Which engine oil
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Senior User
Joined: Mar 2018
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From: Lindsey Suffolk England
Which engine oil
My 8BA seems to have low oil pressure especially when driving at say 30mph in top gear.,Could I improve it by using a thicker oil. What do other owners use ?.
Suffolkman
Suffolkman
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From: Hamburg, Germany
You might try 20W50?
In oiling it is about pressure, OK. But it is about flow rate as well…..
Did you do a compression test to learn about the overall condition of the engine? If it is tired and has loose bearings, you will not have great pressure readings.
In oiling it is about pressure, OK. But it is about flow rate as well…..
Did you do a compression test to learn about the overall condition of the engine? If it is tired and has loose bearings, you will not have great pressure readings.
Laughing Gas
Joined: Dec 2014
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From: Simsbury, Connecticut
I use Rotella 15W-40 diesel oil in my engine. Apparently some people swear by the added zinc. I got an additional 10 psi at 160 degrees (my thermostat is a 160...) at 2000 RPMs over 10W30 using 15W-40. You could also try to mix in Heavy Duty Oil Stabilizer (https://lucasoil.com/products/engine...il-stabilizer) to your oil. Just don't mix more than 50% of your oil into the ratio. Additionally, if you've never torn your engine down, I am sure it's "gunky." There was no detergent in the oil when our trucks were new. So I'm sure the engine would be caked in goo. Modern oils will loosen that goo and it clogs all kinds of tubes and more importantly, your oil filter. You might be amazed at how much more pressure you'll get by replacing your oil filter every 500 miles if the detergent is causing this issue. That's the absolute maximum mileage where I'll change my oil. Some people might call me crazy. But I'm certainly not doing any harm.
But Titus above is absolutely correct. My advice here above is only a temporary fix. Loose bearings will most definitely be the root cause of low pressure. My manual says my 272 should have 45-50 psi at operating temperature, at 2000 RPMs. But if you only drive your rig every once in a while, my "temporary" fix will last you a very, very long time.
But Titus above is absolutely correct. My advice here above is only a temporary fix. Loose bearings will most definitely be the root cause of low pressure. My manual says my 272 should have 45-50 psi at operating temperature, at 2000 RPMs. But if you only drive your rig every once in a while, my "temporary" fix will last you a very, very long time.
Fleet Owner
Joined: Jul 2004
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From: NM
Are you reading pressure with the dash gauge or a known accurate mechanical gauge? What do you consider "low readings"? If your pressure is 30 psi on an accurate gauge at cruise speeds, it's fine.
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From: Lindsey Suffolk England
Next time I take it out on the road I will check my readings again. As stated at driving around 25-30 mph the gauge barely registers. At higher speeds it comes up fine. The gauge is the Dolphin gauge fitted, but of course I do not know how accurate that gauge is. I have not carried out any other tests.
Suffolkman
Suffolkman
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From: Lindsey Suffolk England
As an aside, I was looking at the Ford manual, it talks of R series and E series V8 engines. I now it is an 8BA . I think it is an R series...is that correct ? I have a small oil leak from the front crank oil seal, is that a straight forward job ?
Suffolkman
Suffolkman
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From: Hamburg, Germany
Yes, you have the R engine. You can change the front crank seal completely by getting the pan and timing cover off of the engine. It should still be the split rope seal if original. The timing is upset afterwards, of course.
I had a hard time rolling the new seals in completely, but they need to be seated well, or they can still give when you want to use them.
You might be shocked how much gunk you will find. Enough for taring your roof, perhaps. Clean everything nicely with diesel fuel or kerosene, and it will look fine. You would not be the first one having low pressure because the oil pump screen is blocked all the way. On my pump , it had sucked the screen flat in desperation and starving for oil. The PO back then couldn't care less, but the bearings look accordingly, only copper is left. Try to wiggle one of your conrods, while your pan is off....
Wil from Hamburg
I had a hard time rolling the new seals in completely, but they need to be seated well, or they can still give when you want to use them.
You might be shocked how much gunk you will find. Enough for taring your roof, perhaps. Clean everything nicely with diesel fuel or kerosene, and it will look fine. You would not be the first one having low pressure because the oil pump screen is blocked all the way. On my pump , it had sucked the screen flat in desperation and starving for oil. The PO back then couldn't care less, but the bearings look accordingly, only copper is left. Try to wiggle one of your conrods, while your pan is off....
Wil from Hamburg
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From: Lindsey Suffolk England
Thank you for your help. It's good to find someone else in Europe (which I am ....just). Unfortunately I do not know the history of engine servicing prior to my ownership. It is something I am hoping not to have to do until after this coming season. I will keep an eye on it and see how it goes.
Suffolkman
Suffolkman
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From: Central PA
Thank you for your help. It's good to find someone else in Europe (which I am ....just). Unfortunately I do not know the history of engine servicing prior to my ownership. It is something I am hoping not to have to do until after this coming season. I will keep an eye on it and see how it goes.
Suffolkman
Suffolkman
Well at least Theresa May does, apparently.
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