02-11-2018, 09:30 PM | #1 |
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Motor oil ?
Getting ready to fire up a used 59a engine in my 40 pickup. Everyone seems to have a opinion, what is the best motor oil to use ?
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02-11-2018, 09:54 PM | #2 |
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Re: Motor oil ?
ANY You like. I like 10-30 or 10-40
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02-11-2018, 10:05 PM | #3 |
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Re: Motor oil ?
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02-11-2018, 10:11 PM | #4 |
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Re: Motor oil ?
So it is not an issue to use a detergent oil in a flathead ?
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02-11-2018, 11:18 PM | #5 |
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Re: Motor oil ?
what about synthetic in a fathead. ALSO, what about mixing real and synthetic oils in emergency or not.
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02-11-2018, 11:30 PM | #6 |
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Re: Motor oil ?
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02-12-2018, 12:00 AM | #7 |
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Re: Motor oil ?
If your engine is so dirty you are leery of using Detergent oil, take the time to clean it out. Also mix any oil in an emergency.
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02-12-2018, 01:07 PM | #8 |
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Re: Motor oil ?
I understand that "modern" oils have reduced or eliminated zinc additives which is a lubricant. I have read recommendations for additives or modern formulations to correct for this deficiency. Haggerty posted an interesting review on oil that can be found at this link.
https://www.hagerty.com/articles-videos/Articles/2013/08/07/Classic-Oil |
02-12-2018, 01:09 PM | #9 |
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Re: Motor oil ?
Non detergent oil was more common back in the day and it was generally preferred for break in purposes but only for that initial 500 mile period. What ever you use just make sure and change it at that mileage for the first break in run. All the microscopic metal particles that are generated during that time frame will be purged and further bedding won't be nearly as aggressive as that first 500 mile period is. Flathead V8s don't have to worry much about ZDDP content. Only the later high compression motors of the late 50s thru the early 70s needed the 1200 PPM of ZDDP. Engines that are built up with high lift cams and high compression ratios need it also but most flat heads are built for mild street use.
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02-12-2018, 01:14 PM | #10 |
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Re: Motor oil ?
Zinc additive is really not much of an issue with a flathead. The additives are required with high valve spring pressures found in OHV engines.
Last edited by JSeery; 02-12-2018 at 03:34 PM. |
02-12-2018, 03:24 PM | #11 |
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Re: Motor oil ?
If you are running standard spring valve pressures then I would recommend using a detergent straight 30 non synthetic oil for break-in and getting the rings to seat. I agree with others that say the zinc is not an issue unless you are running a modified engine. Then the zinc might have some merit depending on the mods.
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02-12-2018, 05:29 PM | #12 | |
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Re: Motor oil ?
Quote:
Synthetics are fine They are expensive and leak more as they offer better lubrication. I don't believe that they are cost effective given increased frequency of oil change in my non oil filtered car. As to mixing them with mineral oil it happens all the time either at manufacturer level or in your car when oil is topped up with a different oil to what's in it - I suspect it doesn't cause any problems. Karl |
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02-12-2018, 05:42 PM | #13 |
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Re: Motor oil ?
Oooooh no not another motor oil question
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02-12-2018, 08:23 PM | #14 |
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Re: Motor oil ?
The term detergent doesn't mean it cleans. It means that it keeps the sludge in suspension so that it is discarded with an oil change. Keeps the engine clean. Don't expect detergent oil to act like Tide in your engine!! Modern oils are WAAAAAY better than what was available back in the day. Use good quality multi-viscosity oil. I use 20W-50 and have great results - good oil pressure at all times.
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02-15-2018, 05:55 PM | #15 |
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Re: Motor oil ?
Does anybody have an opinion on the oil Hemmings advertises for old classic cars?
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02-15-2018, 06:36 PM | #16 | |
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Re: Motor oil ?
Quote:
These guys are just looking for people who will spend anything for something supposedly better. "There's one born every minute". |
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02-15-2018, 08:58 PM | #17 |
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Re: Motor oil ?
OP, have you at least pulled the oil pan and intake manifold to clean things up?
I've run everything from Wally World 10w30 dino oil, to Mobil1 10w30 full synthetic. No noticeable difference, but I was starting with a clean engine. I run for extended periods at highway speeds, so I use the Mobil1 lately. It can't hurt to have its benefits, and all of them leak the same
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02-15-2018, 09:09 PM | #18 |
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Re: Motor oil ?
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02-15-2018, 09:33 PM | #19 |
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Re: Motor oil ?
I use Penn Grade 1. I used 30W for break in then switched 10W40W. It used to be Brad Penn (the green oil).
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02-19-2018, 10:46 AM | #20 |
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Re: Motor oil ?
A little expensive but I use 10-30 synthetic. Had occasion to take apart an engine I had rebuilt that had a busted timing chain. The engine (not a Flatty) had 170,000 mi on it and I had run Mobil 1 in it from the first. Except for the timing chain gear that was the plastic over metal type (never to be used again) the engine looked new inside. Checked a few dimensions and all were still well within in tolerance. Been using full synthetic since. I don't find it leaks any worse ( IMO a wive's tail) with the Flatty than I've seen on other's.
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