I have a 1914 Model T and am looking for advice as to what oil to use. Anything modern has to be better than what was available in 1914, but here is some background.
The engine and the trans share the same oil sump.
There is no oil filter.
There is no oil pump.
The main and rod bearings are babbit
Top engine speed is below 2,000 RPM
The engine is water cooled but there is no water pump so it runs relatively hot.
Lower gear, Reverse, and the brake are achieved by pushing on pedals that tighten cotton lined bands around spinning drums in the trans that are bathed in the sump oil. Some oils seem to make the bands chatter more than others.
High gear is direct drive and is engaged by a wet clutch pack with several steel disks.
There is no starter, only a hand crank. Higher cold viscosity oils are harder to crank as they cause drag at the bands and the clutch pack.
The previous owner used Rotella 15W-40 and it was hard to crank start the car without jacking up the rear end. I switched to Rotella 5W40 and adjusted the bands and it was easier to start. I subsequently switched to Mobil 0W-40 and it was easier still to start. That is what I am running now, but it is time for the annual oil change. (It only sees a few hundred miles of use a year)
What oils have the lowest cold viscosity to help with crank starting?
Would a low friction modifier content like a motorcycle oil to help with the bands chattering as they engage, or would it make starting harder?
Would an oil with some EP content be advised since it also lubes the gears?
Thanks for your thoughts!
-Joe
The engine and the trans share the same oil sump.
There is no oil filter.
There is no oil pump.
The main and rod bearings are babbit
Top engine speed is below 2,000 RPM
The engine is water cooled but there is no water pump so it runs relatively hot.
Lower gear, Reverse, and the brake are achieved by pushing on pedals that tighten cotton lined bands around spinning drums in the trans that are bathed in the sump oil. Some oils seem to make the bands chatter more than others.
High gear is direct drive and is engaged by a wet clutch pack with several steel disks.
There is no starter, only a hand crank. Higher cold viscosity oils are harder to crank as they cause drag at the bands and the clutch pack.
The previous owner used Rotella 15W-40 and it was hard to crank start the car without jacking up the rear end. I switched to Rotella 5W40 and adjusted the bands and it was easier to start. I subsequently switched to Mobil 0W-40 and it was easier still to start. That is what I am running now, but it is time for the annual oil change. (It only sees a few hundred miles of use a year)
What oils have the lowest cold viscosity to help with crank starting?
Would a low friction modifier content like a motorcycle oil to help with the bands chattering as they engage, or would it make starting harder?
Would an oil with some EP content be advised since it also lubes the gears?
Thanks for your thoughts!
-Joe
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