Rotella 15-40 oil?

FrankWest

Well-known member
Does anyone use this oil in their model A or Model B engines?
I seem to remember an article or somewhere " maybe in a dream or nightmare" that some model A owners use this "diesel engine" oil???
 
It will work as will any oil rated for motor vehicles. The "diesel" oil has more zinc in it. It is said that the zinc in needed in our engines. It is also said it is not needed.

Any guesses on how many pages the this which oil to use thread will go on? I say 4.
 
It's a popular choice with folks here and at least my Model A club.. I think the grade of oil is the most important thing as all modern oils are much better than what was used in the past. I'm running it now. I plan on tossing my oil for the spring just incase any extra moisture accelerated in the motor over winter (it has just a few miles on it..) Oil is cheap...
 
I'm thinking about it after I get my engine back together. Wish I could find it reasonably priced in quart bottles instead of gallons.
 
At work they use Rotella in everything! I saw timing chain area open and OMG the junk, of course many hours if idle time, and oil changes on time?
 
I've been using Rotella 15-40 for several years with good results. The diesel oil has the additives that are supposed to help lubricate/protect our older type engines.
 
Rotella initially started making inroads into the Model A hobby because as a "Diesel" oil it did not have to meet SAE level M low-levels of zinc which, in my opinion, has kept our engines running for 85 years because of its higher levels of ZDDP, zinc lube which was removed due to newer catalytic converters in newest cars.
It took off from that with the enthusiasts who care most for their cars.
 
Rotella is very good oil.

Zinc in a model A is not as critical as later OHV engines with flat tappet cam followers and higher valve spring rates and more aggressive cam profiles. Zinc is necessary to keep the cam lobes from scuffing. While zinc may not be necessary in a Model A with stock valve train, it certainly will not hurt anything.

I run oil with zinc in all my old cars.

Just my opinion.

Chris W.
 
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