I just got a '74 F100. The truck belonged to my step grandfather, who had the engine rebuilt shortly before he died. If I had to guess, it doesn't have 20k miles on the clock since it's been rebuilt, although this has been several years ago.
Currently the truck doesn't burn any oil that I can tell, nor does it drip any. If the bottle of oil behind the seat is any indication, he's been running Havoline 10w40 in it. Now, from my Corvette experience, I'm a firm believer in Mobil 1 products. The only trouble is that I know if you use Mobil 1 on a high mileage engine, it can and usually will start leaking in short order.
What do you think? Is it worth assuming that the rebuild was done correctly and that all the gaskets are in good condition, or should I just stick with a conventional oil? Also what about the weight? 10w40 sounds a little heavy, I usually use 10w30.
Now, from my Corvette experience, I'm a firm believer in Mobil 1 products. The only trouble is that I know if you use Mobil 1 on a high mileage engine, it can and usually will start leaking in short order.
Well that hasn't been my experience and in this case I don't think this motor qualifies as high milage so it's shouldn't be affected. This 302 probably couldn't be considered a high performance motor either so you won't likely see much if any benefit from expensive oil. 10w30 was the original spec weight for these motors so it shouldn't really need anything else unless the weather or environment are extreme, just avoid Fram filters like the plague as they allow oil to drain from the topend overnight and that produces lifter noise at the first start. The Motocraft FL1A will prevent this issue.
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Paul O
1990 F150 4x4 XLT X-Cab 5.0, 3.55, Comp 35-349-8, Flowtech LT's to 3" single, FRPP Mass Air Conversion
Under construction: '85 351HO, Dart Iron Eagles, 1.6 RR, Typhoon intake, Crane 444232, 24lb Injectors, TweecerRT, Innovate LC-1 wideband O2
1990 Ranger 2wd, 2.3 Briggs & Stratten, 5-speed, 3.08 gears, and now power steering!!
Well that hasn't been my experience and in this case I don't think this motor qualifies as high milage so it's shouldn't be affected. This 302 probably couldn't be considered a high performance motor either so you won't likely see much if any benefit from expensive oil. 10w30 was the original spec weight for these motors so it shouldn't really need anything else unless the weather or environment are extreme, just avoid Fram filters like the plague as they allow oil to drain from the topend overnight and that produces lifter noise at the first start. The Motocraft FL1A will prevent this issue.
Well I'm not looking at Mobil 1 because it's high performance, but it does amazing things as far as keeping the engine clean and reducing wear. The FL1A is a good filter, fits damn near anything Ford.
In the interest of not having to stock multiple different oils in my garage, I bought some more Mobil 1 10w30. I didn't get the high mileage blend because it has been rebuilt recently, and I don't use the high mileage blend in my other cars. Maybe it won't leak, and if it does, I guess it can just join the club with the rest of my vehicles.
I plan to supercharge the engine eventually, and if it's in good shape now, I want to keep it that way until I can afford the blower.
I've switched to K&N oil filters. I like the nut welded on top. Highest burst strength which was a problem on my old VW's and Fram filters. High filtration, which I have noticed in that the oil seems to stay cleaner longer. Oil varies depending on which vehicle. My high mileage 289 Hi Po likes Pennzoil high mileage, my recently built 302 I'm running Valvoline racing oil w/high zinc for the flat tappet cam. Chev truck, Mobil 5000 mile. Does make it a pain not using the same oil for all, but usually do not have to add oil between changes on any of them.
Mobil 1 filters are top-notch too, but they are pricey...
Yeah, I run a Mobil 1 M1-201 filter on my Corvette. The Truck would take a M1-301, which would be easy for me to remember, but they don't sell Mobil 1 filters at the Wal-Mart where I bought my oil so I just bought an FL1A. I'll probably pick one up to have on hand next time.
The K&N filters are my second choice, I do love the nut on the bottom. I don't think that'll be an issue on the truck though because I can actually reach down and get both hands on it to turn it.
In the size we use at work, the K&N and Mobil 1 filters have identical internals - same filtering capacity, filtration efficiency, and flow capability, and I would not be surprised if this was true across the M1 and K&N product line.
Most of the time I use a NAPA gold (Wix) filter on my truck, but if I get oil change supplies from somewhere like Advance or AutoZone, I'll use a Motorcraft or Purolator. I just recently got some Mobil 1 filters through our deal at work, so I'll use one of those next oil change.
Honestly. In my experience with my F150, my stepdads F150, His Harley, The Harleys he builds and my fourwheeler. Amsoil is second to none. I would say that it is far ahead of all the other oils. Try it.
I ran 10W-30 Castrol GTX in my 1986 110,000 mile 302 for around a year. It did fine, had no complaints. Then, I tried GTX in 10W-40, and it wouldn't hardly rev passed 4700RPM, where as 5000RPM was the 'stopping point' before.
Went back to the 10W-30 GTX. NOW I run Rotella-T Synthetic 5W-40. I'm loving it. The price is great, it's synthetic, has extra zinc/phosphorous for my flat tappet cam, and has caused no leaks. I'm on my 2nd oil change of it, but been using it for a few months. No consumption, no oil leaks (just like before). I'm at 124,600 miles right now.
Honestly, my 302 wants to keep pulling passed 5k RPM now with the synthetic 5W-40, when with 10W-40 GTX, it'd feel sluggish by 4700 RPM.
I wouldn't worry about synthetic myths. Mobil1 even says themselves that their synthetic is safe in any engine regardless of age or mileage.
I'd just go with a better oil for an old flat tappet engine. IT IS DEBATABLE. But, I prefer higher zddp for my old flat tappet engine, myself.
And I use FL1A's. I've cut mine open and liked what I saw. Lots of filter area and pleats, high quality parts.
__________________ 1986 F-150 5.0 EFI XLT Lariat 4x4 NP435/NP208/9" 3.50
"Custom Exhaust" and leaf spring overloads
31x10.50 15" Nothing special, but it's a damn good truck.
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