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| | | | Joined: Aug 2003 Posts: 108 'Bolter | | 'Bolter Joined: Aug 2003 Posts: 108 | Hi folks,
I just picked up a quite cherry 1950 235 out of a COE with only 5,000 miles on it--yes, just 5,000 miles on this pristine 235! I'm going to install the engine in my 1946 Fleetline Aerosedan. Given that this engine is so nice and barely broken in, I'm wondering if I should use synthetic lubricants to keep it in great shape for a very long time? I plan on using this car as my daily driver; weekday commute is 4 miles total and then of course there's the occasional other driving.
I did a search in the forums for "synthetic oil 216 235 babbitt" but did not come up with anything; I would greatly appreciate the input of my fellow bolters who are much more knowledgeable on engines than am I! Thanks!
-Tyler in Michigan
PS: I have a nice set of COE intake and exhaust manifolds, as well as the updraft carb, for sale!
Last edited by Tyler Watts; 03/29/2019 4:51 PM.
| | | | | Joined: Apr 2005 Posts: 7,441 Bolter | | Bolter Joined: Apr 2005 Posts: 7,441 | No advertising outside the Swap Meet Forum.
Martin
'62 Chevy C-10 Stepside Shortbed (Restomod in progress)
'47 Chevy 3100 5 Window (long term project)
‘65 Chevy Biscayne (Emily)
‘39 Dodge Business Coupe (Clarence)
“I fought the law and the law won" now I are a retired one!
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USAF 1965-1969 Weather Observation Tech (I got paid to look at the clouds)
| | | | | Joined: Feb 2001 Posts: 4,095 'Bolter | | 'Bolter Joined: Feb 2001 Posts: 4,095 | I would check further but I think all 235s were inset bearings. I was wrong. From Jim Merritt, a tip to help identify early babbitted 235's (optional motors in the pre-'54 Big
Last edited by WE b OLD; 03/29/2019 6:40 PM.
Ron, The Computer Greek I love therefore I am.1954 3100 Chevy truckIn the Gallery 2017 Buick Encore See more pix1960 MGA Roadster Sold 7/18/2017
| | | | | Joined: Dec 2017 Posts: 1,652 'Bolter | | 'Bolter Joined: Dec 2017 Posts: 1,652 | I am not a fan of using a full synthetic in these early motors. I don't have any first hand experience or failures of any kind (because I don't use them in my old motors, including my new builds). I have always been of the mind that the tolerances, specifications, and materials utilized for our old style motors were engineered with regular dino oil in mind. The synthetics, while superb for newer motors, might be too good for these old motors. Too slippery, not enough oil cushion, just a little on the incompatible side. With the cost of machine work and parts to rebuild one of our beloved early style motors, I just cant take a chance. That is my take on it anyway.
Last edited by Dragsix; 03/29/2019 8:07 PM.
Mike
| | | | | Joined: Mar 2014 Posts: 4,509 Moderator, Electrical Bay | | Moderator, Electrical Bay Joined: Mar 2014 Posts: 4,509 | 5000 miles? That's neat. Just my take, Tyler, but I'd use 30 weight Valvoline VR1 in the summer and in the winter maybe 20-50 Valvoline VR-1. I don't believe I'd go with the synthetic stuff. As others have said, I don't think the design will be quite compatible. Good luck!
~ Jon
1952 1/2 ton with 1959 235 | T5 with 3.07 rear end
| | | | | Joined: Mar 2010 Posts: 10,305 Renaissance Man | | Renaissance Man Joined: Mar 2010 Posts: 10,305 | These old engines were designed to run on oil which had chunks of dinosaurs in it.
The currently available 30 wt oil is an improvement of the 30 wt oil generally available in 1950.
By using what is available today is plenty of an upgrade in oil quality.
1952 5-window - return to "as built" condition | 1950 3100 with a 235 and a T-5 transmission
| | | | | Joined: Feb 2004 Posts: 29,871 Kettle Custodian (pot stirrer) | | Kettle Custodian (pot stirrer) Joined: Feb 2004 Posts: 29,871 | It would be hard to beat Shell Rotella 30 weight. Definitely don't use one of the water-thin synthetics like 5W-30 or something similar. These engines need some cushioning between the parts, since the clearances are several times what's found in modern engines that run super-thin oils. If you want to have a little cold weather cranking help, try 15W-40 in the winter months.
Jerry
"It is better to be silent and be thought a fool than to speak and eliminate all doubt!" - Abraham Lincoln
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| | | | | Joined: Aug 2003 Posts: 108 'Bolter | | 'Bolter Joined: Aug 2003 Posts: 108 | Alrighty, it looks pretty unanimous: high-quality conventional 30 weight it is! Thanks everyone! | | |
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