The Stovebolt Site Forums The Shop Area Engine Shop What Oil to use

I am changing the oil in my 1951 1/2 ton, 216 ci, for the first time and would like to know what weight oil is recommended.

My manual calls for 20W oil for temps down to 10 degrees. This information is from a 60 year old manual, so I would like to know what weight oil is the best to use by today's standards. The truck does not have an oil filter and is not road ready at this time. I will not be driving the truck during the winter but will start it weekly up to keep it loose.

I have used Quaker State 10W30 in all my vehicles since I was a teen including my 49 half ton. Always worked for me although my trusted mechanic says 10W30 is basically generic oil and I should use something else. I had a by-pass filter on my 49 but removed it as I change oil every 1000 miles and even then it seems clean.

I use 10W-30 in my '48 as well. I'm not so sure 10W-30 was in production when I was a teen, though...

My truck is about the same setup: 216, no oil filter, not road legal, but runs. I use the standard oil off the shelf, 10W-30. There are a lot of comment threads about engine oils, but since you'll probably be changing it again in spring before any leisure drives, a modern multi-viscosity oil should do for your winter truck warm-ups. If it regularly gets terribly cold (like below 0°F), you could even use 5W-30.