Go Back   The Ford Barn > General Discussion > Early V8 (1932-53)

Sponsored Links (Register now to hide all advertisements)

Reply
 
Thread Tools Display Modes
Old 04-27-2017, 02:08 PM   #1
[email protected]
Member
 
Join Date: Feb 2011
Posts: 74
Default 32 stock V-8 engine oil type

Getting ready to fire up a previously rebuilt stock 32 v8 engine that was rebuilt about 10 years ago and has some run time on it, maybe a couple thousand miles on it I am guessing. Looking for the type of oil to use since I just purchased the car and getting it ready for summer. I found a Valvoline 20W-50 VR1 racing oil that says it has "high zinc, great for push rod and flat tappet engines". Has anyone used this oil and any feedback on it for this application?

I have also read some guys use Delo 15-40 and a Castrol 20-50; and it was suggested to add a zinc additive ZDDP.

Any feedback or experience? Thanks
tjh6x6@aol.com is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 04-27-2017, 02:17 PM   #2
JSeery
Member Emeritus
 
JSeery's Avatar
 
Join Date: Nov 2012
Location: Wichita KS
Posts: 16,132
Default Re: 32 stock V-8 engine oil type

A stock flathead does not need a ZDDP additive, the valve spring pressures a fairly low. A mild amount of it in the oil won't hurt anything, but it is easy to get the level in the oil to high which leads to other issues. ZDDP helps with breaking in OHV flat tappet camshafts especially where high valve spring pressures are involved.
JSeery is offline   Reply With Quote
Sponsored Links (Register now to hide all advertisements)
Old 04-27-2017, 05:14 PM   #3
flatjack9
Senior Member
 
flatjack9's Avatar
 
Join Date: May 2010
Location: Oshkosh, Wi
Posts: 4,516
Default Re: 32 stock V-8 engine oil type

There is still ZDDP in most oils, although at a lower level. There are other anti-scuff additives in use today as well. No need to worry with your engine. I use 10W - 30 oil in my flatheads.
flatjack9 is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 04-28-2017, 07:14 AM   #4
G.M.
Senior Member
 
Join Date: May 2010
Location: Florida and Penna.
Posts: 4,471
Default Re: 32 stock V-8 engine oil type

Quote:
Originally Posted by [email protected] View Post
Getting ready to fire up a previously rebuilt stock 32 v8 engine that was rebuilt about 10 years ago and has some run time on it, maybe a couple thousand miles on it I am guessing. Looking for the type of oil to use since I just purchased the car and getting it ready for summer. I found a Valvoline 20W-50 VR1 racing oil that says it has "high zinc, great for push rod and flat tappet engines". Has anyone used this oil and any feedback on it for this application?

I have also read some guys use Delo 15-40 and a Castrol 20-50; and it was suggested to add a zinc additive ZDDP.

Any feedback or experience? Thanks
I have used Castrol 20/50 for 50 years with no sludge, good oil pressure
and no oil related engine problems. Sounds like your 20-50 VR1 may even
be a better oil. What's wrong with over kill?? G.M.
__________________
www.fordcollector.com
G.M. is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 04-28-2017, 07:29 AM   #5
alanwoodieman
Senior Member
 
Join Date: May 2010
Location: upstate SC
Posts: 2,962
Default Re: 32 stock V-8 engine oil type

I use Kendal 20w50 which is their old high performance racing oil, it also has ZDDP
alanwoodieman is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 04-28-2017, 09:57 AM   #6
DavidG
Senior Member
 
DavidG's Avatar
 
Join Date: May 2010
Location: southeastern Michigan
Posts: 10,070
Default Re: 32 stock V-8 engine oil type

Sponsored Links (Register now to hide all advertisements)
Hard to find these days, but regardless of the weight you select, make it non-detergent oil as presumably you have no oil filter. (I agree with the 20-50 crowd.)
DavidG is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 04-28-2017, 11:16 AM   #7
J Franklin
Senior Member
 
J Franklin's Avatar
 
Join Date: May 2010
Location: Oregon
Posts: 5,947
Default Re: 32 stock V-8 engine oil type

Use the detergent oil as it has upscale additives blended to keep your engine running a lot longer. Only use non-detergent if it is an old sludgy dirty block to start with. I like 10-40 Multi grade.
J Franklin is offline   Reply With Quote
Reply

Thread Tools
Display Modes

Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts

BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is Off

Forum Jump

Sponsored Links (Register now to hide all advertisements)


All times are GMT -5. The time now is 10:49 AM.