LUBRICATION GUIDELINES FOR CLASSIC & ANTIQUE CARS

Notes by Blaine Ballentine Lubrication Engineer for Central Petroleum Company The Issues Passenger car motor oils (API SN or "Starburst") are limited to 800ppm phosphorus (anti-wear additive also containing zinc) to protect catalytic converters. Many failures have occurred in engines with sliding cam followers because current passenger car oils have inadequate anti-wear additive. Most classic cars have sliding cam followers, where modern passenger cars have rolling cam followers. Therefore, oils with higher anti-wear levels are prudent for classic cars. Options: Diesel engine oils are permitted 1200ppm phosphorus, even if labeled SN, providing the C spec is shown first (i.e. API CJ-4 SN). They are available in SAE 15W-40, 10W-30, and 5W-40 synthetic. These have the added benefit that detergents inhibit rust, and classic cars tend to spend a lot of time in storage. Racing oils generally have higher levels of anti-wear additive. These are appropriate for the higher valve train loads of high RPM engines, aggressive cam grinds, or stiff valve springs, all of which increase the loads between the cam and lifter. Look for at least 1200 to 1600 ppm phosphorus or zinc. Adequate anti-wear levels are critical during break-in, until the cam and lifter have had a chance to polish each other. Viscosity 20F separate viscosity grades. In other words, an SAE 30 at 200, and SAE 40 at 220, and an SAE 50 at 240 are all about the same viscosity .It is surprising how well this works from lsoF and higher, whether the oils are straight viscosity or multi-viscosity, mineral oil or synthetic. If you run 20 hotter than stock oil temperatures, step up to the next viscosity grade. Generally speaking, thicker oils reduce wear and thinner oils provide more hp through reduced drag. However, this can be complicated by the oil's ability to seal the rings, where sometimes a thicker oil will provide more power. Manual Transmissions Check for manufacturer's original recommendation. Typical recommendation was for API GL4 SAE 90 gear lube. EP additives can be aggressive toward yellow metals. GL5 typically contains twice as much EP additive as GL4. If using GL5, make sure it also meets API MTl. SAE 50 Engine oil = SAE 90 gear lube for viscosity. Automatic Transmissions Dexron and Dexron II were 5W-20. ATF today is OW-20 or thinner. Synthetic vs. Mineral Oil Some synthetic and modern mineral oils produce less seal swell. Mineral oils have an anti-rust advantage.