8BA Truck Motor - Oil

Mike A Model

Mike A Model

Member
Recently I acquired a 1930 Roadster, that has been stored for some time, with an 8BA truck motor. As I go through the process of sorting thru the different systems. Two questions, I would like to ask concerning the general maintenance:

1. What oil would be recommended? I drained the oil and opened the oil pan inspection cover; the pan was very clean with no sludge buildup.

2. Being a truck motor how many quarts of oil? Currently, the engine does not have an oil filter.

Thank you for your help,
Mike
 
most trucks have a 5 quart capacity plus one for an oil filter. I have several 8ba engines and I run 20w50 kendall oil in all of my flatheads . if you decide to put an oil filter back on be sure you have the 030 restrictor or you will have very low oil pressure. pm me if you want the oil filter can
 
I think 10-30 would be the correct weight oil with stock bearing clearing clearances. Oil Pressure should be 10/15 lbs at idle and 40/50 at cruise. The reason is the lighter oil cools the bearing better than the heavier oils. However, the heavy oils make the driver and oil pressure gauge happier. Now the factory made industrial engines, that had a tag fitted to the block that stated the bearing clearance. Yes an old engine might need a heavier oil
 
tubman said:
Whatever is on sale at the Dollar General that has an API seal on it.
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I agree with this for a used motor. Remember, when this motor was new, they sold "recycled" oil. Any modern oil would seem like Champagne to this engine.
 
Before I rebuilt the 8ba in my '39 p/u I ran straight weight but after the rebuild I now run 20-50. Some people run diesel multi weight also. Its kind of up to you.
 
using castrol 20-50 oil & if it is available 20-50 racing oil in my flat heads. One fresh 24 stud rebuild & one 21 stud pretty new rebuild & one 350 G M engine with plenty of miles on it,
 
For the great unwashed (that clearly includes me) a reference such as this is essential - Ford Flathead Engines: How to Rebuild and Modify by Tony Thacker and Mike Herman. 2016

Page 107: "Mike adds fresh engine oil to the [oil] pickup. His choice is Valvoline VR1 20-50; it aids in the pump's initial priming."

Is this incorrect?
 
That statement is unclear. Is he recommending that weight for general use, or for the initial run to facilitate oil pump priming? It seems to me to be the latter, but we can't be sure.

I run my engines on 10-30 or maybe 10-40 (whichever is cheaper). If the oil pressure is unsatisfactory, I would consider an increase in viscosity (or a rebuild).
 
jetmek said:
Lotsa bad advice out there
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Direct from the flathead experienced machinist who built the short block. Been several years and a couple of thousand miles and its still running like a top. Everyone has their own thoughts about oil but 20/50 works for me.
 
We don't really need another post here, but what the hell. I have two flatheads running, one completely rebuilt and another "freshened up". I used a 30wt breakin oil in each, and then went to NAPA 10w-30. Both engines have great oil pressure.

The thing is, I would not have considered the 10-30 except for Ol' Ron's posts since I came here to the Ford Barn.
 
first up fit a filter no filter = no chance of catching any thing that shouldnt be there Then talk to your oil supplier they will recomend the correct viscosity for your conditions. I might be wrong but it appears that every one has missed oil temp is actually what controls viscosity and oil life. you wouldnt run 20/50 in winter in northern canada as you wouldnt run 10/30 in saudi in summer as little as 10deg increase on a constant basis can half oil life. Castrol Texeco Shell it realy dosent matter they all have some smart people on there help lines
 
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