting used oil analysis, selecting lubricant for flat-tappet engines, and planning lubrication maintenance. Assessment is continuous by module plus the final integrating project.
Build it end to end
Your final project follows the real engineering workflow, step by step, reviewed by your tutor.
Explain the differences between vintage and modern oils.
Analyse the role of additives such as ZDDP, detergents and viscosity modifiers.
Select lubricants for engines with flat tappets and other sensitive cases.
Choose compatible lubricants for gearboxes, axles and other circuits.
Interpret oil analysis to adjust maintenance intervals.
Where this takes you
Requirements
- No prior degree is required.
- Internet connection and a computer capable of running the programme's software.
- Sufficient Spanish to follow technical standards documentation.
Ready to start?
Send your application today. Our admissions team replies within 72 hours with your study plan and funding options.
Frequently asked questions
The programme comprises 300 hours in total, spread over 3 to 5 months. That is an average of 10 to 15 hours per week, compatible with full-time work.
You work with Advanced Excel, Python (pandas), Minitab. Free, academic or evaluation versions are used, and the tutor indicates the free alternative where one exists.
SEIUM's own diploma upon passing the continuous assessment and the integrating project. It is in-house training, not an official qualification from the Ministry.
Yes. Modules passed in a course or Postgraduate Diploma in the same area are recognised towards the higher programme. Check the recognition policy when you enrol.
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