1938 Ford Flathead V8 questions

[j.threadgill]

1. For my Oil bath air cleaner do I use just a 30 weight motor oil?

2. For transmission and differential do I use standard type oil in use today for those or is there a certain weigh/type I should be using?

3. Not related to the motor, I have four pull knobs above /around the radio. One is the choke, one opens an ashtray, and one is a cigarette lighter. The fourth one is across from the choke and above the cigarette lighter. What is that for, doesn't seem to do anything and nothing feels attached to it when pulled.

Sorry if these seems like stupid questions, but this car is in great condition and I do not want ruin it by doing something incorrectly.

[40cpe]

The knob above the cigarette lighter is the throttle knob.

[j.threadgill]

ok like a cruise control. so it is disconnected I guess for safety reasons. I could see that causing a problem in a panic, lol. Thanks for the info.

[38 coupe]

Originally Posted by j.threadgill

1. For my Oil bath air cleaner do I use just a 30 weight motor oil?

2. For transmission and differential do I use standard type oil in use today for those or is there a certain weigh/type I should be using?.

If you have an oil bath air cleaner then motor oil is fine. I get a quart of whatever is the cheapest 30W at the local auto parts store.

For your transmission and rear axle, get GL-4. Do NOT get GL-5 gear oil. The additives in GL-5 can attach the brass parts in your transmission. I have to go to NAPA to find this in my area. 80W-90 is fine. If you are driving in really hot weather you can go to 85W-140.

[Vic Piano]

You should NEVER use a throttle as a cruise control, that was/is not its intended use.

[36coupe]

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Originally Posted by Vic Piano

You should NEVER use a throttle as a cruise control, that was/is not its intended use.

What is it for?
Warming the car up from cold?

[Tinker]

If you have a pto off your transmission it's more useful too.

[JSeery]

Originally Posted by 36coupe

What is it for?
Warming the car up from cold?

When you start a car up in cold weather it needs a little choke and throttle to get it going and up to operating speed (warm enough to idle). You then drive with them pushed in.