VCCA Home Forums TECHNICAL - 1945 AND NEWER 1946-1948 Oil Type & Capacity

I have a 1948 Chevrolet Fleetmaster Woodie and need to know what oil type and capacity. It is original with the 216 ci engine with a filter.

I called the Shell Lubrication Engineer and he recommended Rotella T4 15w40 oil because it has a higher level of zinc for the older engines … thoughts

The Shell Lubrication Engineer obviously doesn't know old Chev engines.

Spay lubricated (pressure stream) Chevrolet engines are best lubricated with lighter oils.
And viscosity is one of THE most important qualities of engine oil.
Chev was actually quite adamant about this when these engines were being sold and used.

And, valve train pressures were quite low on 216's so high zinc levels aren't really needed.
Nor were high zinc oils used in these engines, and yet, here they are, still running.
When is the last time you heard of a 216 wearing out a camshaft?

A top quality detergent 0W-20 or 10W-30 would be a FAR better choice.
What ever you choose, enjoy your car!
Got any pictures? 🙂

BTW
Capacity will be 5 quarts plus whatever the filter holds.

Your oil needs no zinc but all good modern oil contain zink.In.... 1948 no oils had no zink and no straight 6 Chevrolet engine ver lost cam lobes. I have always used 5W-30 or 10W-30 unless you have a newly rebuilt engine, the 5W-20.
The filter holds an additional quart (if element is replaced)