oil for a 1930 model A

[cronk]

My grandfather had a Model A dump truck, he sold it off when I was a teenager and his health was ailing. If I remember right he ran sae 30, usually Rotella or Mobil.
If the engine is reasonably clean inside, I would agree with the 15w40 recommendation.

 

[A_Harman]

Originally Posted By: 46Harry
The Model a engines may have speced .001" as a bearing clearance, but they have poured bearings and not inserts as original equipment and as a result, I have never seen a .001" clearance on any poured bearing. I still have my bearing knife that we used on the old Chevy and Ford engines with poured bearings to scrape off excess Babbitt material to get the proper clearance. In service the clearance usually runs more toward .003" and beyond so that is why I use a 30 or 40 grade oil in those engines.


Interesting stuff here. I was thinking that those old Fords used poured babbit bearings.

 

[vintageant]

Shell Rotella 15W40 diesel oil is what I've been using in my two pre-WW2 cars for years.

 

[bluesubie]

Quantum Blue 9.5W-36.2.

-Dennis

 

[Garak]

Originally Posted By: bluesubie
Quantum Blue 9.5W-36.2.

Well, there really wasn't much in the way of formal specifications back in 1930, so I suppose imaginary specifications can't be much worse.

 

[bluesubie]

Originally Posted By: Garak
Originally Posted By: bluesubie
Quantum Blue 9.5W-36.2.

Well, there really wasn't much in the way of formal specifications back in 1930, so I suppose imaginary specifications can't be much worse.

Like this?
http://www.bobistheoilguy.com/forums/ubb...u_B#Post3415790

-Dennis

 

[jrustles]

Originally Posted By: Zaedock


The Ford 201 (L head) main bearing spec is .001". That's consistent with a new Acura. As all oil is too thick when cold, I see no benefit to SAE30 over a 5W30.


Maybe he should try TGMO. At the most, M1 0W40, which is way too thick IMO. M1 AFE sounds like a good candidate. There is nothing to gain by not going with 0W........

 

[Pop_Rivit]

That's the same basic 4 cylinder flathead engine that Ford also used in the N series tractors.

I've used Rotella 15w40 in my N's for years with absolutely no problems.

 

[Garak]

Originally Posted By: bluesubie
Like this?

Yep, I saw that.