Synthetic Oil?
 

I use 5w-30 Synthetic Oil in my other vehicles & have used for many years & like it. I truly believe I noticed improved performance & what I’ve read it does reduce wear. I haven’t tried it on my 8BA but am considering it. Thoughts?

Re: Synthetic Oil?
 

Thoughts? Oh no an oil thread!

Re: Synthetic Oil?
 

I've switched to WalMart's 0W-20 full synthetic in my 21-studder 2 years ago. It had been running 5w-20 synblend since being re-done 10 years ago. Jack E/NJ

Re: Synthetic Oil?
 

After my racing days were done, I found I had 2 cases of Mobil-1 15-50 synthetic left over. I am running it in my '51 with no problems.

Re: Synthetic Oil?
 

Jack E/NJ & tubman, I’m familiar with many of your threads / posts & respect your knowledge. I wanted to get some opinion on it & you both helped solidify it.
Thx

Re: Synthetic Oil?
 

I have used this in my Ford 8N and my ‘41 coupe, to slow down the smoke coming out the exhaust pipe. Overkill maybe but it makes me feel better.

Re: Synthetic Oil?
 

The Valvoline VR-1 is great break-in oil, as it contains a good amount of zinc, which is needed for flat tappet cams. But it does not contain much detergent, so sludge build up could be a concern if you expect to run the engine for 50,000 miles.

For changes, I now run one quart of VR-1 with four quarts of any good detergent oil.

Re: Synthetic Oil?
 

Re: Synthetic Oil?
 

In my experience this is true - over time it finds or makes leaks. Had a 2000 Honda that I ran synthetics oil in. After about 8 months I developed a leak that mechanics said was the rear made n seal - the b expensive proposition. I had read about the sing synthetic oils in older cars and the subsequently leaked. Switched back to conventional oil and the leak went away.

May not work in all instances/situations but it seems to be prone to leak older cars.

Re: Synthetic Oil?
 

I could pour it in my 40 engine and watch it leak out as it was idling. rear slinger did not sling it back too good, dripped out front seal--switched back to 20w50 kendal and have been using it since

Re: Synthetic Oil?
 

The oldest car I’ve put it in is my ‘67 442, rebuilt 10k miles ago, no leaks. Ran over 130k miles in my ‘98 BMW M, no significant leaks. Also in all my new cars with success. Just put it in the 8BA, guess I’ll find out 🤔😬😁

Re: Synthetic Oil?
 

That Kendall oil you are running also has ZDDP in it.

Most of the guys around here that race use it.

Re: Synthetic Oil?
 

I think that synthetic oil is the final exam for the class on installing rope seals.

Re: Synthetic Oil?
 

I use synthetic in my 39 V8. I have not put a ton of miles on it, but seems fine. I also use it in my Model As.

Re: Synthetic Oil?
 

I use AMSOIL 10-40 with zink in my 51 F1.
Also in my MGB.
I hardly ever have to add, no leaks, no smoke.
At first you may find it will use oil and gradually quit.
It will make your engine run slightly cooler.
I like it because I don’t have to change oil so often.

Re: Synthetic Oil?
 

I personally think the reports of leaks or no leaks are personal perception and specific to the observed engine. I don't think anyone can point to a scientific study of the question, unless sponsored by an oil company with sales at stake.

Re: Synthetic Oil?
 

I've heard that syn is fine in a new build, but to switch from regular to synthetic in an older engine is when leaks can happen. Still like Wolfs Head in an 8BA .......

Re: Synthetic Oil?
 

Ran 8100 miles in 26 days cross country and back. Used half a quart and sent a sample for analysis and the short story was, try 9000 next time. Mobil synthetice extended mileage 10-30. I probably could have run the Walmart brand and gotten the same results.

Re: Synthetic Oil?
 

My old 21-studder was a heavy drinker in the olden days. Went through 2 gallon cans of this premium labelled parafin wax about every 2K miles. But never needed changing and reasonably priced at less than $2 at WesternAuto. I don't think it cleaned too well as it lubed though. :) Jack E/NJ


https://www.fordbarn.com/forum/attac...1&d=1618320868

Re: Synthetic Oil?
 

Thoughts....I love it, I get a good chuckle and grin when we talk about oil. I love the stories, back and forth on this subject. I'm a regular 20W50 guy:rolleyes:

Honestly fellas, if we keep the oil level between ADD and Full on the dip stick no matter what it is, I think we will make it to and from our desired destinations.:D

Hey life is short, get out there and enjoy/drive those old Fords this summer and keep the oil level...Level.

Re: Synthetic Oil?
 

This is the most level headed response yet! :D

Re: Synthetic Oil?
 

Would also agree with those comments with addition of oil pressure at the gauge. Driving is always the best part for me down under.
Phil NZ

Re: Synthetic Oil?
 

Haha. It was trying to do a play on words with comments about the level being on the level.

A working oil pressure gauge is always good too!

Re: Synthetic Oil?
 

Phil.............do you have to use a special plug to keep the oil from running out of the dipstick tube since you guys are driving upside down?? :-)

Re: Synthetic Oil?
 

Good one! Upon scientific investigation in the southern hemisphere oil drains clockwise as opposed to counter clockwise for those in the northern hemisphere. Hence the gravitational pull sucks oil upwards thereby eliminating the need for special reverse engineered gaskets and such on the lower engine components. Just go flush your toilet to see this phenonem and report back on this thread.

Re: Synthetic Oil?
 

Tom...........you are killin' me!!!

Re: Synthetic Oil?
 

Can I get back to you on that one. Have a wire on dipstick to prevent it coming out so yes probably!!
No wonder need to top oil up so regularly.
Phil NZ

Re: Synthetic Oil?
 

Hahaha............glad you have a sense of humor. The world needs more like you!!

Re: Synthetic Oil?
 

Curious! What kind of oil pressure are you getting at full heat? Do you drive it much? Thanks

Re: Synthetic Oil?
 

I'm with you, 20/50 Castrol is my final choice and very good results. 1/2 qt every 600 miles and change every 1000!

Re: Synthetic Oil?
 

20psi fast idle hot. Nearly the same cold. 30psi max revved. Less than 2K/yr. Jack E/NJ

Re: Synthetic Oil?
 

I think those are amazing numbers on that light weight oil. Your engine must be "tight" ! I didn't think you could run that lo wt oil and then still get that kind of pressure. I get high, (35), cold, and it will do 15-20 @ idle in the cooler weather, ie: 70* outside or colder, but in the 80* + it drops significantly, and that's on 20/50! Good for you and thanks for the info.

Re: Synthetic Oil?
 

It's still rated a 20W oil hot. So 20psi at a fast idle doesn't seem too unusual. What I find amazing is almost no pressure dependence on temperature. My 64 & 05 vehicles show same behavior. Probably means viscosity doesn't change much with temperature and thus flows nearly as well on a cold startup as it does after it's warmed up. As Martha Stewart might say, that seems like a good thing. 8^) Jack E/NJ

Re: Synthetic Oil?
 

motor oil is motor oil

https://youtu.be/oLeXpF1kzDU

Re: Synthetic Oil?
 

🤔 Gotta think about that! I like the u-tube video & think it bears out, the case for Synthetic! While all Synthetic oils start from ground oil or from natural gas, the mfg process differs significantly technically with regard to its internal component engineering, big differences in use & effect characteristics. So in effect, yes Motor oil is motor oil but Sythetic motor oil is Superman compared to Batman. BTW I like Batman too😂!

Re: Synthetic Oil?
 

The problem with oil threads is that any advantage or disadvantage of one oil over another shows up so slowly that it is darn near impossible to prove any damage (or lack of damage) is due to the oil.

So, for the most part, we are left with gut feelings.

Re: Synthetic Oil?
 

I have the distinct feeling that my gut would not have difficulty distinguishing between cod liver oil and olive oil. :eek:

Re: Synthetic Oil?
 

Use it you won’t be sorry and,I doubt you will have an issue
Just keep a close eye on the level for awhile tell everything settles in
Just my thoughts on past experiences


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

Re: Synthetic Oil?
 

Use whatever you want.

The worst we have today is worlds better than anything they had in 1947.

Re: Synthetic Oil?
 

A lot of great observations here. This one sums it up for me. Have heard about the increased leakage concern. I do believe it reduces engine wear in any engine and that's the decider for me. I'd like to see my flathead last the rest of my life without needing a rebuild. For my next oil change I'm going to use synthetic. I'll use whatever's closest to the original viscosity recommendation though, nothing thinner.



I know, flathead guys don't need no stinking torque wrench, but over the years, I've see a lot oil pan drain plugs stripped when torqued "by feel." Any thoughts on a reasonable torque value to prevent weepage AND protect thread integrity?