I am getting ready to fire up my 49 F2 for the first time since 1972. I am going to change the oil, but I'm wondering. Should I be using 20w non-detergent? Also, is there a way to increase the flow through the filter?? I understand the filter is next to useless the way it is now.

 

If the engine has not been disassembled since 1972 and is likely very dirty inside, I'd use non-detergent oil. A lot of loose dirt or sludge can break loose, plug your pump screen and wipe out the bearings in short order. If the engine has been apart and is fairly clean then just run regular 10W-30. These old motors aren't too awfully picky.

30W is what the operator's manual calls for. Extreme cold of winter use 10W.
I just run 10W-30 or 10W-40 year round.

The filter system is minimal, but there is no good way to increase the flow (flow and pressure are opposites). You can go to the expense of installing a full-flow system OR use the stock system and just change your oil regularly. The stock setup filters approx 10-15% of the oil at any one cycle - eventually it all gets cleaned.

 

I don't believe the engine has ever been apart, so I guess I'm going with the straight weight then. Thanks.

 

since your ford is a truck and if it has a V8 there should be a clean out panel on your oil pan. Its very easy to take on and off and is there for the sole purpose of cleaning out the pick up screen on the oil pump without dropping the oil pan. I would deffinitly pull the plug and check the screen for any blockage before start up. If its clean I would run detergent oil. Personally I run rotella 15w40 in my 51 F-6 with a V8. I had to pull my intake off after dropping a brass feral nut down my intake while changing my carb out@#$&!!!! The inside of the motor was spotless so I used detergent oil and have not experienced any problems. I kept a close eye on my oil pressure and changed my oil the first couple of times in close intravells to make sure everything was OK.

 

F6Guy:

How do you clean the screen? Does it come out through the large opening in the pan bottom?

I've been running 10W-30 in my flathead; seems to like it.

 

hey Stev8e hows it going. When you unbolt that panel you will be looking at the bottom of the pickup screen. There should be a spring clip holding the screen in place remove the clip and the screen will come out.

 

Mine is a 6, so I just have a plug in the bottom. I drained the oil, and it looked thin and fairly clean. I just put 30W in.