Lubrication Question

[AVS619]

I need some advice (and rather soon as I have a tour coming up). I have a 1910 J-30 IHC touring that has finally come back to life after a lot of work. It has a more or less standard (for the era) four cylinder 30 hp engine. The engine may have been restored in the 1960's. It has a few rattles I do not like but my main question is what type and grade oil is best for a brass-era car of this type. Also, the front gear case (timing gears, etc) appears separate from the engine lubrication. I assume this should be a thicker oil if not a pourable grease. Any suggestions? I hope to put about five-hundred miles on it this September and I do not want to do it any harm. So, I would love to hear from those of you who also tour in brass-era cars and let me know what you use. Thank you very much indeed!

[thegreendragon]

I use SAE 30 diesel engine oil in the crank case and oiler.  The 1910 Mason manual calls for liquid grease in the transmision and rear end and the taping to install the grease in only a 1/4 inch plug. I mix Shell Alvania EP grease 00  with 600 steam cylinder oil to get the consistancy to fill with an antique screw type grease filler.  Seems to work good but messy. There are no seals so the grease leaks out on to the chain to keep it lubricated and also keeps the dust down. RHL

[MochetVelo]

The timing gears generally share oil from the engine. If not, I would think engine oil would work. The various forums get into big fights regarding oils. Everyone has a favorite. Get a copy of Harold Sharon's "Understanding Your Brass Car" (now available from his wife Jo Sharon). This book explains lubrication nicely. Basically, a 10W30 or 10W40 detergent oil works well. Oils in the Brass Era were of poor quality compared to today's lubricants, so even a cheap oil will out-perform what the car originally ran with. These cars burn and eject a lot of oil, so get a less-expensive brand.

 

Phil

Edited August 29, 2015 by MochetVelo (see edit history)

[thegreendragon]

Engines are more expensive than oil----use good oil---some oils are only good for barn door hinges.   RHL

[Larry Schramm]

The timing gears generally share oil from the engine. If not, I would think engine oil would work. The various forums get into big fights regarding oils. Everyone has a favorite. Get a copy of Harold Sharon's "Understanding Your Brass Car" (now available from his wife Jo Sharon). This book explains lubrication nicely. Basically, a 10W30 or 10W40 detergent oil works well. Oils in the Brass Era were of poor quality compared to today's lubricants, so even a cheap oil will out-perform what the car originally ran with. These cars burn and eject a lot of oil, so get a less-expensive brand.

 

Phil

 

I agree!