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#1 |
Registered User
Join Date: Jul 2008
Location: Show low,az
Posts: 808
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What's the best oil for a old tired engine?
So I just got this 74 Custom/10 and I want to replace all the fluids and I was wondering what would be the best oil for an old and tired 350?
I don't know how many miles are on this engine and I believe it to be the original 350 2bbl I just want as much life out of it as possible. I live In eastern Arizona and rarely see outside temps over 90 degrees in the summer and it got to 16 below last winter.
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1978 C10 Silverado Big 10 350/350.. play toy 1990 V1500 Suburban 350/700r4..Daily driver 1987 K10 Silverado 383/400.. Wife's rig WRECKED! 1989 V2500 Suburban 350/400.. SOLD! 1974 C10 Custom10 LWB 350/350.. SOLD! 1974 C10 Custom10 SWB 350/400.. SOLD! 1999 Silverado Z71 LS1.. Wife's rig WRECKED! On the hunt for a new project....... I'm a Chevy guy.....I'm just not a "NEW" Chevy guy. Last edited by WarBeard; 10-06-2011 at 10:00 PM. |
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#2 |
Registered User
Join Date: Jun 2011
Location: Atlanta ga
Posts: 150
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Re: What's the best oil for a old tired engine?
As long as the engine isn't showing signs of excessive blow-by, I would run 10-40w. Some people like to run diesel rated oil like Rotella. I may switch to it at my next oil change. I have been using Rotella in all of my small engines over the last 4 years.
I would not run anything crazy like 20-50w.
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1984 C20, 454, 4 speed named "Gold Member" |
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#3 |
Registered User
Join Date: Jul 2008
Location: Show low,az
Posts: 808
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Re: What's the best oil for a old tired engine?
It fires right up and I don't see any smoke at all. The tailpipe is not oily.
The 10-40 is Rotella? Or is Rotella a different weight? What does Diesel oil do for old engines?
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1978 C10 Silverado Big 10 350/350.. play toy 1990 V1500 Suburban 350/700r4..Daily driver 1987 K10 Silverado 383/400.. Wife's rig WRECKED! 1989 V2500 Suburban 350/400.. SOLD! 1974 C10 Custom10 LWB 350/350.. SOLD! 1974 C10 Custom10 SWB 350/400.. SOLD! 1999 Silverado Z71 LS1.. Wife's rig WRECKED! On the hunt for a new project....... I'm a Chevy guy.....I'm just not a "NEW" Chevy guy. |
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#4 |
Registered User
Join Date: Mar 2009
Location: TN
Posts: 410
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Re: What's the best oil for a old tired engine?
Rotella is 15w-40. It has more zinc content which is good for flat tappet cams in older engines.
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'69 Dodge Charger R/T 440, 727, 3.55 Sure Grip '68 Plymouth Road Runner 383, 727, 3.23 Sure Grip '89 Dodge Diplomat ex cop car 408, 727, 3.55 Sure Grip '77 Dodge Monaco ex cop car 440, 727, 2.71 '79 Dodge 'Lil Red Express pickup 360, 727, 3.55 Sure Grip '12 Dodge Challenger SRT8 392, M6, 3.92 '85 Chevrolet C-10 SWB 2wd 305, TH350, 2.73 |
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#5 |
Old Heap Driver
Join Date: Mar 2008
Location: Newport News, Va
Posts: 2,640
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Re: What's the best oil for a old tired engine?
From what I've read, zinc has been removed from most all oil, including Rotella. I use regular branded oil and add ZDDP with each oil change.
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_____________________________ Bryan '99 Silverado 1500, 4.3, 5-speed, reg cab, short bed '50 Chevy 2DR Hard Top, 350/350, M2 Front End, 3:08 gear, cruiser. '40 F**d Sedan, all Chevy power, Heidt's front end, TCI rear, nice driver. |
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#6 | |
Building Dreams out of Dimes!
Join Date: May 2005
Location: Bonham, Tx
Posts: 892
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Re: What's the best oil for a old tired engine?
Quote:
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1981 Chevy short/wide. SB400 350th |
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#7 |
Registered User
Join Date: Mar 2009
Location: TN
Posts: 410
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Re: What's the best oil for a old tired engine?
No, they just have lower concentrations of zinc. Diesel oil still has higher zinc concentrations even after the use of catalytic converters on diesels.
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'69 Dodge Charger R/T 440, 727, 3.55 Sure Grip '68 Plymouth Road Runner 383, 727, 3.23 Sure Grip '89 Dodge Diplomat ex cop car 408, 727, 3.55 Sure Grip '77 Dodge Monaco ex cop car 440, 727, 2.71 '79 Dodge 'Lil Red Express pickup 360, 727, 3.55 Sure Grip '12 Dodge Challenger SRT8 392, M6, 3.92 '85 Chevrolet C-10 SWB 2wd 305, TH350, 2.73 |
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#8 |
Registered User
Join Date: Sep 2010
Location: los angeles
Posts: 1,132
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Re: What's the best oil for a old tired engine?
I use straight 30wt in my '78 straight six. I have no idea how many miles are on the engine. Of course it rarely gets into the high 90's here, and the coldest I've ever seen it in the winter is about 36 for the overnight low.
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#9 |
78 Big10 454
![]() Join Date: Jul 2008
Location: Pismo Beach, CA
Posts: 838
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Re: What's the best oil for a old tired engine?
I strictly use 30W in my '78.
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#10 |
Newbee
Join Date: Jan 2010
Location: Phoenix, Arizona
Posts: 1,406
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Re: What's the best oil for a old tired engine?
10w30, or 30wt. I would'nt do anything weird, like diesel oil, or synthetic to a high mileage motor. The motor has probably collected some gunk over the years, and it's best if it just stays where it is. If you break the gunk loose, you can plug the oil pickup and destroy it.
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#11 |
Registered User
Join Date: Jul 2008
Location: Show low,az
Posts: 808
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Re: What's the best oil for a old tired engine?
ZDDP....Is this something I can get from Napa or Autozone?
Will 30w work in cold climates...We just got our first snow today ![]()
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1978 C10 Silverado Big 10 350/350.. play toy 1990 V1500 Suburban 350/700r4..Daily driver 1987 K10 Silverado 383/400.. Wife's rig WRECKED! 1989 V2500 Suburban 350/400.. SOLD! 1974 C10 Custom10 LWB 350/350.. SOLD! 1974 C10 Custom10 SWB 350/400.. SOLD! 1999 Silverado Z71 LS1.. Wife's rig WRECKED! On the hunt for a new project....... I'm a Chevy guy.....I'm just not a "NEW" Chevy guy. |
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#12 |
Old Heap Driver
Join Date: Mar 2008
Location: Newport News, Va
Posts: 2,640
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Re: What's the best oil for a old tired engine?
I haven't seen it at either place. I buy mine in 4oz bottles on eBay. It's not cheap but neither are engine rebuilds.
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_____________________________ Bryan '99 Silverado 1500, 4.3, 5-speed, reg cab, short bed '50 Chevy 2DR Hard Top, 350/350, M2 Front End, 3:08 gear, cruiser. '40 F**d Sedan, all Chevy power, Heidt's front end, TCI rear, nice driver. |
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#13 | |
Registered User
Join Date: Mar 2009
Location: TN
Posts: 410
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Re: What's the best oil for a old tired engine?
Quote:
However, if it's a tired worn out engine....who cares what oil you run in it? Zinc acts as a lubricant to keep your cam lobes from going flat. As far as "breaking of gunk and plugging your pick-up"....what? If the engine is at the point that your worried something might "come loose" and plug your pick-up, you're ready for a rebuild. Just run whatever you want in it, it's not going to blow up or anything. At the worst you'll wipe a cam lobe and end up with a crappy running engine which you would have to rebuild anyway.
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'69 Dodge Charger R/T 440, 727, 3.55 Sure Grip '68 Plymouth Road Runner 383, 727, 3.23 Sure Grip '89 Dodge Diplomat ex cop car 408, 727, 3.55 Sure Grip '77 Dodge Monaco ex cop car 440, 727, 2.71 '79 Dodge 'Lil Red Express pickup 360, 727, 3.55 Sure Grip '12 Dodge Challenger SRT8 392, M6, 3.92 '85 Chevrolet C-10 SWB 2wd 305, TH350, 2.73 |
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#14 |
Registered User
Join Date: Jul 2008
Location: Show low,az
Posts: 808
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Re: What's the best oil for a old tired engine?
I think Im going to get some Rotella and let it ride. I just bought the truck so im not ready to rebuild the engine yet. I still need it to get me a few loads of wood for the winter.
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1978 C10 Silverado Big 10 350/350.. play toy 1990 V1500 Suburban 350/700r4..Daily driver 1987 K10 Silverado 383/400.. Wife's rig WRECKED! 1989 V2500 Suburban 350/400.. SOLD! 1974 C10 Custom10 LWB 350/350.. SOLD! 1974 C10 Custom10 SWB 350/400.. SOLD! 1999 Silverado Z71 LS1.. Wife's rig WRECKED! On the hunt for a new project....... I'm a Chevy guy.....I'm just not a "NEW" Chevy guy. |
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#15 |
Registered User
Join Date: Mar 2011
Location: Alabama
Posts: 49
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Re: What's the best oil for a old tired engine?
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#16 |
Registered User
Join Date: Oct 2005
Location: Branchville SC
Posts: 1,647
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Re: What's the best oil for a old tired engine?
Rotella USED to have zink in it and that was good for keeping things nice and happy. BUT they took most of the zink out of it a couple years ago... Its no more helpfull then some 20w50 now
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2004 z71, 96 z71 on 38s, 88 Chevy k5 blazer, 4in lift. 84 swb project, 82 SWB project , 84 chevy 4x4 lwb project, 88 Jimmy beater/highschool ride. 79 c30. 99 tahoe 4x4 project. and a bunch of parts trucks.. |
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#17 |
Registered User
Join Date: Sep 2007
Location: Emporium,Pa
Posts: 248
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Re: What's the best oil for a old tired engine?
I use Castrol Hi-Mileage or Valvoline High Mileage in my wifes 01 'Ram but I think that has a roller cam in it. I used the Castrol in my '71 with no problems (still wiped a cam lobe in a 39+ year old motor. Bound to happen). Just my .02
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"When you were born, you cried and the world rejoiced. Live your life so that when you die, the world cries and you rejoice." [Cherokee saying] 2001 Dodge Ram Sport 1500 4x4. (old ride) 1987 GMC V1500 Sierra Classic ("new" ride) |
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#18 | |
Registered User
Join Date: Mar 2009
Location: TN
Posts: 410
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Re: What's the best oil for a old tired engine?
Quote:
Rotella has MORE "zink" (zinc) than other oils. Actually, ANY diesel oil is going to have more zinc content than other conventional oils, even after they cut back on the zinc content. The zinc concentration in Rotella is something like 1200-1400 ppm VS. ~600 ppm (or less) for non-diesel oils. So yes, it WAS higher a few years ago, but ~1200ppm is still plenty for an old engine. Besides, what does zinc content have to do with weight of the oil??? This guy has a worn out old engine. Just run it.
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'69 Dodge Charger R/T 440, 727, 3.55 Sure Grip '68 Plymouth Road Runner 383, 727, 3.23 Sure Grip '89 Dodge Diplomat ex cop car 408, 727, 3.55 Sure Grip '77 Dodge Monaco ex cop car 440, 727, 2.71 '79 Dodge 'Lil Red Express pickup 360, 727, 3.55 Sure Grip '12 Dodge Challenger SRT8 392, M6, 3.92 '85 Chevrolet C-10 SWB 2wd 305, TH350, 2.73 |
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#19 |
6.0 powered square
Join Date: Feb 2008
Location: Mesquite texas
Posts: 3,459
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Re: What's the best oil for a old tired engine?
My dads 350 has 270,000 it only burns and leaks a qt every 3,000, still has good oil pressure, and the intake or valve covers never been off, been putting high millage 15w40 since 200,0000
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Aaron 1980 c-10 short bed lowered, cammed 6.0, 4l80e 3600 stall, smp tune, wilwoods, and flames best time so far best et 7.86 @87 on motor 7.57 90 on a 75 shot Build http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=283326 |
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#20 |
Registered User
Join Date: Jul 2007
Location: Tucson, AZ
Posts: 3,188
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Re: What's the best oil for a old tired engine?
I would not spend anything but minimum money on good oil for an old engine. I buy name brand oil on sale by the case at the auto parts store. I currently have 2 cases of Valvoline left which were purchased for $1 per quart about 2 years ago. I use 10w40 in my 83 BB - I think that would be best for you also. I buy oil and air filters the same way and stock up. My BB takes 7 quarts.
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#21 |
Newbee
Join Date: Jan 2010
Location: Phoenix, Arizona
Posts: 1,406
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Re: What's the best oil for a old tired engine?
"As far as "breaking of gunk and plugging your pick-up"....what? If the engine is at the point that your worried something might "come loose" and plug your pick-up, you're ready for a rebuild."
Sorry to offend... Throw six quarts of Royal purple in a 100,000 mile Penzoil motor, drive it for a couple hundred miles, then get back to me. I have not seen his motor, but have rebuilt quite a few nasty ones. I have a couple of favorites... Tranny fluid added to remove gunk, and diesel fuel added to do the same! Both engines, the pickup was plugged solid. It was just a "worst case warning", just to be nice. |
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#22 | |
Registered User
Join Date: Mar 2009
Location: TN
Posts: 410
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Re: What's the best oil for a old tired engine?
Quote:
Throwing transmission fluid into the crankcase is a little different than trying a different oil....don't you think? Either way, anything ready to "come loose" will do so without worrying about what type of oil your running through the engine, regardless of the amount of detergent. Heat, pressure and thermal expansion have a little more persuasion in breaking things loose than your oil will.
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'69 Dodge Charger R/T 440, 727, 3.55 Sure Grip '68 Plymouth Road Runner 383, 727, 3.23 Sure Grip '89 Dodge Diplomat ex cop car 408, 727, 3.55 Sure Grip '77 Dodge Monaco ex cop car 440, 727, 2.71 '79 Dodge 'Lil Red Express pickup 360, 727, 3.55 Sure Grip '12 Dodge Challenger SRT8 392, M6, 3.92 '85 Chevrolet C-10 SWB 2wd 305, TH350, 2.73 |
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#23 |
Newbee
Join Date: Jan 2010
Location: Phoenix, Arizona
Posts: 1,406
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Re: What's the best oil for a old tired engine?
My original post said " Dont do anything weird", and my point was it may do more harm than good.
I digress reluctantly... |
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#24 |
Registered User
Join Date: Dec 2009
Location: varney,ky
Posts: 53
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Re: What's the best oil for a old tired engine?
I run only 5w-30 penzoil with ac filters on my 350 ,5.3 and in the 6.0 i just purschased and never a problem
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2011 silverado 2500hd ext. cab 6.0 2007 tahoe lt 2004 harley-davidson superglide 1982 chevrolet c10 stepside 2 wheeldrive..current project |
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#25 |
Registered User
Join Date: Jul 2008
Location: Show low,az
Posts: 808
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Re: What's the best oil for a old tired engine?
I just came back from Wal-mart with a Gallon of Rotella. Price had a lot to do with it as it was on sale for $10.99. We will see how it goes. Every time I buy a old truck I always worry about the engine till I put some miles on it. This truck has never been tinkered with everything is there functioning or not.
I don't believe it has been rebuilt or anything the title has "Box B" miles of 98k so I'm thinking meby 198k total? Who knows. ![]()
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1978 C10 Silverado Big 10 350/350.. play toy 1990 V1500 Suburban 350/700r4..Daily driver 1987 K10 Silverado 383/400.. Wife's rig WRECKED! 1989 V2500 Suburban 350/400.. SOLD! 1974 C10 Custom10 LWB 350/350.. SOLD! 1974 C10 Custom10 SWB 350/400.. SOLD! 1999 Silverado Z71 LS1.. Wife's rig WRECKED! On the hunt for a new project....... I'm a Chevy guy.....I'm just not a "NEW" Chevy guy. |
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