slingshot2u Posted April 12, 2017 Report Posted April 12, 2017 1951 plymouth cranbrook 218 flat head. Need advice on what is a good oil ? Zinc content is in question on some major brands as well as straight verses multi grade? Quote
st63 Posted April 14, 2017 Report Posted April 14, 2017 (edited) I've used Shell Rotella 15w40 for years in my older vehicles, including my 41 Plymouth and 50 Plymouth with stock flatheads. Always had good results, though recently I decided to try 15w40 "Classic Car Oil" made by D-A Lubricants in Pa. I tried it as it supposedly has less detergent additives. Haven't run it enough to see how it does long term. Don't know how much better (if any) it is than the Shell, but it's priced comparably so I figured I'd try it. https://classiccarmotoroil.com/index.html Edited April 14, 2017 by st63 Quote
Kool48 Posted April 28, 2017 Report Posted April 28, 2017 Brad Penn oil. Has e everything you need for the older flat tappett engines. Also has a break in oil. Very good stuff. Can find on eBay, Jeggs, Competion Products and other places as well. Bit pricey. But a great insurance on saving your engine. Quote
BobDeSoto Posted November 16, 2018 Report Posted November 16, 2018 I use straight 30W non detergent in 1951 Desoto Quote
Don Coatney Posted November 16, 2018 Report Posted November 16, 2018 On 4/12/2017 at 7:21 AM, slingshot2u said: 1951 plymouth cranbrook 218 flat head. Need advice on what is a good oil ? Zinc content is in question on some major brands as well as straight verses multi grade? I don't think you are the first to ask this question. Have you tried doing a forum search? Quote
kencombs Posted November 16, 2018 Report Posted November 16, 2018 I used to do a LOT of engine work back in the 60's early 70's. Our flaties were common in our shop then as well as Chev 6s and ford y-blocks. Based on what I observed inside those, sludge, rocker arms absolutely covered, pan only held 3 qts of oil due to the buildup, etc, it's my opinion you just can't go wrong. Any oil today is better than the best back when these engines were the normal transportation mode. But, I would recommend at least add a good PCV system and bypass oil filter. With those and today's oil, you'll be miles ahead of the best back then. Ideally, install a full flow system but that's another story. 1 Quote
plymouthcranbrook Posted November 17, 2018 Report Posted November 17, 2018 Farm and Fleet 10W-40 Quote
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