The Ford Barn

30 Closed Cab PU · 07-24-2019, 09:55 AM

Here is a previous string on oil, is one of those topics where there are multiple opinions. There are a lot more strings if you do a search.

https://www.fordbarn.com/forum/showt...el+Mystery+oil

Rotella T4 has some Zinc in it if concerned about a need Zinc. I use it even though personally I do not think Zinc is necessary after motor break in on Model As. The amount of Zinc in the current T4 formulation seems to be fuzzy. I have read that too much Zinc is not a good thing, more is not better. You need to know how much is in your oil, and add only what needed. Too much can damage metal over time.

My view is that the Model A does not need Zinc, the A motor is low reving, teh valve springs are relatively weak and do not create as much force on the Model SAA tappets/valves Cam.

More important than type of oil is to change it frequently. It helps to keep contaminants from getting into the lower end bearings. An alternative is to add an oil filter. Even if my A had a oil filter I would still change it frequently, oil is cheaper than an engine rebuild.

100IH · 07-25-2019, 02:38 PM

Don't listen to any one, including me. Racing oil makes faster, thicker oil makes slower.
The really sad thing is, can't hardly find single viscosity 30. What'sa guy to do? Seriously, I will add - synthetics don't care much for cork gaskets.

Ernie Vitucci · 07-25-2019, 03:23 PM

Good afternoon...Our engine guru here in the wilds of Arizona (read never very cold) recommends that we run Castrol HD 30 Heavy Duty. I can usually find it at NAPA or order it at O'Riley's just slightly cheaper...Ernie in Arizona. Our 'A' seems to like it. Ernie in Arizona

Werner · 07-25-2019, 03:47 PM

It actually only makes nonsense to use single-grade oil. Today's technology offers perfect multi-grade oils that no one doubts that understands a bit of technology. Synthetic oil or mineral oil can be discussed. But not with single-grade oils, whose technology finally ended in the 60's. Slight spread - 10/15/20W-40 are correct for our use in the A.

30 Closed Cab PU · 07-25-2019, 05:00 PM

I believe there is a Rotella 30 weight oil, but has to be special ordered. Not sold by most. At least that is what my Mod A shop told me. That is what they use.

07-24-2019, 09:55 AM	#41
30 Closed Cab PU Senior Member Join Date: Aug 2018 Posts: 2,332	Re: Synthetic Oil Here is a previous string on oil, is one of those topics where there are multiple opinions. There are a lot more strings if you do a search. https://www.fordbarn.com/forum/showt...el+Mystery+oil Rotella T4 has some Zinc in it if concerned about a need Zinc. I use it even though personally I do not think Zinc is necessary after motor break in on Model As. The amount of Zinc in the current T4 formulation seems to be fuzzy. I have read that too much Zinc is not a good thing, more is not better. You need to know how much is in your oil, and add only what needed. Too much can damage metal over time. My view is that the Model A does not need Zinc, the A motor is low reving, teh valve springs are relatively weak and do not create as much force on the Model SAA tappets/valves Cam. More important than type of oil is to change it frequently. It helps to keep contaminants from getting into the lower end bearings. An alternative is to add an oil filter. Even if my A had a oil filter I would still change it frequently, oil is cheaper than an engine rebuild.

07-25-2019, 02:38 PM	#42
100IH Senior Member Join Date: Dec 2011 Location: SW Idaho Posts: 970	Re: Synthetic Oil Don't listen to any one, including me. Racing oil makes faster, thicker oil makes slower. The really sad thing is, can't hardly find single viscosity 30. What'sa guy to do? Seriously, I will add - synthetics don't care much for cork gaskets.

07-25-2019, 03:23 PM	#43
Ernie Vitucci Senior Member Join Date: May 2016 Location: Scottsdale, Arizona Posts: 611	Re: Synthetic Oil Good afternoon...Our engine guru here in the wilds of Arizona (read never very cold) recommends that we run Castrol HD 30 Heavy Duty. I can usually find it at NAPA or order it at O'Riley's just slightly cheaper...Ernie in Arizona. Our 'A' seems to like it. Ernie in Arizona

07-25-2019, 03:47 PM	#44
Werner Senior Member Join Date: Jan 2019 Location: Germany, near Aachen Posts: 1,153	Re: Synthetic Oil It actually only makes nonsense to use single-grade oil. Today's technology offers perfect multi-grade oils that no one doubts that understands a bit of technology. Synthetic oil or mineral oil can be discussed. But not with single-grade oils, whose technology finally ended in the 60's. Slight spread - 10/15/20W-40 are correct for our use in the A. __________________ Beste Gruesse aus Deutschland, Werner Ford Model A, Roadster, 1928 Citroen 11 CV, 1947 Hercules W 2000, 1976; (with NSU-Wankel Rotary Engine), Canadian version

07-25-2019, 05:00 PM	#45
30 Closed Cab PU Senior Member Join Date: Aug 2018 Posts: 2,332	Re: Synthetic Oil I believe there is a Rotella 30 weight oil, but has to be special ordered. Not sold by most. At least that is what my Mod A shop told me. That is what they use.