Oil change

[Msaby]

I am planning on draining the oil on my car this weekend.
* Do I just remove the drain plug and empty the pan?
* Is there a screen or filter of some sort?
* What oil is recommended?
* How may quarts of oil are needed?

Sorry for the basic questions, I am still learning the vehicle.

Thanks
Mike

[al's28/33]

5 quarts non-detergent just remove the plug and drain it. lefty loosy righty tighty

[1931 flamingo]

Yes, install 4 1/2 quarts of YOUR choice oil. Many different views on what type/brand to use. I use 30W. Do a search at top of page. Also suggest you get a copy of Les Andrew's book Vol 1, available from any of the vendor's and possibly amazon. Lots of good info. Al;so get some free catalogs from the vendors, there's a wealth of info in them also.
Paul in CT

[ctlikon0712]

A new engine takes 5 quarts but a half quart is retained in various places in the motor so it will take 4 1/2 on a refill. Also the change frequency is 500 miles because there is no filter and a few other reasons. It is just as important to lube the cars lube points properly and on a set schedule. Here is that info...

I got the lube chart from an owners manual that can be found here.
http://www.motormayhem.net/mode-a-fo...owners-manual/

[V4F]

personally i would not use non-detergent oil . it causes sludge . new oils are just fine . i run 20/50 valvoline VR1

[sethkestenbaum]

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Mike,

Good questions... especially if you have never changed the oil in your car. I received the following advice when I did my first oil change about 1.5 years ago.

If this is the first oil change on a "new to you" car, be certain to look at how opaque or transparent the oil is that drains. If it looks like chocolate syrup or is really gritty, it may be time to consider "dropping the pan" and cleaning out the valve chamber. If the oil looks like light or dark maple syrup, you are in good shape -- change it regularly and enjoy. If it looks milky, that is a different can of worms completely as you have water or coolant getting in there. If it has pieces of metal in it, call a mechanic!

[bogdonj]

Should also note that when you loosen and take out the plug in the pan make sure you grab the small ring/washer that comes with it and don't allow it to fall into the oil catch bucket...done that and isn't fun. Also when tightening the plug don't over do it and strip the threads. If it's an older engine I run Shell Rotella 15W-40.

[J Franklin]

If you can, find out what the previous owner was using for oil, that will tell you a lot.

[baquetA1929]

As you can tell equals liters? "install 4 1/2 quarts"

[Dave in Boise]

I like the Delo 400 as it is a 15-40 weight and has some zinc in it as it was formulated for diesels.. Just remember, *any* oil is better than none at all

- Dave in Boise

[James Rogers]

Originally Posted by al's28/33

5 quarts non-detergent just remove the plug and drain it. lefty loosy righty tighty

Wrong!

[James Rogers]

Just drain the oil and replace it with enough to bring the level to half way between the F and the L. You may find it will only take 4 quarts to get to that point. Use any Diesel grade HD oil or if you don't want to use Diesel oil any kind of High Detergent is good. Non detergent oil is for lawnmowers and I don't even use it in mine.

[Hicktick]

Warm the engine up first , it will flow out better .

[Purdy Swoft]

I only put in four quarts when I change the oil. Ford recommended 40 weight for summer and 20 weight for winter. 20w40 should be good with todays multi viscosity oils. I've never been able to find a 20w40 oil. I use Walmart 20W50. I figure that the 50 weight will be good for the old engines for summer and the 20 will be good for winter so 20w50 works good for me. One of the members pointed out that the 20w50 Walmart oil is actually Mobil, this confirms that there is really no need to pay more for an advertised brand.

[Rock Hornbuckle]

Originally Posted by Msaby

I am planning on draining the oil on my car this weekend.
* Do I just remove the drain plug and empty the pan?
* Is there a screen or filter of some sort?
* What oil is recommended?
* How may quarts of oil are needed?

Sorry for the basic questions, I am still learning the vehicle.

Thanks
Mike

YOUR favorite brand is recommended.

[Msaby]

Originally Posted by Rock Hornbuckle

YOUR favorite brand is recommended.

Sorry I guess I should have been a little more specific as to what weight oil should be used. i didn't mean to create a debate between any members.

[Msaby]

Originally Posted by bogdonj

Should also note that when you loosen and take out the plug in the pan make sure you grab the small ring/washer that comes with it and don't allow it to fall into the oil catch bucket...done that and isn't fun. Also when tightening the plug don't over do it and strip the threads. If it's an older engine I run Shell Rotella 15W-40.

yea, I have had that happen to me a few times over the years.

Thanks
Mike

[Msaby]

Originally Posted by J Franklin

If you can, find out what the previous owner was using for oil, that will tell you a lot.

My father has owned the vehicle for maybe 15 years and hardly drove it. I would have been the one who changed the oil many years ago. The car has been sitting under a car cover for atleast 7-8 years now.

Thanks
Mike

[marc hildebrant]

Msaby,

I would urge you to get the Model A owners manual and other Model A books and THEN ask for help on the Barn.

In that manner, you can compare the answers....

Marc

[Jordan]

I have used 50w, 30w, 10w30, 10w40--- the point is, nothing's blown up yet! If you don't know what was used in it before, I would go with a 30 or 40w valvoline. Valvoline is the best oil on the market. Stay away from Penzoil. There's no need to change your oil every 500 miles with todays quality of oil. Any engine building will tell you about 1,000 miles without a filter, or 2,000 with a filter.

[Msaby]

Originally Posted by marc hildebrant

Msaby,

I would urge you to get the Model A owners manual and other Model A books and THEN ask for help on the Barn.

In that manner, you can compare the answers....

Marc

I actually do have an owners manual along with a few others. Manuals are a great resource, however I also like to hear from individuals who have real world expericence with their "A"s

I will keep my questions on this forum at a minumum. Sorry for posting such basic questions
.
Thanks
Mike

[1931 flamingo]

Msaby: Ask all the basic questions you want. They get others thinking.
Paul in CT

[REByar]

When I purchased my 1928 Model A I asked the previous owner what he had used. He said he used synthetic 10w30. . I had never read anywhere where synthetic was recommended. But when I got the car it had an oil leak. I know that is normal for "A"'s so I just put a pan under it. But after I had driven about 200 miles I changed the oil and used regular 30W detergent oil. After about 100 miles the oil leak stopped and the engine sounded quieter. And I use about 4 1/2 quarts and a cup of STP.

Good Luck. But I would not recommend synthetic.

Randy

[Terry, NJ]

As I said yesterday, we spend a lot of energy worrying about what oil is best when it is not necessary. These engines ran well on whatever crap they put in them. Remember these words, "The best oils of 1930 were not equal to the worst oils of today!" This was the depression! There wasn't much cash around for oil changes. Then came the war and there wasn't much oil around for oil changes. Plus there was a running argument over the value of oil changes. After all," Oil doesn't wear out! It's just a scam from the big oil companies to make you buy more oil!" Walmart's is fine.
Terry

[marc hildebrant]

Mike,

Re-read my post as you missed the point.
Basic questions or any questions are fine. It's your time and you can use it any how you want !

Your initial question indicated a lack of basic car info on the Model A and I have no way of knowing what you have for reference books....hence my suggestion.

Keep the questions coming and be sure and check the answers with your reference material.

Marc

[BILL WILLIAMSON]

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Originally Posted by Msaby

I actually do have an owners manual along with a few others. Manuals are a great resource, however I also like to hear from individuals who have real world expericence with their "A"s

I will keep my questions on this forum at a minumum. Sorry for posting such basic questions
.
Thanks
Mike

Michael, may I call you that, or is that what they call you when "THEY'RE" mad @ you?
Dog here, you DON"T have to minimumize your questions here, jist "FIRE" away Iffin' you encounter a coupla' GROUCHES here, jist "BLOW" them off!
I know Model A stuff, too, so if you want to by-pass Ol' Bill, jest ask me. You gotta' Dog? Me, I'm a Rat Terrier Show Dog I KILL rats & other RODENTS & even SNAKES! (I'm for hire, also $$$$) Buster T.

[Mitch//pa]

Originally Posted by BILL WILLIAMSON

Michael, may I call you that, or is that what they call you when "THEY'RE" mad @ you?
Dog here, you DON"T have to minimumize your questions here, jist "FIRE" away Iffin' you encounter a coupla' GROUCHES here, jist "BLOW" them off!
I know Model A stuff, too, so if you want to by-pass Ol' Bill, jest ask me. You gotta' Dog? Me, I'm a Rat Terrier Show Dog I KILL rats & other RODENTS & even SNAKES! (I'm for hire, also $$$$) Buster T.

lol billy

[Msaby]

Originally Posted by BILL WILLIAMSON

Michael, may I call you that, or is that what they call you when "THEY'RE" mad @ you?
Dog here, you DON"T have to minimumize your questions here, jist "FIRE" away Iffin' you encounter a coupla' GROUCHES here, jist "BLOW" them off!
I know Model A stuff, too, so if you want to by-pass Ol' Bill, jest ask me. You gotta' Dog? Me, I'm a Rat Terrier Show Dog I KILL rats & other RODENTS & even SNAKES! (I'm for hire, also $$$$) Buster T.

Ha ha..No one has called me Michael in quite some time, although once in a while a family member might let one slip.

I belong to a few automotive forum and if there is one thing I have learned is always be polite, respectful, and appreciate all advice given. Being a new member here I wasn't sure if my questions were a little "basic" for the forum. It is all good though.

Thanks
Mike

[BILL WILLIAMSON]

Originally Posted by Msaby

Ha ha..No one has called me Michael in quite some time, although once in a while a family member might let one slip.

I belong to a few automotive forum and if there is one thing I have learned is always be polite, respectful, and appreciate all advice given. Being a new member here I wasn't sure if my questions were a little "basic" for the forum. It is all good though.

Thanks
Mike

We have a GREAT time here, Mike,
Some of us are "pretty" good, but none of us know it "all"! Those so called, "MIRACLE" mechanics that everyone wants to hire is just FICTION! Gregg & the Dog considers me "pretty" good, but NOT God's gift to the Automotive World! If I were, I couldn't fit my HEAD under Vermin's HOOD!
Vermin is most ready to "fire" after playin' RIP-VAN-VERMIN, since 1987!!! (OH! JOY!) Bill W.

[BobbyG]

Never too basic for me - been arsing about with old cars for 35 years & still learning !

[Ted Duke]

There is NEVER agreement on weight, detergent, non-detergent, brand. Is there?

[Timberbeast]

If your engine has been using non detergent oil I wouldn't use detergent oil until I drop the pan and clean out any accumulated sludge.

A detergent oil will loosen the sludge and sent this muck through the engine. Not good for the bearings.

[31 A4door]

Sorry I guess I should have been a little more specific as to what weight oil should be used. i didn't mean to create a debate between any members.

HA that's the funniest thing.. Not making fun but it always brings out he same argument no matter what forum you look at. Don't ever ask "What Oil" in a Model T forum, OMG it will go on for days. LOL

My opinion is change it out with whatever brand you like. I use a multi grade oil so it flows well when the engine is cold and flows the same when it's hot.

[ronn]

synthetic....

anybody screaming yet....?

[Sparky]

Originally Posted by baquetA1929

As you can tell equals liters? "install 4 1/2 quarts"

It's nearly the same. 4.5 quarts = 4.26 liters.

[leadpot]

Why diesel oil??

[Sparky]

Originally Posted by leadpot

Why diesel oil??

Some people like to use it because it has higher levels of ZDDP (Zinc dialkyldithiophosphate) anti-wear additive than regular oils, which may make cams and tappets last longer.

[1931 flamingo]

ZDDP not really needed in an A with the low valve spring pressure. JMO
Paul in CT

[John S]

Originally Posted by 1931 flamingo

ZDDP not really needed in an A with the low valve spring pressure. JMO
Paul in CT

I tend to agree with you. The valve spring pressures are very low in an A. I still don't take any chances though and always use a zinc enhanced oil supplement in my cheap store brand oil. I change my oil about 3 times a year and figure it's a low price to pay for peace of mind.

[Mike/Nebraska]

Castrol has a zinc infused racing oil

[Chuck Sea/Tac]

Originally Posted by Dave in Boise

I like the Delo 400 as it is a 15-40 weight and has some zinc in it as it was formulated for diesels.. Just remember, *any* oil is better than none at all

- Dave in Boise

If it's dello le, then it does not have zinc. I don't think you can buy the old dello anymore. Thanks

[Chuck Sea/Tac]

Originally Posted by John S

I tend to agree with you. The valve spring pressures are very low in an A. I still don't take any chances though and always use a zinc enhanced oil supplement in my cheap store brand oil. I change my oil about 3 times a year and figure it's a low price to pay for peace of mind.

Exactly! Why not coat the metal in your engine with anti wear materials ???
Everyone wants to upgrade everything else, why not your oil.?

[DougVieyra]

Before I drain my engines oil I drive the car around for 15 minutes or so, to heat up the oil. Oil drains a LOT easier when it is warm. It drains faster and more thoroughly. While the oil is draining, I stand on the running boards (one at a time) and 'jiggle' the car from side to side to help 'slop' the oil from cavities, etc.

I then kick myself when I discover that I forgot to put the drain pan down !

I then collect the used oil and put back into quart oil containers, to 'repurpose' it as chainsaw bar oil. Lots of 'kick' about how this is NOT a good thing to do. But then some people go to the end of the block, looking for a crosswalk to cross the street. I just wait for the traffic to clear and then walk across the street - without the crosswalk. And I have been using 'repurposed' engine oil on my chainsaw bar-chain for 50 years, without incident.

[Mitch//pa]

This thread is 4 years old. Since then the fordbarn scientists discovered zinc is not needed in our A mills

[31 Model A]

Originally Posted by Mitch//pa

This thread is 4 years old. Since then the fordbarn scientists discovered zinc is not needed in our A mills

Four years old and I didn't contribute and with all my Model A knowledge too.... Must be getting old, now I can't remember all that knowledge.

[SuperDave]

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A few years ago, a friend bought his first model A. I helped him with some basic chores on the car. He wanted to be able to do some things by his self, which I encouraged . Until the day he called me and said he was going to change his own oil. I gave him the basic procedure. He called a little while later and said he was confused. seems he drained the oil but when he checked the dip stick....the oil was still there! I congratulated him for draining the transmission. He wanted to know if he could drive the car to the auto parts store to buy more transmission grease. I explained that was not an option and then, I told him how to re-install grease in the tranny. Needless to say, from then to present, I take care of any maintenance on his cabriolet!

[George Miller]

Originally Posted by SuperDave

A few years ago, a friend bought his first model A. I helped him with some basic chores on the car. He wanted to be able to do some things by his self, which I encouraged . Until the day he called me and said he was going to change his own oil. I gave him the basic procedure. He called a little while later and said he was confused. seems he drained the oil but when he checked the dip stick....the oil was still there! I congratulated him for draining the transmission. He wanted to know if he could drive the car to the auto parts store to buy more transmission grease. I explained that was not an option and then, I told him how to re-install grease in the tranny. Needless to say, from then to present, I take care of any maintenance on his cabriolet!

He is very smart. He gets his work done, with out doing it his self.

[Brian in Wheeling]

In the ole days, we used to buy used oil at the service stations for 10 or 15 cents a bulk quart. The guy would hand pump it out of the drum into a metal oil van with a spout from the drum all the oil change oil was put in...it would settle out! Probably not a lot of ZDDP in it! But it was oil and it was cheap. My dad was born in 1924.
Brian

[mshmodela]

Originally Posted by Msaby

I am planning on draining the oil on my car this weekend.
* Do I just remove the drain plug and empty the pan?
* Is there a screen or filter of some sort?
* What oil is recommended?
* How may quarts of oil are needed?

Sorry for the basic questions, I am still learning the vehicle.

Thanks
Mike

Mike,

Model A owners are not born, they are learned skills, we welcome your questions like that here.. They are many folks here with a life time of learning under their belts to help out... Keep the questions coming.