Re: 1937 115C mechanical refresh

Posted by Packard Newbie On 2019/12/1 19:54:59

Hi Larry,
When I was discussing various things with the machine shop that rebuilt my engine, like initial startup, break-in, head torquing, and recommended oil to use, etc., I suggested synthetic oil and the head tech vehemently denounced the use of synthetic oil in engines of that vintage. I wish I could remember all the detail of the reasons WHY, and I'm sure there will be plenty of folks weighing in with various degrees of agreement/disagreement on this; I am simply passing along what the rebuilders told me. One thing I do recall is they recommended an oil with high zinc content and when I asked them what viscosity, the guy said he would put 20/50 in it. I have been using a 'high zinc' 'Hot Rod & Classic Car' oil that I buy at our equivalent of NAPA and so far, I haven't uncovered any downside to that choice. The car starts fine, even in cooler weather, runs cool, doesn't use any oil (after the initial 200 miles or so of break-in) and I have great oil pressure. The engine also 'sounds' great, almost everyone comments on how smooth and quiet it is. You, of course, should do what is best for your car and your area, re temps and hills, etc. Just passing along what was recommended to me from, what I would consider, a knowledgeable and competent source. Chris.