VCCA Home Forums TECHNICAL - 1945 AND EARLIER 1937-1945 Check oil level

I know that to all of you this is going to sound simple, but I just changed the oil in my 1937 216 and I can't tell the oil level. I drained 4 quarts and I put 4 quarts in, but I don't see a dip stick anywhere to make sure that I have the correct amount in. Is there a way to check the level?

Thanks.

The dip stick on a '37 engine should be on the right side (passenger side) of the engine just ahead of the distributor and just behind the fuel pump. It should hold 5 quarts without an oil filter.

You might want to purchase a shop manual and an owner's manual for your 1937. Both contain a lot of good information about your car that you are going to need.

Found it! Thanks.

I read on another thread about additives to the oil, but I didn't see where anyone talked about adding ZDDP to their oil.

http://www.zddplus.com/

Any comments on this?

It's been discussed a few times before:

https://vccachat.org/ubbthreads.php...Search/true/Re_lucas_motor_oil#Post44581

https://vccachat.org/ubbthreads.php...true/Re_Oil_Choice_for_the_32#Post100885

https://vccachat.org/ubbthreads.php...rch/true/Re_New_oil_old_motors#Post97795

https://vccachat.org/ubbthreads.php...rch/true/Re_zddp_in_motor_oil#Post111706

https://vccachat.org/ubbthreads.php...e_Selection_of_the_right_oil_#Post118991

https://vccachat.org/ubbthreads.php...Words/ZDDP/Search/true/Re_OIL#Post126141

Don't use the stuff myself. No problems in over 10,000 miles.

Dan

I've been buying SL oil at the local farm store. Their house brand still is rated SL.

I use Wall=Mart brand 10-30 motor oil in my 41. I doubt the engine feels shortchanged. I suppose there is something to all the oil company claims for their products but I believe that most of the effect is worn off or depleted in a few miles, anyway. Erl is erl after a few miles.
Best, Charlie

BTW: It is my understanding the the round symbol on the back of the bottle/can
is gvmt regulated to assure quality at the same weight of oil, as the two letter "tag" implies. Same tag = same gvmt standard has been met.

BTW2: Don't chide me on feeding on the bottom of the price scale. To me, it's like using high test gasoline when the engine doesn't call for it. Even then, its my understanding that if you are not loading the engine beyond its spark range capability, it doesn't bother it none to use a lower grade (octane level).

There was NO zinc in the oils in 1937 or 1947 and was first used by Chevrolet in the break-in oil in a 1957 Chevvrolet.
There is more than enough zinc in present oils for any 6 cylinder engine.....unless it has a new camshaft made in China.