Alan O'Connell
Well-known member
What oil would you use in a rebuilt 36 V-8 engine?
It may go without saying, but use detergent oil, especially in a fresh rebuild. There are a few out there that say to use non-detergent oil in a flathead, as it is an "old style" engine, but that is bad advice. Nothing could be worse advice as it will produce sludge that will build up in the engine. Detergent oil is formulated to hold the contaminants in suspension so they will be caught in the oil filter or be removed from the engine when the oil is changed during regular oil changes.