Oil recommendation

[Fancythis]

Have a1957. Recently had fuel pump failure and now need to change oil and filter. Have not had vehicle long enough to know what to use, i.e. Weight, etc.

[paul2748]

You are going to get a lot of opinions on the correct oil. In my 56, I run Rotella 15-40 diesel oil (not synthetic). Been running it for 7 or 8 years with no engine problems. This includes two trips coast to coast under not so favorable conditions - summer heat and mountain climbing.

The other oil I would recommend any brand name 20-50 oil. I like Castrol GTX. I run this oil is some of my other flat tappet engines.

The above oils have enough ZDDP for a yblock for street use without having to add any supplements. A brand name 10-40 should also have enough ZDDP.

There are racing oils that others may recommend. In my opinion, racing oils are not a good oil for a street engine because the properties are different for different circumstances.

But as i said, you are going to get a lot of different opinions on the "correct" oil.

[Fancythis]

Diesel? Tell me more. Also, the book says use MS 20W above 32 degrees.

[paul2748]

There is nothing more that I can add. The Rotella is designed for diesel engines and it has additional detergents beyond regular car oil. It is high in ZDDP, which is an additive to help regarding wear. Some say it has too much detergent.

You have to remember that oils during the 50's is a lot different than today's oils which are a lot better.

The oil to sty away from is the ones marked for automobile engines only. Most of these oils are formulated for today's roller engines.

Originally Posted by Fancythis

Diesel? Tell me more. Also, the book says use MS 20W above 32 degrees.

[HeadacheGuy]

Depends on use and condition of engine. Regular 10w-30 is fine for most conditions, 5w - 30 came out for energy conservation. As far as brands og, did a lot of engine rebuilding over the yrs and all I can say is use a brand name and stick with it. Mixing additive packages is corrosive and hard on seals and gaskets (we aren't chemists). I do however run Lucas stabilizer (the stop leak blend) to keep the seals pliable and don't go over 3K in any conditions between change. I use Napa brand which is Valvoline but other brands are good as well. Biggest thing I recommend is using a standard filter (not a small micron filter) as most engine wear occurs on fire up and oil needs to flow FAST at that point. You do not need high dollar oil filters, they do more harm than good.