What Oil Should I Use?

djhammerd · Feb 16, 2014

Yet a couple more questions for my early 50's Super A....

What engine oil should I be using? Is it OK to use synthetic?

Is there some reason I should be using a non-detergent?

Also, a recommendation for the hydraulic oil also please.

I have a shop manual coming, but won't have it for a week or so.

mmidlam · Feb 16, 2014

I like to keep things simple. Use 15w-40 motor oil in both diesel and gas engines. Use universal trans-hydraulic lube in all hydraulic systems.

old · Feb 16, 2014

Unless you just did a total rebuild I would not use synthetic oil in it because likely to be rebuild it soon after if you do so. I would just use any good grade oil like say the O'Reilly's brand oil since it is in fact Valvoline oil. As for the hyds any good UTF will be just fine

Janicholson · Feb 16, 2014

15-40 diesel spec is just fine. As is synthetic 10-40 auto motive spec. 20-50 auto spec is OK for summer if the engine has many hours on it. Non detergent is not good.
Low ash is not necessary, but OK.
In the hydraulic system Hytran, Hyguard or other Hydraulic Transmission Fluid that meets the Hytran Spec from NAPA, or other stores is just fine as well. Do not use the non-detergent oil and additive that might be specified in the manual, as the additive is used to make plain oil into a poor substitute for hytran, and is not available. Jim

DeltaRed · Feb 16, 2014

I do the same thing.When ya got 20 engines,you keep it simple.

djhammerd · Feb 16, 2014

Thanks for all the advice....

Sparky70 · Feb 17, 2014

I have never disassembled my super c to look at cam and lifters, but they sure appear flat tappet to me; hence, I run zinc additive.

Anonymous-0 · Feb 17, 2014

SPARKY - Zinc additive, ZDDP is a total WASTE of money in a Super C. Yes, ALL IH over-head valve tractor engines had flat tappet cams & lifters.

If you'd use Rotella 15W-40 or straight 30W oil in the engine that oil has PLENTY of ZDDP in it to protect your cam & lifters. The spring pressure and valve lift on those old tractor engines is low enough you don't even need any ZDDP, but the 15W-40 has 1200 PPM and the 30W even more, 1400 PPM.

Other diesel rated oils like Mobil Delvac, Chevron Delo, etc. may have ZDDP in them too, you'd have to call them, like I called Shell about Rotella.

David G · Feb 17, 2014

The only reason I would do synthetic in an older engine is the ease starting in cold weather.

These engines run so rich that the oil is contaminated well before it wears out, thus good to change it regular.

Run a good 15W-40 Diesel oil like Rotella or Delvac.

Sparky70 · Feb 17, 2014

Thanks for the info. I was just taking the safe route since I lost cam/lifters on sbc 400 and a 250 6 due to no zinc. I will shift gears, thanks again

Sparky70 · Feb 17, 2014

I imagine valvoline blue is ok to

What Oil Should I Use?

djhammerd

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mmidlam

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old

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Janicholson

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DeltaRed

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djhammerd

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Sparky70

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Anonymous-0

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David G

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Sparky70

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Sparky70

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