1949 Ford 8N detergent vs non-detergent oil

[Cougsfan]

I would have a hard time thinking of an application where a straight weight non-detergent oil would be better to use than a multiweight detergent oil. Better yet, go to multiweight synthetic oil.

 

[LD48750]

Why would you think you need diesel oil?
Regular 10W30 will work just fine.
Change once a year will be overkill but easy to keep track of.

 

[RickB]

Why would you think you need diesel oil?
Regular 10W30 will work just fine.
Change once a year will be overkill but easy to keep track of.

Diesel oils with CI-4 and older ratings typically have additives better suited for solid lifter cams than modern S rated oils.

 

[Have tractor did travel]

As was explained to me - use non-detergent if no oil filter, so the particles will settle to oil pan and stay. If with filter, use detergent. Single weight oils available in both detergent and non-detergent, but why use single weight if equipment used summer and winter ? I use single weight in mower, because only run mower in summer.
If you decide to switch to detergent, consider pulling the oil pan and cleaning that. I concur with changing oil and filter at short interval for for 3 changes - maybe 25 hours. And be sure to change oil when hot.

 

[RalphVa]

I see no reason at all to continue to use non detergent oils. I had an old Gravely 12hp 5665. It used oil until I switched it to M1. After 2nd or 3rd change, it had stopped using oil, probably freeing up the stuck rings.

 

[Tinhack]

As was explained to me - use non-detergent if no oil filter, so the particles will settle to oil pan and stay. If with filter, use detergent. Single weight oils available in both detergent and non-detergent, but why use single weight if equipment used summer and winter ? I use single weight in mower, because only run mower in summer.
If you decide to switch to detergent, consider pulling the oil pan and cleaning that. I concur with changing oil and filter at short interval for for 3 changes - maybe 25 hours. And be sure to change oil when hot.

Ditto this.

The old rule of thumb for antique vehicles was whether it had an oil filter or not.

Another rule; Any oil today is better than what they had back then.

 

[rScotty]

As was explained to me - use non-detergent if no oil filter, so the particles will settle to oil pan and stay. If with filter, use detergent. Single weight oils available in both detergent and non-detergent, but why use single weight if equipment used summer and winter ? I use single weight in mower, because only run mower in summer.
If you decide to switch to detergent, consider pulling the oil pan and cleaning that. I concur with changing oil and filter at short interval for for 3 changes - maybe 25 hours. And be sure to change oil when hot.

Good advice.

 

[scrimmi1]

Thank you for the replies. I ran 15W40 through the motor and did an oil change shortly thereafter. I then ran 10w30 conventional as it has a lower detergent concentration than the 15W40. I'm going to keep doing changes frequently until the sludge has diminished.

 

[dirttoys]

As was explained to me - use non-detergent if no oil filter, so the particles will settle to oil pan and stay. If with filter, use detergent. Single weight oils available in both detergent and non-detergent, but why use single weight if equipment used summer and winter ? I use single weight in mower, because only run mower in summer.
If you decide to switch to detergent, consider pulling the oil pan and cleaning that. I concur with changing oil and filter at short interval for for 3 changes - maybe 25 hours. And be sure to change oil when hot.

This is as I was taught/believe as well.

 

[RalphVa]

My Gravely did not have an oil filter. The connecting rods keep being dipped into the oil to sling it up top. Doubt anything is going to settle to the bottom.

Give up the non detergent oil. It was good in its day. Detergent oil is available now. Use it.