Shell Rotella T 30 wt in flathead?
 

Does anyone happen to have any experiece with Shell Rotella T 30 wt in a flathead V8? I use this in my Model A and T with good results and am considering it for my recently acquired 1950 Ford flathead V8 239 ci convertible.
Thanks for any assistance.

Re: Shell Rotella T 30 wt in flathead?
 

I called Shell and talked to a rep and he said this oil still had adequate amounts of Zinc in it for the Flathead engines,..it is what I will use if I ever get the motor running. Hey! it's only been 5 years.....gimmie a break!!!..https://www.fordbarn.com/forum/images/icons/icon11.gif. .......... Matt in Alameda

Re: Shell Rotella T 30 wt in flathead?
 

Not quite the same thing, but I've been using Mobil Delvac 15w40 in my flathead for the past several years. So far, so good.

Re: Shell Rotella T 30 wt in flathead?
 

i use rotella 15-40 in my 42--59ab with no issues. (i use combo weight because truck gets used year round.) as for zinc? there is enough for a working engine, but, imho, not enough for break-in on new engines. suggest a good zinc additive for this.

Re: Shell Rotella T 30 wt in flathead?
 

I use the Wally World brand diesel oil in all my stuff and the inside of those engines stay clean,Ts,V8s and a Packard

Re: Shell Rotella T 30 wt in flathead?
 

The old chestnut rises again..... flatheads in stock form do not need ZDDP at all. Millions of them were produced before the oil companies started adding it after WWII. It was added because the new-fangled OHV V8s (Caddillac, Olds etc) were destroying their cams due to high valve spring pressures. A stock flathead has comparatively weak valve springs, and so the followers do not exert enough pressure on the lobes to displace the oil film.
If, however, you're running an aftermarket cam and stronger valve springs, then you should use it. Rotella will not suffice in this situation, you need to add ZDDP as a supplement or use an oil like Kendall 20-50, Valvoline VR1 etc, which are premixed with required levels.