The Stovebolt Site Forums The Shop Area Engine Shop Grade of oil for a 1957 - 235

What grade of oil should I use in my 235 that has not run for 20 years? Should I go thick or thin? How about Lucas Oil Stabilizer when I first fill it up?

46 HalfTon,

I would use some generic 30wt detergent. Put a few hours on the engine and change oil again, using the same stuff. I was stay away from any additive.

Stuart

You will get many opinions on this subject. I would use a good brand of 10/40.

I use 10-30 but my knowledgeable mechanic says I should put in 10-40 from now on.

10-30 Vavoline racing oil with 4oz. of ZDDP added. T/C Steve

I've used 20-50 with no problems..but I must admit
I had no real reason for doing so..other than wanting to keep
the oil pressure as high as I could..no science to my process..

Keith

Kieth do you get more pressure but less flow because of the viscosity? My uncle says that 10-30 makes them easier to start cold and better lubrication off the mark. He also says straight degertent 30 weight is all you need at least in our part of the country..... But I still add ZDDP makes him spit rocks when I do! Steve

Straight 30 is just fine for these old engines. Adding ZDDP is unnessesary, it's only needed for break in.

I like 15/40 in old motors

Bill you (and my uncle) are of course right but I figure it can't hurt as I have no idea how bad/good the PO (when not drunk) treated this engine/truck. I have run across many a weird thing on this truck. In fact I just installed two adjustable bar supports across the radiator near the tank front and aft. The PO butchered the radiator support for the longer 55/235 he did not understand that the radiator cross member holds the fenders from sagging and stops the radiator from splitting apart. Chevy had a lot of problems on the early models and thus the X bracing and the 54's had the top channel. The ZDDP its a feel good thing that makes no sense but then again hobbies never make much sense, that's why they are hobbies I guess. :>) T/C Steve

After checking the 283 in my '57 chev. for sludge build-up I changed the oil filter to a spin on and started using Mobil 1 synthetic 10w30. I've used this oil in my 'new' vehicles and have never had any problems. Its important for the motors interior to be clean otherwise the high detergent synthetics can break loose inside sludge and gunk up the oil pump pickup. Having one oil type for all my vehicles simplifies life. All of the other oils mentioned above will certainly work well, just follow routine servicing schedules. JAMES

i agree,, till its down to freezing them i use 5-30