I just picked up an all original '54 Bel Air with the 235 I-6. What oil should I use in it? I typically run synthetic in everything I own, but I have a case of Valvoline All Fleet 15w40... would the HDEO be alright for this motor? Thanks!
1954 Chevy Bel Air oil recommendation
- Thread starter mrausch82
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It would be an ideal oil.
Pictures please.
Originally Posted By: Johnny
Pictures please.
+1
Pictures please.
+1
JHZR2
Staff member
Yes pictures... I think that is ideal for conditions above freezing.
Awesome car. Take a look at the oil that's in there and make sure you don't have 57 years of nondetergent oil use on your hands. Probably don't, but I did see that happen to a new owner to an old split window VeeDub. Kaboom.
Yes a diesel oil would be great for that old inline 6. We just did a bunch of work on one in a 55 Chevy Pickup (old style). We filled her up with Rotella 15w40 when we were done.
Ours did not have an oil filter on it. Does yours? A lot of people added one in later years.
Ours did not have an oil filter on it. Does yours? A lot of people added one in later years.
Yep, mine has a filter that came stock from the factory. I bought it from a guy who had it in the family since new. It is all original and has 64K original miles. I'll try to upload pictures.
That's a nice clean '54 Bel Air! Very original, and very cool.
What are you plans for it?
To keep on topic, the 15W-40 would be just fine for the 235.
FYI, from my '54 owners manual, Chevrolet recommended a 20 weight oil for year round use, and thinner weight oils (20W, 10W, 5W) for winter use depending on the temperature.
What are you plans for it?
To keep on topic, the 15W-40 would be just fine for the 235.
FYI, from my '54 owners manual, Chevrolet recommended a 20 weight oil for year round use, and thinner weight oils (20W, 10W, 5W) for winter use depending on the temperature.
Very nice car. Those old Chevy straight sixes were fairly bullet-proof. Synthetic won't hurt it a bit. John--Las Vegas.
As the young people would say, it's awesome.
Oh my, ain't that nice. Good coat of wax and it's good for another 57-years.
It is not perfect, but it is a neat car! I plan to keep it original. It even has the original 30 page owners manual, haha!
Originally Posted By: mrausch82
http://smg.photobucket.com/albums/v637/volvoist/1954 Bel Air/
Let me see if I can load these directly on here.
http://smg.photobucket.com/albums/v637/volvoist/1954 Bel Air/
Let me see if I can load these directly on here.
Nice^^^^ What a pleasure to work on.
After 21 years and 9,000 miles it's probably due for another tune-up.
Originally Posted By: drtyler
To keep on topic, the 15W-40 would be just fine for the 235.
FYI, from my '54 owners manual, Chevrolet recommended a 20 weight oil for year round use, and thinner weight oils (20W, 10W, 5W) for winter use depending on the temperature.
If 20wt is the spec' oil why on earth would you think a "15W-40 would be fine"?
For the OP, I'd use any 5W-20 dino and buy a bottle of Red Line Break-In Additive to increase the phosphorus level. One bottle should be good for about 5 oil changes.
I'd only consider running a heavier 30wt oil if the engine was well worn and the oil pressure warranted it.
To keep on topic, the 15W-40 would be just fine for the 235.
FYI, from my '54 owners manual, Chevrolet recommended a 20 weight oil for year round use, and thinner weight oils (20W, 10W, 5W) for winter use depending on the temperature.
If 20wt is the spec' oil why on earth would you think a "15W-40 would be fine"?
For the OP, I'd use any 5W-20 dino and buy a bottle of Red Line Break-In Additive to increase the phosphorus level. One bottle should be good for about 5 oil changes.
I'd only consider running a heavier 30wt oil if the engine was well worn and the oil pressure warranted it.
I see no reason to run 5w20. I will not run it in the winter as it will usually be stored. Oil has changed a lot since the 20w spec. I agree that 15w40 is a good choice for this motor considering what folks here have said and what others have told me. If I do run it in the winter, I will use T6 5w40.
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