What Would Henry Say?

[rfitzpatrick]

The Book says to change the oil, and lubricate every 500 miles. That's about ever 45/60 days for me. It's becoming difficult as I age-out.
When I was an Airlines Mechanic I once asked this Dreamliner Captain if he'd pull power at the gate, so could check this component so as to avoid a delay - his reply: "The Company Follows The Book -- I Follow The Book"

So, what would Henry say?

 

[katy]

I don't know what Henry would say, but here's my take on it.

When that book was printed the lubricants of the day were quite crude compared to today's. In the 40's and 50's, 1000 miles was the norm.

 

[mass A man]

I'm sure all the dirt roads and no air filters may have had something to do with the statement.

 

[nkaminar]

I never changed the oil in my Model A that I drove in the 1960's, I just added what leaked out. On long trips I would wire up a cut out oil gallon oil can under the car so that I could pour the oil back into the engine.

 

[Synchro909]

I run air and oil filters so I feel comfortable leaving oil changes till 1,000 - 1,500 miles. When we are driving outback, towing (so the engine is under constant heavy load) I watch the speedo, oil pressure and temperature gauges. At 50 mph and 170°F, the oil pressure starts (with new oil) at 26psi. I made a pressure relief valve aiming at 25 psi so I regard that as accurate.
After a while, at the same temperature and speed, oil pressure eventually starts to drop. 25, 24, 23psi. At that point, I figure the oil is past its life expectancy (emulsifiers are shredded) so I change it. Immediately, the pressure returns to 26 psi and time after time, that happens at 3,600 miles. I use the cheapest 20W50 oil available and always have. That engine has done about 60,000 miles with the trailer behind and another 10-15,000 solo car. How many miles the car will do if I only drove it solo before the engine needed another rebuild, I don't know but I was recently speaking with a guys whose car was still going just fine at 125,000 miles.
My advice - fit air and oil filters and triple the distance between changes. With the hood closed, no one will ever know except you and your sore back.

 

[Bob Bidonde]

I change the motor oil in my Model A's once per year. This slide may help you decide when it is necessary to change the oil.

 

[gdmn852]

Hello, the 1932 Fords did go to 1000 mile oil change, but they did have air cleaners. Also as mentioned,lot of dirt roads then , have some maps from that are and suprized how many were still gravel and dirt,as shown on maps , I usually change oil before putting it in storage for winter, not so much because of snow but liberal use of salt !