flat head oil question
- Thread starter mll1446
- Start date
bmp
Zephyr Q
Member
There are more opinions on this subject then I care to list (I highly recommend searching for multiple previous conversations on this subject.) Some say non detergent single weight, others modern multi-weight. Universal opinion to avoid synthetics. In my lincoln I use 10w-30 because that's what the previous owner used.
Seth Swoboda
Well-known member
Food for thought, open this link.
https://www.fordbarn.com/forum/showthread.php?t=231478
As Zephyr Q says, do a search. You can read for hours.
https://www.fordbarn.com/forum/showthread.php?t=231478
As Zephyr Q says, do a search. You can read for hours.
supereal
Well-known member
We have used Castrol 20W-50 for many years. Avoid non detergent and synthetic oils. Non detergent oils are obsolete, and will allow sludge formation. Synthetics are fine oils, but tend to leak badly in old Fords, even more than usual. Conventional oils cost much less, allowing frequent changes. Use a good brand of oil. and don't waste money on additives.
Ron Pilger
Senior Member
Posts pertaining to engine oil fifteen years in the future may read like this: how often should I change the oil in the Ford car I inherited? I think the car is a 1934, but it might be a 1939. I know for sure it's a Ford. (Sorry, i'm so used to my Tesla electric, driverless car this is kind of new to me). I don't see any 10-30 oil listed on Amazon so what weight synthetic should I buy for my dad's old flathead? I'd really like to get it to run. And is there any additive you would recommend to keep the oil in the pan? LOL. (hope i'm not correct).
GB SISSON
Well-known member
And what used to be the 'breakdown lane' on the far right is ok for 'driver cars', at least until next year when they will be restricted to bike lanes and sidewalks. How did you old guys ever get home from the bar or the company Christmas party when you had to steer between the lines?..... Oh, back to 2017, and I use 15-40 diesel oil in my four flatheads because it has extra zinc for our flat tappets, and I like that it is sort of thick and doesn't leak out of the rope seals so badly.
In the absence of any history on your engine, ie recently fully rebuilt or never rebuilt or uses a bit of oil or whatever. I would not use a detergent oil if its not a newly rebuilt engine or a synthetic oil at all. I use a good solid oil like 20W/50 or similar. I use Penrite HPR 30 in all my old V8s. You may not find that in your area. Castrol 20W/50 would be another very good choice. There have been hundreds of posts on this question and half as many different answers. Don't be conned into high tech high performance ultra modern oils because your old flathead does not require them. Don't use any additives either. Good luck with your new Mercury. Regards, Kevin.
Seth Swoboda
Well-known member
Ron I think you are wrong. The conversation will be "I inherited this old car that my grandfather had. I want to sell it so that I can buy the iphone 45." By this point in time you'll have to sign bank papers to buy any Apple device, only to have the battery crap out on you three years later.