Oil change in 1940 ford coupe 221 V8 flathead, questions

[Steve007]

Hello all, need some help from the flathead in the know people. Changing the oil in my 40 ford coupe with a 221 flathead with no filter. Just dumped the oil cold, looks like there wasn't much sludge at all. Thought I read somewhere somebody said to get all the sludge out you could drop the pan and clean it. Is this recommended and can it be done without lifting the engine? Has anyone done this and what is involved? To the best of my knowledge it probably has a minimum of maybe 500 miles and a maximum of no more than a thousand. Was also looking at putting Quaker state 10w30 oil back in. Is this oil ok? Thanks for your input as I am a new 40 ford ans and flathead owner! Thanks, Steve

[alanwoodieman]

rebuilt engine? or just an oil change? most of us use 20w50 in the south, these engines really have a very primitive oil seal on the crankshaft-really just a sort of slinger that returns oil to pan. if no oil filter it would be good to change the oil every 1000 miles, just my opinion, I am sure some on here will chime in and tell you how wrong I am

[Karl Wolf]

I would change the oil often, to start out.
Dropping the pan is a pain... It would have to be REAL dirty, for me.
I've done it, but in a Model A frame, lots of room.
I pulled the intake manifold, and the pan and hose it out with solvent and a small pump.
I am a big believer in oil filters, both the old by pass or the full flow.
This removes wear particles from the engine oil flow.
I would agree with Alan, 20-50. In mine, 15-40. Any oil you have will work OK.

SHORT answer on the pan- don't do it.

Karl

[Steve007]

The engine is rebuilt. Looks like a new one. The car was a frame off restoration a number of years ago. I just don't have much history on it. I believe it always set more than it was ever driven. Sounds like I'd be well off to just keep clean oil in it. I'll forget about removing the pan then. Like I said I didn't get much gunk out of it. Actually the oil on my fingers was still fairly clean. Thanks for your opinions as these vehicles are pretty much foreign to me!

[Jacques1960]

80% Rotella 15-40 and 20% Marvel Mystery Oil changed at 1,000 mile intervals, or annually if sooner.

This advice is worth precisely what you paid for it ;-)

[19Fordy]

Sponsored Links (Register now to hide all advertisements)

LET IT BE. DROPPING THE PAN IS NOT NEEDED OR RECOMMENDED.
You will open a can of worms re: leaks.

[neilp]

I would drive it a bunch and change the oil every 3 months for a year. When you realize you are changing clean oil then switch to 6 months but continue to drive it every day if possible. My wife says I smile alot when I drive my 40 deluxe and I think that is more important than possible sludge in a restored car flathead. JMHO. Have fun with your 40!

Patrick

[Jacques1960]

Well said !

[marko39]

next time change the oil with the engine warm as any crud will still be suspended.

[aussie merc]

modern oils dont sludge up anywhere near like the older [40s] oils . Viscosity will depend on where you live and your average temps , theres no reason to drop the sump just drain the oil regulary my personal chioce is to run a filter but others choose not to and seem to do alright with more frequent changes; personal tip is drain hot and leave open o/night then refill in morning [the longer the drain the more you get out]

[alanwoodieman]

are you a member of the Early Ford V8 club? if not join a lot of information is located there also find out about a local v8 club, there will be a lot of helpful advice and help there. where are you located?

[Seth Swoboda]

Originally Posted by alanwoodieman

are you a member of the Early Ford V8 club? if not join a lot of information is located there also find out about a local v8 club, there will be a lot of helpful advice and help there. where are you located?

Solid advice.

[glennpm]

The advice above is solid.

If you are still bothered with potential sludge you could pull the dipstick tube and use a borescope to inspect the inside of the pan after you have drained the oil. Something like this from HF would work. I have one of these that I have used on an SBC and motorcycle transmissions. It can be tricky to aim the camera end but effective.

https://www.harborfreight.com/digita...era-61839.html

[Steve007]

Forgot to say that I'm located in Indiana. Thanks for all your replies, I appreciate all your wisdom!

[TJ]

If you are in Indiana there are lots of V-8 Club members in your state. Also the Early Ford V-8 Museum is located in Auburn. Lots of good info there for your '40 Ford.

[SoCalCoupe]

Originally Posted by alanwoodieman

are you a member of the Early Ford V8 club? if not join a lot of information is located there also find out about a local v8 club, there will be a lot of helpful advice and help there. where are you located?

Originally Posted by TJ

If you are in Indiana there are lots of V-8 Club members in your state. Also the Early Ford V-8 Museum is located in Auburn. Lots of good info there for your '40 Ford.

The internet is great but there's no substitute for connecting in person with other local flathead people. EFV8 club is the way to do it. Joined the club here in San Diego and found out that it's a lot of fun too. Our chapter is really connected with the local car culture.

[SoCalCoupe]

BTW, I have strong opinions about your original post too.


1. Don't drop the pan, it's a huge amount of work for questionable benefit.
2. Bring the engine up to temp before draining the oil for a change.
3. If you change the oil every thousand miles you're golden
4. Today's oils are so much better than those in the flathead era that nearly everything in the parts store is OK. The only rumor I've heard that I believe is that an oil with no additives is bad, and it's actually hard to find one.

[TJ]

Originally Posted by SoCalCoupe

BTW, I have strong opinions about your original post too.


1. Don't drop the pan, it's a huge amount of work for questionable benefit.
2. Bring the engine up to temp before draining the oil for a change.
3. If you change the oil every thousand miles you're golden
4. Today's oils are so much better than those in the flathead era that nearly everything in the parts store is OK. The only rumor I've heard that I believe is that an oil with no additives is bad, and it's actually hard to find one.

X2 and I use 20/40 oil.

[Steve007]

Want to thank everyone for their knowledgeable input for a newbie! No dropping the pan for me ! Thanks again, Steve