Engine Oil

[Al 29Tudor]

What kind engine oil is best for the model "A"? I've read that the latest oil formulations have less zinc which is needed for wear resistance. It is reduced or removed because of catalytic converters in cars. Also I've read that diesel oil has more zinc in it that older cars need and can use because of not having catalytic converters. I'm thinking of using a non-detergent diesel oil.

[CarlG]

If there are 10,000 members of the Ford Barn here, you are going to get 15,000 opinions.

[SGT in Ont.]

Good luck finding a non-detergent diesel oil. I haven't seen any in years. Model A's don't need zinc, but do need a heavier oil than the modern fuel saving oils cars run these days. 15w40 or a synthetic 20w50 will work for your needs.

[Georgew48]

I use Rotela 15w40 in my A, my motorcylce and my Diesel truck. Never an oil releated problem in any of them.

[ford3]

use any major brand 20-50 motor oil, and i wouldnt use non detergent oil on my grand dauthers tri cycle

[John Butts in CT]

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Originally Posted by Georgew48

I use Rotela 15w40 in my A, my motorcylce and my Diesel truck. Never an oil releated problem in any of them.

Agreed.

Rotella's a good product.

And, yes, you'll probably get 15,000 opinions. This topic has been thrashed about for years on this site and its predecessor.

I wonder, though, can ANYONE cite personal experience with oil-related engine damage/failure?

[Bob Johnson]

Click on link below for results of an oil survey I did.

Bob

Oil Survey

[Al 29Tudor]

Thanks everyone! Great "Oil Survey". I have a much better idea now of what everyone is doing.
Al

[1931 flamingo]

If you're following the original service recommendations (500 mile change) you could probably run vegetable oil and be all right. JMO
Paul in CT

[showerxpert]

I have been using Shell Rotella "T" 15-40 in all of my cars since 1980. It been has used in over highway truck diesel engines for over 30 years and stands up to the high injection cam pressures that are super high compared to the flat tappet surface in the "A" engine. Also any of the oils of today is superior to any oil that was available in the 20's and 30's.

[Jordan]

Summer time: Valvoline 50W racing oil
Winter time: Valvoline 30W racing oil

[williamg4x4]

Me to I use Rotela 15w40 in my 2 A, my atvs and my Diesel trucks. Never an oil releated problem in any of them.

[Mike V. Florida]

Originally Posted by Al 29Tudor

What kind engine oil is best for the model "A"?

The slippery kind

[BILL WILLIAMSON]

Originally Posted by Mike V. Florida

The slippery kind

Interesting that you say that, Mike,
This is not very scientific, but, I tend to "evaluate" oils by rubbing it between my thumb & forefinger with increasing pressure to "feel" it's slickerishness & "body"------?? Castrol always seemed to have a good "feel" to me. Bill W.

[billybronco1]

Question for me is "Non detergent or detergent" ???? The guy I bought it from said non-detergent and has not changed the oil more than once in five years, maybe that's why my engine has a knock - suppose to be every 500 miles ???

[Tom Wesenberg]

Originally Posted by billybronco1

Question for me is "Non detergent or detergent" ???? The guy I bought it from said non-detergent and has not changed the oil more than once in five years, maybe that's why my engine has a knock - suppose to be every 500 miles ???

Non-detergent is only for chain saws and air compressors.

Always use detergent and change it regularly.

[BILL WILLIAMSON]

Oh! this is an old thread. Someone asked for reports on engine damage from wrong/wrong weight/cheap/non-detergent/etc! Would anybody in their right mind ADMIT a goof up like that???? I WOULDN'T!!! Bill W.

[luckyal]

Likely not a popular answer but I use Quaker Stae High Mileage Oil plus a half a litre of slick 50 in evry second change. The change in between I put in a can of SeaFoam. Al

[Barry B./ Ma.]

I use Car-Quest 15-40 detergent oil all year and change oil every 1000 miles or earlier if dirty on the stick.

[Mike V. Florida]

You will find at least one person for each brand and weight of oil sold for autos.