VCCA Home Forums TECHNICAL - 1945 AND EARLIER 1929-1932 Detergent motor oil yes/no?

I had read somewhere that detergent motor oil should not be used in engines of this vintage, unless the engine has been rebuilt and thoroughly cleaned, due to the possibility of the detergent dislodging the built up gunk and blocking passageways.

Thoughts? I've never even looked for non-detergent motor oil.

Thanks!

most run standard 10w-30 detergent oil on their cars. That is what i am running.

you can get Non-Detergent at most auto parts stores. usually labeled ND-30 or such, Meaning Non-Detergent 30 Weight. I have a couple quarts used for my compressor.

Tons of discussions just do a search for "10w30" or "10w-30" in the search option, may get a FEW results :)

Unless you live in a state along the Mexican border don't even think about using 30 weight oil. It is too viscous for a splash lubricated engine except for temperatures near or exceeding 100 deg. F. There is not enough detergent in regular motor oils to "dislodge" any significant amount of the gunk. The gunk will just remain where is was deposited. FYI, the detergent is in oils to help suspend teensy particles so they can be removed by a filter. No it is not necessary to install a filter on your engine. The engine was designed to tolerate a lot more particles that it will ever see in our modern world. I have been using 10W-30 for decades in my older Chevys without any problems.

I also use 10W-30 detergent oil in all of my vehicles.

Thanks all, that helps!

My vote is 10W-30 too except in my '27 Model T I use 5W-30.

i tried nd oil once, kind of doing the "in the time period" thing. about 20 miles along i noticed lots of blue exhaust smoke where before the was none. immediately drained, flushed and replaced with 10w 30 detergent oil. back to normal. j