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06-26-2021, 01:14 PM | #1 |
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1950 8ba recommended oil
I just bought my first flathead car, a 1950 Ford Custom. Was told the last time it was cranked was 6 years ago. Under hood still looks good and car was restored 10-15? Years ago.
Was reading threads for oil to use in these engines, 20w50?, straight 20w? Any advice is appreciated! Thanks |
06-26-2021, 01:26 PM | #2 |
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Re: 1950 8ba recommended oil
I'd use10-30 in it. Depends on climate & miles on the engine. A lot of guys ues Rotella 15-40.
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06-26-2021, 01:40 PM | #3 | |
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Re: 1950 8ba recommended oil
Quote:
I’m in SC so it’s pretty warm all the time. I was reading about zinc content in oils. I saw Castrol GTX makes a classic oil? I’d like to start with something you experienced guys have been running in your flatheads for awhile and had no issues. Patrick |
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06-26-2021, 02:07 PM | #4 |
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Re: 1950 8ba recommended oil
I like Brad Penn 30 weight with Zinc
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06-26-2021, 02:14 PM | #5 |
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Re: 1950 8ba recommended oil
Can you ask the seller what oil was used? I live in south FL. and use 20W-50.
Non synthetic. Last edited by 19Fordy; 06-26-2021 at 05:04 PM. |
06-26-2021, 03:01 PM | #6 |
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Re: 1950 8ba recommended oil
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06-26-2021, 04:08 PM | #7 | |
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Re: 1950 8ba recommended oil
Quote:
I would start with a quality 10W30 and check oil pressure. Always better to use the lowest weight oil resulting in good oil pressure, imo. The valve spring loads are pretty low in a stock flathead and I really don't think a high ZDDP oil is needed. My stock '51s 239" has been using regular Valvoline 10W30 for many years with no issues. If you want high zink, use an oil that is formulated with it, like Valvoline VR-1 (my choice when needed), Brad Penn etc, and not adding the additive to a low zink oil. |
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06-26-2021, 05:21 PM | #8 |
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Re: 1950 8ba recommended oil
Shell Rotella 15/40 is very good. I spoke with Shell oil a couple months ago and was told the T4 triple protection 15/40 has 1200 PPM of zinc. I run it in my Flatheads. I have found that 10/30 the oil pressure will drop slightly on a warm day. I run Valvoline ZR1 racing 30W in most of the Chevy's. I think it is about 1300 PPM. There is also Lucas Hot Rod oil and it has about 2200 PPM and a paraffin base. Which according to my machinist is too much as it can leave harmful deposits. Then there is Shafer's which is a little pricy if you can find it but very good oil from what I'm told. I've been told that 1200 PPM and 1500 PPM is your happy place.
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06-26-2021, 06:44 PM | #9 |
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Re: 1950 8ba recommended oil
Kendall GT 20w50, been running that in flatheads for 20 plus years with very good results==i live in upstate SC
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06-26-2021, 06:54 PM | #10 |
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Re: 1950 8ba recommended oil
Paraffin will leave a lot of buildup in an engine .
When you tear one down and it looks like black wax is growing inside,,,,it is . Any good oil will be fine,,,listen to these guys here,,,they know . Also,,,,high zinc is not necessary,,,,,flatheads have low valve spring pressures . Use good oil and change it regularly . Tommy |
06-26-2021, 07:04 PM | #11 | |
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Re: 1950 8ba recommended oil
Quote:
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06-26-2021, 09:35 PM | #12 |
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Re: 1950 8ba recommended oil
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06-26-2021, 10:38 PM | #13 |
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Re: 1950 8ba recommended oil
VALVOLINE VR-1 20w50
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06-26-2021, 10:47 PM | #14 |
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Re: 1950 8ba recommended oil
What oil to use has no definitive answer, everyone has their preference. Me, I use whatever is on special at the local retailer, normally a 20W-50 brew. I change oil every 1000 miles; that is what Ford recommended....the way I see it, any oil today must be better than what was available in the 30's-40's. About the only other thing I can add is just to use mineral oil, no need for fancy synthetic stuff.
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06-26-2021, 10:56 PM | #15 |
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Re: 1950 8ba recommended oil
Ask your local supplier if you live in northern Canada the last thing you want is 50 wt same as if you live in Mexico you defiantly dont want 10 weight either as for detergant oil if your engine is in good nick it wont hurt but it will clean out any crud [ie carbon sludge] so if its worn it could result in engine developing blow by
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06-26-2021, 11:22 PM | #16 |
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Re: 1950 8ba recommended oil
Kendal or valvoline vr1 20/50 for me all day.. has zinc in it.... or Brad penn
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06-27-2021, 12:31 AM | #17 |
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Re: 1950 8ba recommended oil
Keep oil in it. 10-40w or. Change it from time to time or every summer. If you want a higher pressure on your gauge put a thicker oil in (doesn't mean the engine is better or bearings are good, but it'll make you feel better looking at the gauge). Flatheads are a low oil pressure system. If your needle is above 10 you are good. 20 hot idle is very good on a regular flathead.
Last edited by Tinker; 06-27-2021 at 12:47 AM. |
06-27-2021, 12:53 PM | #18 |
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Re: 1950 8ba recommended oil
Been running Castrol 20-50 GTX for many years. Both in the flatty and BBC flat tappet motor. Last I read it has enough AND is very affordable compared to others mentioned.
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06-27-2021, 01:01 PM | #19 |
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Re: 1950 8ba recommended oil
One other thing. Years back on this and other forums there were a few guys who would buy "snake oil" (ZDDP) believing they had more of a skill set than petroleum engineers who spent a lifetime learning the necessary disciplines in an attempt to "formulate" their own oils.
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06-27-2021, 01:09 PM | #20 |
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Re: 1950 8ba recommended oil
I would drop out the old oil and fire the motor and get it (oil) up to temperature/drive it around the block with a [cheap] light weight oil.
Rinse and repeat at least twice. IF everything is satisfactory then I would go to the heavier oil.. Just my .02 |
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