Flathead oil change

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Aug 24, 2016 | 08:07 PM

Tienmac

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Senior User

Joined: Oct 2015

Posts: 121

Likes: 2

From: Regina, Saskatchewan

Flathead oil change

My 51 8BA has 2000 miles since rebuild in 1997. I put 1000 on this year. I picked up a long oil filter from NAPA today. What oil are you guys using? Do I need a high Zinc content oil or will any quality 10w30 motor oil do?

Aug 25, 2016 | 08:26 AM

Corner Gas

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Joined: Jan 2005

Posts: 5,800

Likes: 9

From: Rouleau, Saskatchewan

I used Amsoil 10w30 in my last change because I'm a dealer and also the high zinc is supposed to be better for these old engines. I'm not sure if that is the case but, it makes me feel better. When these truck were built the oil was not refined the way it is now and there was a lot of minerals left in the oil which help protect the engine components. Zinc is one the other was phosphorus. The most important issue is to use a high quality oil, the brand is your choice.

Aug 25, 2016 | 09:02 AM

Tedster9

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Joined: Apr 2002

Posts: 19,311

Likes: 97

From: Waterloo, Iowa

Since these aren't daily drivers you could get away with specialty oils like the Brad Penn brand without breaking the bank, they are formulated for older flat tappet engines.