What engine oil should I be using?

[6x6 Dinosaur]

For whatever reason I have been using non detergent 30 weight oil but everything from the lowly quart from the 5 gallon bucket says not recomended for vehicals made after 1930 and so I ask should I be using something else or can I continue to use it?

[dr deuce]

I have been using 10w30 detergent Castorol for most of my CCKW's 60,000 miles driven by me.

[6x6 Dinosaur]

Interesting, I changed the oil though the day after I posted this and I used non detergent 30 weight and my dad seems to insist on me using it too on the grounds that it is old despite it saying that on the side of 5 gallons I bought but either way I'd still like to see what others use.

[eaw46]

Make sure your oil has enough ZDDP to maintain the camshaft integrity. New oils have lost this in the last few yrs and its lack can cause catastrophic damage. Please do a search on the net so you understand this. Eddy

[6x6 Dinosaur]

dr duce is what eaw46 talking about true?

[dr deuce]

I have read reports about this an they sell an additive for it. I have had no problems thus far, but plan to add the additive next change. If I remember correctly, it is about $12 per vehicle.

[6x6 Dinosaur]

I have read reports about this an they sell an additive for it. I have had no problems thus far, but plan to add the additive next change. If I remember correctly, it is about $12 per vehicle.

ok then I have never seen it but I have never gone looking for it either but it would not surprise me if it is banned in California for heavy metals or something and since I'm on the subject should I switch to 10w30 or keep my non detergent 30 weight in her?

[dr deuce]

I would take the valve cover of and if it is not sludged up, then you should be able to switch to 10w30 detergent. You might want to change the oil a couple times not too many miles apart to make sure that anyting that comes loose gets drained out.

[6x6 Dinosaur]

I forgot to say that my truck burns oil and my dad wants me to use 30 weight and not something so thin because of it and I'm already using additives to help with the smoking but he has never heard of that zddp but I was too tired to show him this topic but I will try again and see what he says.

[dr deuce]

M1944 chev bomb truck burns oil too and I still use 10w30 in it

[Barry Churcher]

Dinosaur, the Doctor is correct, as is Eddy. An additive is important along with using quality oils. Today lubricants are far superior to anything used in the 40s but the "green people" are screwing things up. The reduced zinc content in the oil is as the Doctor says, hard on camshafts in older engines without roller rockers . EOS is a General Motors product that works well and is not too pricey. I know the Valvoline Long Life oil for older vehicles has more zinc also. In Canada most premium fuel doesn't have any ethanol so it is good to use. Ethanol is bad for condensation and leaves that white muck in the oil. In this country enough of that white crap in the oil freezes and leads to oil starvation and catastrophic failure. I know the freezing is not a problem in California but you can see the effects of the extra moisture in the oil. Change it regularly.
Cheers,
Barry