The Ford Barn

dp1743 · 06-29-2013, 05:16 PM

I'm new to this forum, so, please bear with me if I happen to step out of protocol.

I recently purchased a 1940 Ford Standard wih an 85 HP flathead eight. The engine has less than 1000 miles since it was professionally rebuilt and blueprinted. The oil is very clean, and, I'm not running a filter so I plan on changing it regularly.

My head is spinning with all the opinions out there, so I'm looking for help. I think I've got it narrowed down to either: Rotella T Triple Protection 15W40, or, Bulldog EO-O Premium Plus (for Mack Trucks) 15W-40. The problem is in decyphering the oil company's codes.
Rotella states it meets API Service CJ-4/SM (whatever that means), and, Bulldog states it exceeds API Service Category CJ-4. Both oils are designed for diesel engines. (The Mack oil I used in my F350 Powerstroke and it worked very well.

Do these oils have the Zinc in them that I've heard I should be using? If not, should I be using them in my flathead? I'd like to hear your thoughts on this.

06-29-2013, 05:16 PM	#1
dp1743 Member Join Date: Jun 2013 Location: Stoughton, MA Posts: 39	What should I use for oil in 40 Ford flathead? I'm new to this forum, so, please bear with me if I happen to step out of protocol. I recently purchased a 1940 Ford Standard wih an 85 HP flathead eight. The engine has less than 1000 miles since it was professionally rebuilt and blueprinted. The oil is very clean, and, I'm not running a filter so I plan on changing it regularly. My head is spinning with all the opinions out there, so I'm looking for help. I think I've got it narrowed down to either: Rotella T Triple Protection 15W40, or, Bulldog EO-O Premium Plus (for Mack Trucks) 15W-40. The problem is in decyphering the oil company's codes. Rotella states it meets API Service CJ-4/SM (whatever that means), and, Bulldog states it exceeds API Service Category CJ-4. Both oils are designed for diesel engines. (The Mack oil I used in my F350 Powerstroke and it worked very well. Do these oils have the Zinc in them that I've heard I should be using? If not, should I be using them in my flathead? I'd like to hear your thoughts on this.