VCCA Home Forums TECHNICAL - 1945 AND NEWER 1946-1948 Using 20W50 oil in a 216

Since a few weeks I drive in my *new* 48 Fleetmaster . She was garaged for more as 30 years. Her condition was reasonable so after a years work I managed to get her on the road again. I should like to use SAE 20 mineral oil as mentioned in the manual but that is hard to find here in The Netherlands. I am using 10W30 for now. Castrol here offers SAE 30 and 20W50 oils specially formulated for classic cars. I guess SAE 30 is no good as temperatures here are never higher as 90 f so it leaves the 20W50 as a possible choice. From a search I made I did not find anyone commenting on using it on a 216 engine.
My questions are: Does anyone have experience with using 20W50 mineral oil on a 216 engine or should someone say that it is too viscous for it.
Thank you
Jianis

20W-50 is too viscous. 10W-30 is just right. The splash oiling system in an old 216 requires a "thin" oil. Much of the lubrication depends on the oil being broken up into a mist or just being forced through the rod bearind by the dippers. 10-30 is just perfect as it flows well while cold and has good "body" when hot.
Also your engine does not require a special oil for old cars.
I would be somewhat concerned if the oil pan has never been off as there is a good chance that either the oil pump screen, which is very fine, or and oil pipe for a rod trough could be plugged-up. Either of these items could cause a rod bearing to burn-out.

Thank you Chevegene

That’s what I was thinking too.
You are also right about the oil pan,this car is new to me so I don’t know if it was ever cleaned. I will take it off and clean any rests as soon as I manage to get a set of gaskets.

Jianis