What is everybody using for engine oil in their 216s? The manual calls for straight 20w but I'm wondering what modern oil is best. I know I have to add zinc. Pictures are truck as found after 50 years in barn and then back on its feet with new brakes, fuel system, and tires. Radiator is re-cored and it has new hoses and belt. Lots left to do but at least it's finally running.
My '50 Chevy 3100 5 window, '62-235cu, 3:55 rear My truck ....... Respect The Rust If I'm not working on my truck, '65 m00stang or VW camper, I'm fishing with the wife or smoking Salmon.
Nice truck! The pinstriping on your truck, if not original, is done to the factory specs. It seems very few trucks have the correct pinstripes with many having the whole belt line painted. Notice the lower cab beltline, which is wider, has two lines in it. I think it gives the truck a rather elegant look. Back to the topic; I recommend 15w-40 oil. Kent
Last edited by Lightholder's Dad; 07/09/20206:04 PM. Reason: staying on topic
Nice truck. Looks really solid. Ditto to 15w40 diesel oil. Always readily available and has pretty good zinc in it. I also like VR1 also but alitta pricey around here sometimes hard to find. My 216 in my 51 chevy that i drove for 3years or better b4 swapping it out, i used straight 30w . Cheap and if you are not running a filter, leaves all the crap in the pan. Change it often and will work just fine. I got it by the gallon from Petroleum Products in Pa.
30W and change once a year if you don't drive much. You also don't need a lot additives in the oil for a stock engine. The valve springs have very little pressure even when open and the cam has really mild ramps with little lift. Run your favorite brand oil you like, just stay away from the 50w's, you don't need the extra stress the heavy oil puts on the oiling system. I run standard 10-w 20 in my 250, no additives or race oil, going on 10,000 miles now, because, like your engine, it has a mild cam and mild valve springs.
