The Ford Barn

Mad Mac · 02-16-2020, 08:56 PM

I have just bought some Havoline 20-W50 oil for my Model A. I bought it because it says "better wear protection for older engines". But then I noticed it also says API SJ. I recall reading somewhere that it should be API SC for Model As? I know some guys think its not important but I want to get it right if possible.

Ernie Vitucci · 02-16-2020, 10:38 PM

Good Evening...Model A Engines should have SN engine oil according to a recent article in Model A Times...Give it a read and then decide...Ernie in Arizona

CWPASADENA · 02-16-2020, 10:47 PM

The 20-W50 oil will work just fine in your Model A. This is way better stuff than what was available when your Model A was new.

Chris W.

M2M · 02-17-2020, 12:57 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mad Mac

I have just bought some Havoline 20-W50 oil for my Model A. I bought it because it says "better wear protection for older engines". But then I noticed it also says API SJ. I recall reading somewhere that it should be API SC for Model As? I know some guys think its not important but I want to get it right if possible.

SJ is more than good for an A. SC oil will be hard to find and expensive if you do.

Mad Mac · 02-17-2020, 01:58 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ernie Vitucci

Good Evening...Model A Engines should have SN engine oil according to a recent article in Model A Times...Give it a read and then decide...Ernie in Arizona

Yes it was SN, not SJ and I think you are correct.
Thanks,
Mac

Conaway2 · 02-17-2020, 09:14 PM

Sponsored Links (Register now to hide all advertisements)

My engine rebuilder - with a national reputation - suggested to use Valvoline VR1 Racing oil - 10W-30, with ZDDP Plus additive to restore zinc and phosphorus levels to the oil to prevent premature wear to the cam and tappets. It made sense to me and really doesn’t cost more, so I follow the recommendations. Amazon sells both products.

Jim

M2M · 02-17-2020, 09:20 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mad Mac

Yes it was SN, not SJ and I think you are correct.
Thanks,
Mac

The cheap oil at Walmart is SN.

captndan · 02-19-2020, 04:44 PM

Rotella T and don't worry about the little stuff.

30 Closed Cab PU · 02-19-2020, 05:53 PM

Zinc is not needed after break in on the A motor, zinc was added later due to higher engine speeds requiring stiffer valve springs to prevent valve float.

pjdeb · 02-22-2020, 11:17 AM

What Rotella do you use? T4?

Y-Blockhead · 02-22-2020, 12:01 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Conaway2

My engine rebuilder - with a national reputation - suggested to use Valvoline VR1 Racing oil - 10W-30, with ZDDP Plus additive to restore zinc and phosphorus levels to the oil to prevent premature wear to the cam and tappets. It made sense to me and really doesn’t cost more, so I follow the recommendations. Amazon sells both products.

Jim

Valvoline VR1 Racing Oil already has high amounts of Zinc and Phosphorus. Adding ZDDP + is not needed and a waste of money.

30 Closed Cab PU · 02-22-2020, 01:50 PM

If you do a search, tons of discussion on this. I consider this a good thread.
https://www.fordbarn.com/forum/showthread.php?t=159816

Too much Zinc is bad, more is not better.

I use Rotella T4, has some zinc, might help, but should do no harm unless too much zinc is added. I personally do not believe Zinc is required in the Model A motor..

Opinions vary.

M2M · 02-22-2020, 04:42 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by captndan

Rotella T and don't worry about the little stuff.

Rotella is the little stuff.

02-16-2020, 08:56 PM	#1
Mad Mac Senior Member Join Date: Mar 2013 Location: New Zealand Posts: 366	Oil - again I have just bought some Havoline 20-W50 oil for my Model A. I bought it because it says "better wear protection for older engines". But then I noticed it also says API SJ. I recall reading somewhere that it should be API SC for Model As? I know some guys think its not important but I want to get it right if possible.

02-16-2020, 10:38 PM	#2
Ernie Vitucci Senior Member Join Date: May 2016 Location: Scottsdale, Arizona Posts: 611	Re: Oil - again Good Evening...Model A Engines should have SN engine oil according to a recent article in Model A Times...Give it a read and then decide...Ernie in Arizona

02-16-2020, 10:47 PM	#3
CWPASADENA Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: PASADENA, CA Posts: 1,882	Re: Oil - again The 20-W50 oil will work just fine in your Model A. This is way better stuff than what was available when your Model A was new. Chris W.

02-17-2020, 09:14 PM	#6
Conaway2 Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2019 Location: Mt. Pleasant, SC Posts: 601	Re: Oil - again Sponsored Links (Register now to hide all advertisements) My engine rebuilder - with a national reputation - suggested to use Valvoline VR1 Racing oil - 10W-30, with ZDDP Plus additive to restore zinc and phosphorus levels to the oil to prevent premature wear to the cam and tappets. It made sense to me and really doesn’t cost more, so I follow the recommendations. Amazon sells both products. Jim

02-19-2020, 04:44 PM	#8
captndan Senior Member Join Date: Nov 2015 Location: Tennessee Posts: 714	Re: Oil - again Rotella T and don't worry about the little stuff.

02-19-2020, 05:53 PM	#9
30 Closed Cab PU Senior Member Join Date: Aug 2018 Posts: 2,332	Re: Oil - again Zinc is not needed after break in on the A motor, zinc was added later due to higher engine speeds requiring stiffer valve springs to prevent valve float.

02-22-2020, 11:17 AM	#10
pjdeb Senior Member Join Date: Sep 2019 Location: The Villages, FL Posts: 103	Re: Oil - again What Rotella do you use? T4?

02-22-2020, 01:50 PM	#12
30 Closed Cab PU Senior Member Join Date: Aug 2018 Posts: 2,332	Re: Oil - again If you do a search, tons of discussion on this. I consider this a good thread. https://www.fordbarn.com/forum/showthread.php?t=159816 Too much Zinc is bad, more is not better. I use Rotella T4, has some zinc, might help, but should do no harm unless too much zinc is added. I personally do not believe Zinc is required in the Model A motor.. Opinions vary.