VCCA Home Forums GENERAL DISCUSSION New User Forum 1948 Fleetmaster fluids

Good Afternoon,

I just purchased a 1948 Fleetmaster coupe from Southern California and I would like to replace all fluids. I live in Maryland and will keep the car inside the garage when not in use..

Oil 15w 40? (Classic Oil)

Transmission and diff -85w-140 ?

Brake fluid DOT 3?

Antifreeze 50%?

Am I on the right track? I would appreciate any advice you can offer.

Thank you

Jacques Grandjean

All good except THE OIL. Oil should be 10w-30 and any major brand is OK.

Thanks Gene!

I agree with the weight of the oil suggested by Gene. I would think, however, that one would realize diminishing returns on the buck when buying "major" brands.

Seems to me that any "store brand" would be just fine, including Walmart, Advance, O'Riely, etc. If you simply compare the information in the circle on back of the can, you will find that they are about the same. If not, they are still superior to what was available in 1948 and thus just fine for your old car. No use paying more for major brands when you gain nothing by doing so. After comparing circle information of some brands, just buy the cheapest 10w-30. The difference is more "bang for the buck." Nothing more.

Best,

Charlie

The brands/sorces mentioned I would consider major brands because thet are made by major brand refineries. . I buy my real major brands when they are on sale or offered with a rebate. Then they are cheaper than the Walmart brand. Would exclude Walmart as their oil has less Zinc in it.

I have been using Shell Rotella in all my diesel and gas vehicles for years and it has never let me down. While it may cost a few cents more than off-brand oil but sometime it is less, I think I will stick with the brand. Thanks all for the replies.

The main thing is your partly splash lubricated engine is to use nothing heaiver than 10W-30.
As far as zinc is concerned it is not even necessary in the lightly loaded valve spring tension of a 216......they never wore down a cam lobe with oils with no zinc or other good additives..

Jene,

Just wondering. How much zinc is in a major brand of 10w-30 motor oil and how much zinc is in a Walmart brand of 10w-30?

You said that there was more in the major brands so I would like to know just how much you were talking about?

You said the Walmart brand had less so how much less and how do you know?

Owing to the notion that these old Chevrolet engines had flat tappets, I think zinc is important.

Thanks.

Charlie

The MSDS and Spec sheets are available online for all brands so you can compare any you wish. Walmart brands can vary by geographical location as they are often made locally.

For really good info on oils you can also browse BITOG (Bob is the oil guy). Guys test samples of actual oil to compare contents and engine wear.
https://www.bobistheoilguy.com/forums/ubbthreads.php?ubb=cfrm

I alo use the Petroleum Institute for oil info.

"Would exclude Walmart as their oil has less Zinc in it."

"As far as zinc is concerned it is not even necessary in the lightly loaded valve spring tension of a 216......they never wore down a cam lobe with oils with no zinc or other good additives"

Gene,

The above quotes are yours from two different responses you made to Jaques concerning his question about motor oil in his 1948.

Accordingly, I asked just how much zinc was in a major brand as opposed to the Walmart both 10w-30. By your statement I assumed that you knew the answer. At least the amount in Walmart brand. The answer to that question remains wanting in provenance.

Linking the two quotes together creates confusion in my mind since we're talking about a 1948.

Tim, offered a source which you acknowledged and added that you also used the Petroleum Institute (a school, it seems) for information.

I have not clamped down on this as with the strength in the jaws of a pit bull that just want let go. Sorry to be annoying but I really want to know about flat tappets and zinc, which you pointed out that Walmart brand didn't have enough of and major brands do. Now you say that flat tappets don't require any zinc (ZDDP) at all. See why I'm puzzled?

One thing I noticed in trying to find the answer to the zinc question indicated that zinc wasn't added until the late forties or early fifties owing mainly to flat tappet wear. The source said that it was initially about 300 parts per million but now is around 800 to 1200 parts per million. I can't remember which.

This is my last post on this issue on this thread. Where in the h--l is Chipper on this issue?

Best,

Charlie

The American Petroleum Institute is a trade organization started in 1919 and now has over 650 members and is headquartered in Washington D.C. I suggest if you are looking to have a personal conversation with anyone then use the PM method. I don't think it is productive to continually question a posters opinions while neglecting to follow the research advice given . I do not believe the Chat site purpose is for in depth technical analysis of all things related to the automotive trade but rather is a place to share information specific to the repair and restoration of Chevrolet (and GMC) vehicles.