Guys, getting ready to change the oil for the first time since buying the truck(272 motor). What do you recommend for motor oil? I live in Florida where the climate is quite hot and humid most of the year. Also, truck has auto trans - which tranny fluid should I be using? Thanks again.

You may get plenty of opinions on this, so here is mine.



Oil - Rotella T 15/40 . Any name brand 20/50 oil



Trans - if a Fordo, Type F or Dexron III




54 Victoria 312;  48 Ford Conv 302, 56 Bird 312
Forever Ford
Midland Park, NJ

15/40 for down in the corner.

Mike, located in the Siskiyou mountains, Southern, OR 292 powered 1946 Ford 1/2 ton, '62 Mercury Meteor, '55 Country Squire (parting out), '64 Falcon, '54 Ford 600 tractor.

suggest you  search  oil on this web site

lots of previous info on oil for flat tappet  Y blocks

I like www.bradpennracing.com

giddy up

What is best 10W30 or 10W40?

10W 40

-Gary Burnette-

F-Fun2;

Whatever oil you choose, these motors need zinc in the oil for proper lubrication of the flat bottom lifters. I think the Rotella has enough zinc, but i use a ZDDP additive to my 10-40 Amsoil. Just my 2 cents worth.

rono

  Ron Lane,  Meridian, ID

If using an oil that has ‘SM’ in the API starburst on the container, then stick with an oil that has at least 40W in the labeling (ie. 10W-40 or 20W-50).  This will insure that the necessary zinc/phosporus (ZDDP) content is adequate for the older camshaft and lifter design that’s in these engines.  The condition of the engine will dictate if you need to use a oil that has a heavier than normal weight or viscosity but for most engines in reasonably good condition, a 10W-40 oil will suffice.  Other than this, use a brand of oil that you are comfortable with.

Lorena, Texas (South of Waco)

Thanks everyone, I think I may go with the Rotella as I have heard from more than one source that it is the way to go as far as zinc content is concerned.

I've been using Brad Penn 20W50 in my 55 Ranch Wagon for the past 2 years.  My engine is old and the valve springs are pretty soft but I figured a little ZDDP and Pennsylvania parrafin couldn't hurt 'em!  Anyway, the guy I normally get it from closed his business so I'm on my own.  A little online research steered me toward either Valvoline or Kendall "racing oil."  I dropped by the local Auto Zone to check it out.  Valvoline was $4.50/qt and Kendall was $3.50/qt so I just switched to Kendall GT 20W50 with added Zinc and "Liquid Titanium."  I'm sure that titanium will seal up all of the grooves in my old cylinder walls and the blue smoke will stop immediately!!

A.J.

South Jersey

SMSgt USAF Retired 
1955 Ford Ranch Wagon & a couple of old guitars...Life's Good!