|
Sponsored Links (Register now to hide all advertisements) |
|
|
Thread Tools | Display Modes |
05-28-2023, 05:08 PM | #1 |
Senior Member
Join Date: Sep 2016
Location: Roanoke, VA USA
Posts: 1,905
|
Tire Durability, MPG, and Oil Use
On this forum, I’ve seen many, many posts about how long a set of tires should last, the miles per gallon to be expected for a Model A, and oil use. I was very interested to see the following reprint of a Ford ad that touted 25,000 miles per set of tires, 20 miles per gallon of gas, and 600 miles per gallon of oil on page 28 of the March-April 2023 edition of Model “A” News.
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk |
05-28-2023, 07:55 PM | #2 |
Senior Member
Join Date: Sep 2022
Location: SoCal
Posts: 558
|
Re: Tire Durability, MPG, and Oil Use
I wonder how adding 4 quarts of oil in 600 miles works out in the having to change the oil (5 qts) in 500 miles? Every 125 miles you've added a fresh qt. I can see tires lasting a long time. Dirt roads aren't as abrasive as a paved one.
PS be sure when you do buy oil get one that looks good on your driveway........ |
Sponsored Links (Register now to hide all advertisements) |
|
05-28-2023, 10:52 PM | #3 |
Junior Member
Join Date: Apr 2023
Location: Meadow Vista CA
Posts: 16
|
Re: Tire Durability, MPG, and Oil Use
New to the Model A world - I hoping to do a bit better on the oil consumption - I have a good runner that still needs work to get on the road - What are realistic oil use expectation's?
|
05-29-2023, 12:47 AM | #4 |
Senior Member
Join Date: Jun 2014
Location: Melbourne, Australia
Posts: 7,471
|
Re: Tire Durability, MPG, and Oil Use
There are a number of variables that affect things like oil consumption. How aggressive you are with the accelerator being just one. With today's components and a freshly (but well run in) motor, I'd expect it to use less than a litre in 1,000 miles. (How's that for mixing units?) Last weekend, I did over 500 miles on an engine that has done about 15,000 miles so it is still young. The oil level dropped about 4 mm on the dip stick. I cruised at 85 - 90 kph (53-56 mph)
25,000 miles on a set of tyres - I'd like to see that! 20 mpg. The American gallon is a mystery to me but after some googling, that is near enough 24 mpg (imperial gallon). That is easily attained on a run - not so easy around town.
__________________
I'm part of the only ever generation with an analogue childhood and a digital adulthood. |
05-29-2023, 02:00 AM | #5 |
Senior Member
Join Date: Jun 2017
Location: Walla Walla, WA
Posts: 1,044
|
Re: Tire Durability, MPG, and Oil Use
Was the ad implying oil consumption or oil change interval? I suspect the latter. I have a fairly new rebuilt engine with stock main and rear bearings and front seal, per specs. I have used a negligible amount in the last 550 since my last oil change. I recently got 18.4 mpg (US Gal) and routinely drive in the 45-50 mph range when out on the road. I currently have about 10k on a set of Firestones and I would be happy to get 25k. Don't know if that will happen.
Last edited by Bill G; 05-29-2023 at 02:06 AM. |
05-30-2023, 06:19 PM | #6 | |
Senior Member
Join Date: Sep 2016
Location: Roanoke, VA USA
Posts: 1,905
|
Tire Durability, MPG, and Oil Use
Sponsored Links (Register now to hide all advertisements)
Quote:
Lol. Very good point. My wife likes things to match. Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk |
|
05-30-2023, 06:23 PM | #7 | |
Senior Member
Join Date: Sep 2016
Location: Roanoke, VA USA
Posts: 1,905
|
Re: Tire Durability, MPG, and Oil Use
Quote:
My engine was rebuilt about 25,000 miles ago by Schwalms. I change oil every 1000 miles and do not have to add oil in between changes. Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk |
|
05-30-2023, 06:23 PM | #8 | |
Senior Member
Join Date: Sep 2016
Location: Roanoke, VA USA
Posts: 1,905
|
Re: Tire Durability, MPG, and Oil Use
Quote:
I read the entire article, and I still had the same question. Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk |
|
05-30-2023, 07:09 PM | #9 |
Senior Member
Join Date: Mar 2017
Location: Connecticut Shoreline
Posts: 1,815
|
Re: Tire Durability, MPG, and Oil Use
Our last Model A we owned for 43 years. I changed the oil once a year or every 500 miles.
In 43 years I never had to add any oil between oil changes. Motor was rebuilt in the late 60’s. Under 15,000 miles since it was rebuilt. Two sets of tires, but six batteries. One complete brake job done 4,000 miles ago, adjusted once since rebuild. 18 to 20 miles at best to a gallon of gas. All local driving, stop and go, 45 mph or under. It has been babied. Enjoy. |
05-30-2023, 07:22 PM | #10 |
BANNED
Join Date: Mar 2022
Location: Chenango Bridge NY
Posts: 433
|
Re: Tire Durability, MPG, and Oil Use
Cheap 4 ply rag tires are dicey to begin with,couple the poor traction they offer with mechanical brakes tire life is the least of your worries
|
05-30-2023, 11:53 PM | #11 |
Senior Member
Join Date: Jan 2023
Location: Grass Valley, Ca
Posts: 241
|
Re: Tire Durability, MPG, and Oil Use
I'm still fairly new to the Model A circle, so I don't understand the recommendation of oil changes at 500 miles. Is this carried over from the old days when oil was not as good as the oil is today? 500 miles just seems too often by todays standards. My Toyota Prius is recommended every 10,000 miles for oil changes. I know engines have evolved and improved since the 20's and 30's but even in the 60's and 70's they recommended every 3,000 to 5,000 miles for oil changes. Is 500 miles really necessary?
__________________
Stickshift 1915 Model T touring 1931 Ford Model AA Flatbed |
05-31-2023, 01:03 AM | #12 | |
Senior Member
Join Date: Jun 2017
Location: Walla Walla, WA
Posts: 1,044
|
Re: Tire Durability, MPG, and Oil Use
Quote:
What you say about older oil versus newer oil is absolutely true. What is also true is that your Toyota, my Honda and everyone else's modern cars have engines that are balanced, have more durable bearings, and are designed with tolerances unheard of in the late 20's and early 30's. Computer systems also insure better combustion which results in less crud making its way to the oil. They also have oil filters. On the flip side, many of us have Babbitted bearings using a splash oil system. However, we now run modern oil in our A's and many people also equip with some sort of oil filter. Many Model A'ers still don't want to vary from the original 500 mile oil change interval originally required by Ford. Given the cost to re Babbitt an engine and the fact that engine rebuilders who do Babbitts are dwindling, frequent oil changes are thought to be cheap insurance. Others will go 1000 miles or more with a clear conscience and cite newer oil and filters. I have a friend who says he doesn't keep track of the miles, but changes the oil when it gets "dirty enough". What it comes down to is that it is purely the choice of the owner. At this point we don't need to worry about voiding the warranty. Cheers |
|
05-31-2023, 08:11 AM | #13 |
Senior Member
Join Date: Feb 2011
Location: NNNNNNNNJJJJJJJJJJ
Posts: 6,758
|
Re: Tire Durability, MPG, and Oil Use
Is 500 miles really necessary?
not unless you live in the outback or live on a logging range......... |
05-31-2023, 09:08 AM | #14 |
Senior Member
Join Date: May 2010
Location: The Great Dismal Swamp
Posts: 176
|
Re: Tire Durability, MPG, and Oil Use
Best mileage I've gotten with mine was 25 mpg, and that was cruising between 45-50 mph on a long drive. Around town...it's down to 15 or so.
I've put about 2000 miles on my car since I bought it last year and just changed the oil for the first time. It looked fine and I think I probably could have gotten many more miles out of it, but I needed to drop the oil pan anyway, so it was time to do it all.
__________________
Member, MAFCA and MARC Current owner, 1928 RHD Australian-built Phaeton CA4752 "Felicity" and a 1931 Victoria "Katie" Former owner, 1929 Phaeton, 1929 Fordor |
05-31-2023, 10:05 AM | #15 |
Senior Member
Join Date: Mar 2017
Location: Connecticut Shoreline
Posts: 1,815
|
Re: Tire Durability, MPG, and Oil Use
|
05-31-2023, 02:18 PM | #16 |
Senior Member
Join Date: Oct 2012
Location: Portsmouth, Virginia
Posts: 303
|
Re: Tire Durability, MPG, and Oil Use
If you don't drive a lot of miles, yearly oil changes are fine.
|
05-31-2023, 07:03 PM | #17 |
Senior Member
Join Date: Aug 2020
Location: Sagle, Idaho
Posts: 359
|
Re: Tire Durability, MPG, and Oil Use
My opinion...anyone who changes their oil at 500 miles with today's oil is just trying to make themselves feel good. I use a semi senthetic 10/40 with high ZDDP, don't run an air filter, and when I change the oil it looks nearly brand new. Oh yes, I change it once a year for something to do as I can't get enough working on that car, but I have never driven more than 500 miles in a year. Just trying to make myself feel good!
|
05-31-2023, 07:30 PM | #18 | |
Senior Member
Join Date: Jun 2014
Location: Melbourne, Australia
Posts: 7,471
|
Re: Tire Durability, MPG, and Oil Use
Quote:
In that engine, I have insert bearings and a counterweights crank shaft. The middle main bearing is pressure fed (25 psi), 5.5 head, oil filter, a conservative cam and downdraught carburettor. At 50 mph and fresh oil it sits on 180°F and 25 psi to the bearing. After a while, the pressure starts to drop at the same speed and temperature. By the time it is down to 22 psi, I change the oil and every second change, the filter as well. Oil change is regularly at 3,500 miles using the cheapest 20W50 oil I can find. If we are going somewhere rather than sightseeing or relaxing, I can change oil every couple of weeks.
__________________
I'm part of the only ever generation with an analogue childhood and a digital adulthood. |
|
06-01-2023, 07:32 AM | #19 |
BANNED
Join Date: Mar 2022
Location: Chenango Bridge NY
Posts: 433
|
Re: Tire Durability, MPG, and Oil Use
Modern oils have additives that help prevent shear and increase the load carrying capability, both beneficial.
Oil should be changed on low mileage cars due to acids from combustion breaking down the oil, this effect on oil is ongoing. |
06-01-2023, 06:25 PM | #20 |
Senior Member
Join Date: Feb 2015
Location: Australia
Posts: 1,966
|
Re: Tire Durability, MPG, and Oil Use
It's the Grapes of Wrath thing.
Running with old tyres over the top of new ones to preserve them. Topping up with sump oil. Thin the gas out with anything that will burn. Should make the records reported by owners look fairly optimistic. |
Thread Tools | |
Display Modes | |
|
|
Sponsored Links (Register now to hide all advertisements) |
|