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Old 05-07-2010, 10:43 AM   #1
34ragtop
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Default oil recommendation for 40 flathead

just bought a 40 with stock flathead, what is recommended to use for oil, do i need zinc additive?
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Old 05-07-2010, 11:02 PM   #2
Tim Brown
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Default Re: oil recommendation for 40 flathead

I've always used straight 30W with out any problems. 40,000 miles and still tickin
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Old 05-07-2010, 11:39 PM   #3
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Default Re: oil recommendation for 40 flathead

use either 10w 40 or 20w 40
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Old 05-08-2010, 08:45 AM   #4
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Default Re: oil recommendation for 40 flathead

definately need the zinc!modern oils don't have it in there since 2003
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Old 05-08-2010, 10:55 AM   #5
37fatfender
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Default Re: oil recommendation for 40 flathead

I use Shell Rotella 15w40 in both my cars, it has the zinc. Also STP in the Blue bottle has the zinc additive ZDDP.
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Old 05-08-2010, 12:01 PM   #6
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Default Re: oil recommendation for 40 flathead

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I use 10W40 in my 40 ragtop flathead. I either use ZZDP additive or likely switching to Amzoil 10 W 40 with extra zinc. You should use zinc additive on any car w/o roller cam which includes most cars up to 1989 or so. My 90 Silverado I am uncertain as to the cam so play it safe and use the additive. My engine buildr and mechanic friends only use sythetic whereas I had been using Valvoline Syn-tec (blend) but considering all Amzoil, especially being able to by it at whelesale dealer cost. Pricey stuff.
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Old 05-08-2010, 12:31 PM   #7
Pat/Ohio
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Default Re: oil recommendation for 40 flathead

I use Castrol 20W50. I believe most will work fine for occasional driving...just remember to change the oil once in a while!
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Old 05-08-2010, 03:08 PM   #8
Ford46
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Default Re: oil recommendation for 40 flathead

I like Pat/Ohio, use Castrol 20/50W in my flathead. If you drive where the RPM's are up there for long stretches and day after day, perhaps adding Zinc is the proper thing to do. For most of us, with several oil changes in the course of a driving year and limited use....why??? LouB.
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Old 05-09-2010, 11:24 AM   #9
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Default Re: oil recommendation for 40 flathead

I've heard the best oil to use with 1300PPM+ zinc is Chevron Delo LE,you can get it by the gallon at wall mart i thinks it's a 15 40W too.
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Old 05-09-2010, 11:35 AM   #10
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Default Re: oil recommendation for 40 flathead

i use castrol 20-50 plus a jug of stp in my 36 truck
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Old 05-09-2010, 11:51 AM   #11
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Default Re: oil recommendation for 40 flathead

here in california diesel oil is low zinc also (for a few years), if it says "low emission" on the jug then welcome to our world . i still have a jug and a 1/2 of the old delo for my moms and girlfriends new cars (i use 1qt with the regular oil). i use valvoline VR1 "race oil" in my '47, it has high zinc.
"High zinc/phosphorus provides extreme wear protection, including flat tappet applications"


http://www.valvoline.com/products/co...ng-motor-oil/6
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Old 05-09-2010, 12:11 PM   #12
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Default Re: oil recommendation for 40 flathead

I doubt there was much zinc in the oils of the forties. With the low spring pressure in the flathead, no where near as much zinc is needed as in a modern flat tappet engine. As I understand it, there is still zinc in the oils, but at a reduced level. sufficient for us.
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Old 05-09-2010, 12:12 PM   #13
Vic Piano
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Default Re: oil recommendation for 40 flathead

I also use Castrol 20w50 in all of our flatheads. Some get driven at highway speeds 65,75MPH for long trips (600+ miles) and some just get driven around town. I've installed top oilers in both our '39 Ford CS and '39 LZ CP and I use MMO in them.
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Old 05-09-2010, 01:17 PM   #14
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Default Re: oil recommendation for 40 flathead

I have used Castrol 20/50 for well over 35 years even in older diesels. I put it in my 39 over 30 years ago at start up on a new engine and it has over 103,000 miles with alot of highway (Columbia 3:78) traveling at 65 to 70 MPH. Had the pan off for an oil leak at 85,000 and the bottom end was clean and no sludge at all in the pan. G.M.
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Old 05-10-2010, 01:21 PM   #15
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Default Re: oil recommendation for 40 flathead

I've been using valvoline 30wt VV396 diesel fleet oil with ZDDP additive.
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Old 05-11-2010, 02:51 PM   #16
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Default Re: oil recommendation for 40 flathead

Has anyone tried the Lucas oil for classic cars? Anyone? interested to know whats the difference.
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