Oil Choice for 1951 Chevy 3100 216 CID

[Jasper4247]

I am changing oil for the first time in a 1951 Chevy 3100 that I purchased. The 1951 manual for the 216 cid engine recommends a 0-20W engine oil.

I am assuming that I need a high zinc content oil for this engine. Any recommendations would be appreciated.

Note: the engine is not equipped with an oil filter, if that makes any difference.

[Bloo]

It probably says 20W not 0-20W right? 0-20W would be fine in that engine.

 

Back in the day 20W would have been the standard recommendation for that engine, or 20W20 and a little later 10W30 after multi-viscosity oils became standard. Cold flow matters a lot in this engine. The main thing is you don't want anything thick. I'm thinking 0W20 would be great because it might flow better cold than the others.

 

Zinc is not much of a concern because it wasn't being used yet in 1937 when that engine hit the market. It probably wasn't even in use yet in 1951. It shouldn't hurt anything if you want to use it, but it's not a requirement. Later engine designs with much higher valve spring pressure brought about the use of zinc.

 

[Jasper4247]

You are right Bloo. The manual does read 20W unless the ambient temperature is expected to be consistently above 90 degrees - then it recommends 30W.

The truck will not be driven when the temp is that high - not really enjoyable - and it is not driven in the winter.

I will go with the 0W20. Thank you very much for your input.

[Gary56]

How can I fix or replace the oil level indicator on my 1929.

[misterc9]

Most 0W20 oil you see today is synthetic high detergent. I don't know how that would  work out in an old babbit splash Chevy. Regular 20W20 might be a better choice especially with no oil filter.  

[Marty Roth]

Depending upon how much wear the 216 has endured,

Rotella 15W-50 could be a decent alternative,

Flowing cold as a 15 weight, but with the supposed hot protection of a 50 weight.

I've used it in my early cars, even 'though they might not need the zinc

Edited February 12, 2022 by Marty Roth (see edit history)

[Bloo]

The rod oiling is by squirt nozzles in the oil pan. They squirt across the oil pan at the dippers on the rods. If they do not squirt far enough, the rods will starve for oil.

[misterc9]

I used conventional 15W40 diesel spec oil for years in my 48 Loadmaster 235 tow truck with good results.  It wasn't rebuilt but I knew it was clean inside. Those engines don't carry much oil pressure especially when hot.