352 engine crankcase oil

[philgarvey]

The shop manual specifies "MS" oil viscosity. Which means motor severe. It also says SAE 20 or 20W for operation above 32 deg F. What are the squarebird 352 owners using?

[KULTULZ]

Be advised that those are 1958 Lubrication Specs. Today's lubricants are much superior.

[Astrowing]

I think you meant to say 30W for temperatures above 32F and below 100F, which fits the requirements for most of us. The current SAE specifications far exceed those in 1958. I would also recommend adding a bottle of ZDDP to the oil with your oil change to ensure the zinc is there to provide protection from the high loads on the camshaft and lifters. This is what is missing from the current oil compared to 1958 oils.

[KULTULZ]

I would also recommend adding a bottle of ZDDP to the oil

Good advice here. Today's engine oils do not have the zinc content needed for non-roller engines.

Now this is just my personal opinion, but single grade oils are intended for lawnmowers and such in today's world.

If the engine is fairly tight, think of using a 10W-30. If loose and burns (not leaks) oil, think of a 10W-40, maybe either in a HIGH-MILEAGE oil.

[Jimz Bird]

"Supposedly" 10W40 and outside that range has not been hit as hard as 10W30 on the ZDDP issue. A dose of ZDDP wouldn't hurt.

Check the MSDS on the brand and Wt of oil you are considering.

Here is an example of what to look for:

http://www.mobiloil.com/USA-English/MotorOil/Files/Mobil_1_Product_Guide.pdf

Check columns that list Phosphorus and Zinc. You want over a 1000 PPM minimum.

Here is another:

http://www.amref.com/CMSFiles/File/bp_pb/7126_50_44_58_19_BP_PG1_Multigrade_HP_Oils_PB.pdf

This chart lists it as decimal. Here 0.150 would be 1500 ppm.

Just make sure the Data Sheet is current.

The trick is to get high ZDDP at a reasonable price.

I use the Brad Penn (OLD Kendall GT-1 - the name has been sold and is not the same now) It is made from US PA oil.

I get it here for about $6.25 a quart.

[simplyconnected]

Shell makes an excellent conventional oil for our classic cars called, Rotella-T 15W-40 . Most of the diesel engines use it (which covers Motor Severe) and it has 1,000 parts per million of zinc and phosphorus, two ingredients that mess with catalytic converters but your flat tappets need it.

I use it in my Y-Block and non-roller lifter engines with no other additives. - Dave

[Guest]

Yep I use the 15W 40 to. There is a page on here somewere that gives the best one and i think it was exxon

[Astrowing]

Dave,

Where do you find the Shell oil that you mention? Is it typically stocked or do you have to order it?

Yes, the Shell US head office is here in Houston.

[simplyconnected]

Jim, it's available in gallon jugs everywhere. I even found it in K-mart and wal-mart.

The typical auto stores have it as well.
EDIT:
Check out O'Rilley's

[KULTULZ]

Target Percentage Amount For Older Tech Gasoline Engines-

0.18% zinc and 0.13% phosphorus level

(A non-performance street engine can operate somewhat safely on a later classification. The main concern is high lift cam lobes- ramp speeds - and strong valve spring pressures)

These percentages were reduced beginning with API SJ classification beginning in 2001. The percentages have been reduced periodically since then. There is no need for high levels in a modern roller engine.

ROTELLA is a diesel oil engine. It's percentages have also been reduced since the introduction of particulate traps on heavy trucks. There are other SHELL HD products that retain the original levels but these are usually only found in distributors and in 5 GAL pails.

Just a note to think about.

http://www.zddplus.com/

[simplyconnected]

I just got an email from Shell:
"Dave,

All of our Shell Rotella multigrade oils in the US contain
approximately 1200 ppm zinc.

Thank you for your interest in Shell Lubricants!

Regards,
Edward A. Calcote
Staff Chemist
Shell Lubricants US Technical Information Center
http://www.shell.us/lubricants"

Rotella-T is a gasoline OR diesel engine oil, as described all over Shell's web sites. 15W-40 is a heavy duty oil designed for cars, trucks, construction equipment, and marine. - Dave

[Astrowing]

So, .12% zinc and no mention of phosphorus so it is still short According to the guidelines posted by KULTUSZ below probably due to reductions after 2001. With this logic, you still need to add a zinc supplement.

[KULTULZ]

Correct. The use of ROTELLA was a stop gap measure used a few years ago. Again, ROTELLA has been reformulated to meet new EPA standards and will continue to be reformulated.

Use of a modern gasoline engine oil with ZDDP additive is the best way out IMO.

[Jimz Bird]

This is what I use.

http://www.penngrade1.com/Zinc.aspx

Interesting reading on the testing.

I located a dealer from their site. It was a motorcycle dealer. He didn't have it on hand but ordered it for me.

I bought a case and it worked out to 6.25 a quart. Don't know if the guy gave me a deal or not. He was a pretty cool old biker.

It is the OLD Kendall GT-1. The new Kendall is not the same. Somebody bought the name Kendall so they went to Brad Penn.
This is the original "Green Oil" Kendall GT1.
It has a unique smell. You love or hate it.

AND it is made in the USA of Pennsylvania crude.

[Astrowing]

Just saw an ad in the June 2012 Vintage Truck magazine. Classic Car Motor Oil www.classiccarmotoroil.com has ZDDP already included at the correct levels. Manufactured exclusively for the Indiana Region of the Classic Car Club of America by D-A Lubricant Company Inc. Indianapolis, IN. Not an endorsement, just passing on the info.