Hot Rods What oil should I be running in my flathead?

Is it okay to run 10w30 oil in my flathead or should I put straight 30?
It is the original motor. Thanks

 

Some people say
If its had non detergent to stay with it …. Allegedly detergent oil will loosen all the sludge.

 

I was told to use 15w 40w with zinc.....for diesels....The flathead guy in our neck of the woods Brad Wallace of Md. recommends it....literally told me 2 days ago.

 

+1 on the Non detergent oil if its original.

I'd go with a 10W oil so you get better oil flow when it's cold.

I run Valvoline VR1 Racing Oil, I've learned that it has the proper amount of ZDDP additive. They quit putting in ZDDP because it poisons exhaust catalyst but it should be included to protect flat tappet cams.

 

Try "search", a load of Threads exist.

 

If the motor is original or has alot of miles, stick with a 30 or 40 weight, preferably a non-detergent.Stay away from multi-vicosity oils and really thin weights, in a well used motor.A bottle of Lucas oil wouldn't hurt either. High detergent oil will break loose sludge and cause all sorts of havoc.Now if the motor was rebuilt properly and all the clearances were in spec, you could run a thin, or multi-vis type oil and not hurt anything.JMO.Randy

 

If the motor is not rebuilt use 30wt non detergent. If it is I use Mobil 1 20w50. Has the highest amount of zink.

 

Detergent oil will not loosen sludge - old wives tale. Detergent oil holds impurities in suspension. Change oil on a regular basis.

 

yes!!

 

Use "ZDDP Plus" for the needed zinc if you cannot find the proper diesel oil (being phased out, I was told).....

 

Look Here - http://www.zddplus.com/

 

Ditto, flatjack.

30 wt, and use what has the most zinc content.

4TTRUK

 

I use either Valvoline or N A P A 30 wht or 40 wht depending upon whats in stock . scrubba

 

Brad Penn. Lots of zinc. The enviro nazies stripped the zinc from Rotella.

 

I use 15-40 diesel grade oil in my 8BA flathead. Now that muy son owns a Car-Quest, I use their brand.

 

+1 for Brad Penn.

 

i use brad penn 20-50 and its loaded with zinc,besides the guy that sells it is an alliance vendor

 

The wet kind.

 

I have been using Tractor Supply Diesel oil 15w 40 since my engine was rebuilt. Runs 55 lbs at start up then 42 to 45 at cruise. Idles at 40.

 

vr-50,with lucas stabilizer for mine.

 

15w-40 rotella

 

If an oil pan has been cleaned out, is it safe to run detergent oil? Not much sludge for it loosen up after that....

 

you dont have to run detergent oil you can put some marvel mystery oil in before the change and it cleans up nice

 

Yes. Don't believe that myth about loosening sludge.

 

What about synthetic ?????

 

I asked Mike Herman from H&H Flatheads and he said "Valveoline VR1 20-50w". I figure if anybody should know it would be these guys....

 

I use Fischer Classic Car oil. 1200-1400ppm zync levels. http://classiccaroil.com/faq.html

 

We usually run Val VR-1. Our flathead engine builder recommends it.

 

Im sorry, totally forgot to say "thank you" to all of you guys!!

 

yes....thanks y'all......