Another stupid question from an FNG. (Ford Flathead)

I acquired a 40 ford coupe over the winter and want to get it out and do a few things to it. I was told by the man I got it from that the motor was rebuilt at some point " probably in the late 70's", with the exception of the 12v alternator it appears to be a stock rebuild of the stock motor.

Enter my stupid question............

What oil should I be using? Weight? Type? Brand? I know this sounds like a dumb question but please don't H.A.M.Ber me to bad.

Thanks

 

30W high detergent oil will do it.

 

How long has it been running? How long since last run? What sort of oil is in it? Does it have a filter?

If it has been run with non detergent oil, people say you should continue with non detergent. If ran with a detergent oil, it's ok to carry on with that type.

Personally I just but a reasonable quality of 20W50 and run that. If no filter be prepared to change it more often.

You could pop over to FordBarn - lots of flatty Knowhow there. But any question about oil gets 30 different answers. the reality is that if you just buy a reputable brand and change it regularly you will be ok. How will you ever know if a different brand would be better or worse? You never will, so just use something of a reasonable quality.

I said "people say" to use non detergent if it was used before - but even then people say they have had no ill effect from using a detergent type in an older engine that had plenty of sludge. I've never ran an old engine without cleaning it out so I can't say who is right on that one.

Good people on Fordbarn for any flatty questions.

Mart.

 

I use Valvolene VR-1 straight 40 weight. Your local store will probably have to order it in.

 

How 'bouts a pic of the coupe? DD

 

The only ramification of using a detergent oil in an engine predating detergent oil is that the new oil will clean out any sludge that may or may not be present in the engine. It cleans into the pores of the metal pretty well, and if the casting was poor, it could cause oil leaks...I would not be so concerned with that, Henry had some good castings for the most part. If it would happen, you would just need to open the engine back up and seal the inside of the casting with some Glyptol or some good paint.

I agree with frequent oil changes if no filter is present, but if you are unsure of the present oil, I would probably change the new oil you put in fairly soon just to see if sludge is being flushed out. Other than that, I think you found a keeper. I would love to find a flatty to play with, even without a chassis to go with it.

 

Here ya go

 

There is in fact a remote oil filter. I pretty sure the guy I got it from said he was running straight 50w, I've sent him an email to make sure of the type and brand he was using.

 

Thank you...straight ol' '40. DD

 

Whoa, good looking coupe. I like.

 

That is a good looking coupe. Beyond what oil the previous owner tells you, as Willy301 said "if you are unsure of the present oil, I would probably change the new oil you put in fairly soon just to see if sludge is being flushed out." Look at what you see after you have run your preferred oil for a couple of hundred miles. If the oil looks clear and without a lot of sludge, you're good to go. I like a multi grade oil as stated above, a 20W50, detergent, is safe.

All the best,
Dale
Cleveland OH

 

I use 20w50 brad penn oil it is a great oil and recommended for flatheads

 

Straight 50??

Hard starting when cold for sure.

Mart.

 

I didn't realize a posted an altered photo. Here's the regular one

 

The back side