Essex Oil

[ATE399J]

I've always assumed that the old Essex lump wanted 20/50 but have recently realised that I should be putting 10/40 in it.

Mine is a (very) standard old lump of the 'Zodiac' rather than 'Capri' variety (dip stick on timing gear cover) and seems to run fairly decent oil pressure (admittedly on 20/50).

What is the general concensus on what type / brand of oil that I should be using?

Also, I don't get to do nearly as many miles a year as I'd like (sadly less that 3000 usually).

Edited by ATE399J on Friday 20th May 11:35

Edited by ATE399J on Friday 20th May 11:36

[GAjon]

Valvolene racing 20/50

[thegamekeeper]

Ford and TVR recommendation is 20W-50. What does it say on your lubrication plate? There is no harm in using "modern" synthetic based 10/40 but it may consume a little but maybe not. It is more important that its clean and is changed regularly----oil is relatively cheap, engines aren,t.

[thegamekeeper]

GAjon said:

Valvolene racing 20/50

,

Only needed if 1) you drive it and 2) you drive it like John does!!!

[ATE399J]

thegamekeeper said:

Ford and TVR recommendation is 20W-50. What does it say on your lubrication plate? There is no harm in using "modern" synthetic based 10/40 but it may consume a little but maybe not. It is more important that its clean and is changed regularly----oil is relatively cheap, engines aren,t.

If I could read the lube plate I wouldn't be asking!!!

Wholly agree "oil is cheap, engines aren't"

[TVR_owner]

We use Millers 10-60 trilpe ester in our S Turbo and M Race car. Good oil pressure, almost zero use.

[GAjon]

thegamekeeper said:

Only needed if 1) you drive it and 2) you drive it like John does!!!

Unfourtunately not drove it like anything for the last 6 years, use the Valvolene to slick by hair....... oh hang on!

[Fiscracer]

You'll get as many views on which oils to use as there are people. eg personally I wouldn't use Valvoline unless somebody else paid for my engine rebuilds.

If you don't use the car much any decent 20/50 will do. If anyone is thinking about competition I'd suggest using a double or triple ester. I have used Motul 300V 15/50 for years without problem and that includes approx 20 hours track time without rebuild - most of my fellow historic racers do too.

I don't know the essex lump but some older engines have gear driven distritors and oil pumps, in which case you should avoid modern oils with detergents which can cause skew gear failure.

R