Guest Ken G Posted November 26, 2002 Share Posted November 26, 2002 I posted a topic on this a few months ago, and although it provoked some interesting correspondence, nobody actually addressed my question, so I'll try again.My 1925 Rover 16/50 uses the same oil for the engine and gearbox (i.e. common circulation). The cork-lined clutch runs submerged (at least partially) in that oil. Originally Rover recommended Castrol AA, which was (of course) a single-grade oil with an viscosity rating of SAE 30.The clutch seems to work fine with a modern SAE 30 oil, but I would assume that the advantages of a multi-grade, of not being too thick when cold and failing to get around or of not being too thin when hot, would apply equally to an old engine as to a new one.I think it likely that modern oils are rather more slippery that those of the 1920s, but as I say modern SAE 30 seems to work, suggesting that multi-grades would too.My question therefore is whether anyone has experience of operating cork-lined oil-immersed clutches using modern multi-grade oil, or can think of any reason not to try. The answer is more urgent as I get close to putting the cylinder head back and refilling with oil!Ken G, 1925 Rover 16/50 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Posted November 26, 2002 Share Posted November 26, 2002 Ken:If I might make a suggestion. Below is the link to an Australian Oil Company who make lubricants for vintage cars. Unfortuantely, not available (that I know of) in the US. However, I had contacted them via email for some information about gearbox oils and they were very helpful. Since you are inquiring about a Rover, they might be of even more help to you. http://www.penrite.com.au/Good Luck,Chris NJ Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
1937hd45 Posted November 26, 2002 Share Posted November 26, 2002 Ken, I've never had a cork clutch car, but my Model T Ford engime and transmission run is the same oil. Be sure to run nondetergent oil, you don't want to get oil debris flowing through your oiling system. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Albert Posted November 27, 2002 Share Posted November 27, 2002 Why not check to see what oils are used in yor local motorcycle shops as most of the older bikes (and newer) have a wet clutch my Jawa motorcycle also uses a wet cork clutch, Hudson's also had a wet clutch. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Ken G Posted November 27, 2002 Share Posted November 27, 2002 Thanks for your comments. I emailed Penrite in Australia (specialists in lubrication for old vehicles) and received an instant response from their US distributor, who in fact recommended a multi-grade oil, so I suppose that is an answer from the horse's mouth, so to speak.However, I was amused at 1937HD45's remark about non-detergent oil. I have in fact researched this point at length via the internet (including this forum). My understanding is that it is only if the engine has run for years with non-detergent oil without being totally cleaned out, and has therefore accumulated sludge (since the non-detergent oil does not carry away the dirt as well), that it is unwise to change to a detergent oil. The concensus seems to be that if the engine is clean (i.e. has been dismantled and cleaned), then there is no reason not to use a modern detergent oil, in fact quite the contrary, it is greatly to be preferred because it will reduce the subsequent build-up of sludge.Ken G, 1925 Rover 16/50 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ronbarn Posted November 28, 2002 Share Posted November 28, 2002 KenG, you are right - Bob (1937) is wrong. With a clean engine use detergent and if you do not have an oil filter, change the oil frequently. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rick Hoover Posted November 28, 2002 Share Posted November 28, 2002 Well, I agree with 1937HD. He's talking about the clutch linings of his Model T running in the same oil as the engine and his using non-detergent because of it. I recommend doing the same. It wasn't just a matter of what oil to use in the engine. Ron, what is recommended for Hudson cork clutches? I have always been told that using a detergent oil in a wet clutch, such as cork, will cause it to deteriorate it more quickly. I'm curious to learn more about this. Rick Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
D Binger Posted November 30, 2002 Share Posted November 30, 2002 Rick,For what it is worth - - - the early JAWA and CZ motorcycles have wet cork clutches and they run in the transmision oil. I have not had any problems with the clutches in the gear oil I get at the kawi shop.Dan Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rick Hoover Posted November 30, 2002 Share Posted November 30, 2002 Thanks Dan. Can you tell me what type of transmission oil is recommended for them? Rick Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
D Binger Posted November 30, 2002 Share Posted November 30, 2002 Rick,The manufracture say to use the same oil in the transmision as you do when mixing the oil in the gas. It doesn't say what oil you should use for that either.Dan Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Posted November 30, 2002 Share Posted November 30, 2002 The 1923 Hudson owner's manual says to use 50-50 mixture of motor oil and kerosene. I happen to use non detergent oil in the clutch. It's held up well for 8 or10 years with no problem yet. Other Hudson owners use transmission fluid with no problem. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Posted December 3, 2002 Share Posted December 3, 2002 Point of order...Hudson clutches are self-contained and do not share oil w/ the engine.As for motorcycles, I had some difficulty w/ a Honda 450 with a touchy clutch which was much improved by switching to synthetic oil (engine & trans ran in same oil, clutch was multi-disc w/ non-cork friction surfaces...); so there's another angle to look at... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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