Topic: Engine Oil

[bankerguy]

I am new to the forum and a new owner of a 65 Mustang convertible.  I have a question about the best oil to use...please forgive me if this has already been addressed.  The car has the original 289 4V engine with 82,000 miles...runs great.  How frequently should I change the oil and what kind of oil should I use. 

[tomtri66]

Welcome to the forum!!

I use Valvoline Racing oil 10W-30 because it has sufficient Zinc (ZDDP) content for flat tappet engines.  Modern oil does not have enough zinc additive due to the fact that modern engines use roller valve trains. Their are also zinc additives available if you cannot find an oil with high enough zinc content.  Without this additive close tolerance high pressure areas (such as lifter lobes) in the engine can prematurely wear.

 I change my oil every 3000 miles, but since I rarely put more than 1500 a year on my hardtop, I change it every fall before I winterize the car.  I know some guys in my local club who change it twice a year (spring & fall), but I believe this to be overkill IMHO.

Tom

[dave6768]

I too have used the Valvoline Racing oil.  However, I understand that it does not have the normal amount of detergents.  I'm going to change back to my standard oil and start adding the ZDDP additive.  I change my every spring (to remove condensed moisture from cold weather) and I only put on 500 to 1500 miles a year.
Dave

[64rustang]

I use Amsoil Heavy Duty Diesel and Marine oil in my '65.  It has been rebuilt though.  The seals tend to leak in an older engine that has never been run with synthetics.  At least that's what I heard.  I know there is great controversy about using synthetics in older vehicles.  That is topic for a separate discussion.  So, let's not go down that road in this thread.  I was just on the Amsoil website checking the ZDDP content of their oils.  I found that they now have an oil formulated for classic and high performance vehicles.  It has the high ZDDP levels needed along with the corrosion protection for vehicles that don't see frequent use.  If this was something you were to consider using, you would want to contact their engineering department and ask about using it in an engine that has not been rebuilt recently.  The one thing I don't like is how they rate the service life of this formulation.  Almost all of their 100% synthetics are rated for 25,000 miles or one year.  This formulation is rated for 5,000 miles or one year.  Which is fine for most of us.  I think the reduced rating is because of it's intent for high performance vehicles.  I've attached a few links to their website.  It's interesting reading if nothing else.  I personally like synthetics.  I drive 25,000 a year for work.  I thought it was insane to only change my oil once a year.  However, I've never had an engine problem in 9 years.  BTW, I am not a dealer or distributor, just a satisfied customer. 
http://www.amsoil.com/storefront/zrt.aspx 
http://www.amsoil.com/lit/databulletins/g2883.pdf
http://www.amsoil.com/techservicesbulletin/motoroil/tsb%20mo-2007-08-08%20flat%20tappet.pdf

[tomtri66]

  I change my every spring (to remove condensed moisture from cold weather) and I only put on 500 to 1500 miles a year.
Dave

I like this idea.  My thought was that I wanted fresh oil coating for winter storage, but the condensation issue has me thinking.....

[jwc66k]

I've used Pennzoil and Quaker State in all my cars since 1964 with no (repeat, NO so don't get nasty) problems. Recently I've added the ZDDP additive to my 65 and 66 Mustangs oil changes. I do the once a year change but drive my three Mustangs less than 1000 miles a year. My 79 Ford van and my 69 VW Baja are on the 3000 mile cycle. Living in California I don't have a condensation problem, all cars are in the garage or under cover.
Jim

[CharlesTurner]

From what I understand, old engines that haven't been rebuilt don't really need new oils with zddp, so it is fine to continue running the old oils.  On new engines with modern internals, it is much more imperative that proper oils are used, especially during cam break-in.

[bankerguy]

Gentlemen,
Thanks for the information.  As I get better acquainted with my car I can see how helpful this forum will be.  Again, thanks!
Bankerguy

[CharlesTurner]

Gentlemen,
Thanks for the information.  As I get better acquainted with my car I can see how helpful this forum will be.  Again, thanks!
Bankerguy

Yep, great bunch of folks here!

BTW, noticed you VIN.  I restored a '65 K convertible, a San Jose car with unit number 184819.  Guessing that a lot of details will be the same on your car.  Would be interested in any pics you may have.  Can either send in e-mail or share with the group.

[bankerguy]

Charles,
That's interesting.  I have a lot to learn and will appreciate any information you can share with me about your restoration.  I'll take some pictures and will email them to you.  Right now, it's at the shop getting some work done on the power steering and brakes. 
Peter

[CharlesTurner]

Here's some pics of the K convertible...

http://65kresto.blogspot.com/

[bankerguy]

Charles,
That's a beautiful car!  Great job on the restoration.  I'll try to post some pictures of mine this afternoon. 
Peter

[Jays66gt]

I run with the Valvoline Racing Formula.  Why?  Seems to be the one of choice.  I change it every Spring.  I actually change almost all the fluids in the Spring.  That way I know everything is good for the driving season.