Lubricants, what do you use?

Discuss all things Model T related.
Forum rules
If you need help logging in, or have question about how something works, use the Support forum located here Support Forum
Complete set of Forum Rules Forum Rules

Topic author
Bobbbenner
Posts: 101
Joined: Fri Apr 19, 2019 5:50 pm
First Name: Bob
Last Name: Benner
* REQUIRED* Type and Year of Model Ts owned: TT 1924, touring 22
Location: East Setauket, NY
MTFCA Number: 52622

Lubricants, what do you use?

Post by Bobbbenner » Thu May 09, 2019 11:59 am

Somewhere on this forum I read a variety of opinions of what lubricants to use in the engine, gears, ruckstell etc.
What do you use and what should I shy away from? Thanks, Bob


Hal
Posts: 200
Joined: Mon Jan 07, 2019 12:08 pm
First Name: Hal
Last Name: Davis
* REQUIRED* Type and Year of Model Ts owned: '22 TT Stake Bed, '18 Touring (Hers)
Location: SE Georgia
Board Member Since: 2005

Re: Lubricants, what do you use?

Post by Hal » Thu May 09, 2019 12:23 pm

Touchy subject for some. And of course everyone thinks their way is the best. For the Engine, I use any brand of 5W-30. Rear end (Non Ruxtell) Any brand of 85W-140. It won't be long until someone comes on here and tells you not to do either of those things and to do something else. And of course, they know better than me. And so it goes. Bottom line, you'll have to decide for yourself after hearing everyone's opinion.


HPetrino
Posts: 490
Joined: Sun Jan 06, 2019 11:14 am
First Name: Henry
Last Name: Petrino
* REQUIRED* Type and Year of Model Ts owned: 1918 TT
Location: Modesto, CA

Re: Lubricants, what do you use?

Post by HPetrino » Thu May 09, 2019 12:36 pm

As Hal said, everyone has their preference. One thing I think we can all agree on is that you should NEVER use an engine oil with graphite in it. The graphite will accumulate on the magnets and short out the magneto.

User avatar

Rich Eagle
Posts: 6789
Joined: Fri Jan 04, 2019 10:51 am
First Name: Richard
Last Name: Eagle
* REQUIRED* Type and Year of Model Ts owned: 1909 TR 1914 TR 1915 Rd 1920 Spdstr 1922 Coupe 1925 Tudor
Location: Idaho Falls, ID
MTFCA Number: 1219
Contact:

Re: Lubricants, what do you use?

Post by Rich Eagle » Thu May 09, 2019 12:49 pm

The experts have changed their minds many times over the years. You can make good points for any oil. Most are better than what was available in the 20s. I choose to buy a 10-30 that you can find in a grocery or convenience store on the road. That way I don't have to carry as much. If a certain type pleases you that is worth something right there. Otherwise it doesn't make much difference. My cars have been running off and on for 56 years now.
Rich
When did I do that?

User avatar

Steve Jelf
Posts: 6463
Joined: Fri Jan 04, 2019 9:37 pm
First Name: Steve
Last Name: Jelf
* REQUIRED* Type and Year of Model Ts owned: 1923 touring and a few projects
Location: Parkerfield, Kansas
MTFCA Number: 16175
MTFCI Number: 14758
Board Member Since: 2007
Contact:

Re: Lubricants, what do you use?

Post by Steve Jelf » Thu May 09, 2019 2:38 pm

Here's my opinion, along with a link to an excellent article.

http://dauntlessgeezer.com/DG103.html

That's for engine oil. For chassis oilers, I'm in the chain oil camp because I think it will last longer. For the rear axle I agree with 85W-140.

Some people are bothered by discussions of oil. I don't understand that.
The inevitable often happens.
1915 Runabout
1923 Touring


Scott_Conger
Posts: 6428
Joined: Sun Jan 06, 2019 11:18 am
First Name: Scott
Last Name: Conger
* REQUIRED* Type and Year of Model Ts owned: '13, '15, '19, '23
Location: Clark, WY
Board Member Since: 2005

Re: Lubricants, what do you use?

Post by Scott_Conger » Thu May 09, 2019 3:40 pm

Scott Conger

Tyranny under the guise of law is still Tyranny

NH Full Flow Float Valves
Obsolete carburetor parts manufactured

User avatar

Ruxstel24
Posts: 2345
Joined: Sun Jan 06, 2019 11:25 am
First Name: Dave
Last Name: Hanlon
* REQUIRED* Type and Year of Model Ts owned: 24 Touring car
Location: NE Ohio
MTFCA Number: 50191
Board Member Since: 2018

Re: Lubricants, what do you use?

Post by Ruxstel24 » Thu May 09, 2019 4:34 pm

I put a synthetic blend, Federated house brand 10W-30 in mine last. She seems happy and hasn't spit out any more than usual. And the clutch grabs nice and neutral is good. (I can't say the clutch type).

I recently changed the Ruckstell lube and used 85W-140.

I have SAE 70 in my oil can, but will probably switch to bar oil when it's empty.


Aarongriffey
Posts: 67
Joined: Sat Jan 12, 2019 10:30 pm
First Name: Aaron
Last Name: Griffey
* REQUIRED* Type and Year of Model Ts owned: 1926 touring
Location: Hayward, ca.

Re: Lubricants, what do you use?

Post by Aarongriffey » Thu May 09, 2019 10:53 pm

So far all the oils mentioned are just fine to use.
Ruxtell24 says he uses a synthetic blend.
I wonder if he knows the blends are 10% synthetic and 90% regular oil.
As waste of money. A real waste. What good is 10% synthetic gonna do? The stuff is illegal to sell in europe for that reason.
A would be happy with 90 or 140 or some number/140 in the stock differential but I’d stay a little lighter in a Ruxtell, like maybe 75/90 or 80/90. Even 75/120, that should be great. The heavier stuff has trouble getting into the center gear drive at speed.


Gonenorth
Posts: 130
Joined: Tue Jan 08, 2019 6:04 pm
First Name: Kevin
Last Name: Whelihan
Location: Danbury, WI
MTFCA Number: 30688
Board Member Since: 2008

Re: Lubricants, what do you use?

Post by Gonenorth » Fri May 10, 2019 8:02 am

I think the list of what you shouldn't use is a whole lot longer than what you can use. Mostly it comes down to preference. I use full synthetic lubricants and oils, mostly because I get them at wholesale prices. So there isn't much difference between those and regular mineral oils for me. Also helps that my Model T isn't a "gusher" like some cars. Doesn't lose much oil. Personally I use 10W-40 in the engine, 75W-140 in the Ruckstell, and chainsaw bar oil in the flip oilers. I also use marine wheel bearing grease in the u-joint and grease joints...mostly because that's what's in the grease gun and I have lots of it.


Gonenorth
Posts: 130
Joined: Tue Jan 08, 2019 6:04 pm
First Name: Kevin
Last Name: Whelihan
Location: Danbury, WI
MTFCA Number: 30688
Board Member Since: 2008

Re: Lubricants, what do you use?

Post by Gonenorth » Fri May 10, 2019 8:05 am

OOPS! Change that to "a whole lot shorter". Too early, need more coffee.

User avatar

Ruxstel24
Posts: 2345
Joined: Sun Jan 06, 2019 11:25 am
First Name: Dave
Last Name: Hanlon
* REQUIRED* Type and Year of Model Ts owned: 24 Touring car
Location: NE Ohio
MTFCA Number: 50191
Board Member Since: 2018

Re: Lubricants, what do you use?

Post by Ruxstel24 » Fri May 10, 2019 8:44 am

Aarongriffey wrote:
Thu May 09, 2019 10:53 pm
So far all the oils mentioned are just fine to use.
Ruxtell24 says he uses a synthetic blend.
I wonder if he knows the blends are 10% synthetic and 90% regular oil.
As waste of money. A real waste. What good is 10% synthetic gonna do? The stuff is illegal to sell in europe for that reason.
For the record, Wolfs Head conventional oil was $3.75 qt. The syn blend was $2.80 qt. Soooo... ;)

User avatar

Jugster
Posts: 161
Joined: Sun Jan 06, 2019 6:41 pm
First Name: Bob
Last Name: Coiro
* REQUIRED* Type and Year of Model Ts owned: 1915 Touring
Location: Commack, NY
Board Member Since: 2009

Re: Lubricants, what do you use?

Post by Jugster » Fri May 10, 2019 10:37 am

I use the type of lubricants that Lang's sells. They deal in Model T parts exclusively, so the heavy differential oil and red grease they sell should be ideal for the Tin Lizzie—wherever you happen to purchase it.

As far as motor oil, I myself found that using 5W-30 caused my car to stop creeping forward on start-up, so that's what I use. The car seems happy on that stuff.

As far as the many little oiling points on the chassis are concerned, I mostly use motor oil in an old fashioned, bonka-bonka oil can. Same deal with the roller-timer.
Attachments
Oil Cartoon.jpg


John Codman
Posts: 1182
Joined: Mon Jan 07, 2019 10:27 am
First Name: John
Last Name: Codman
* REQUIRED* Type and Year of Model Ts owned: 1927 Youring
Location: Naples, FL 34120

Re: Lubricants, what do you use?

Post by John Codman » Fri May 10, 2019 10:55 am

As to the original question, I'll use any decent 10 W 30 in the engine (the last change was Quaker State). Just about any oil will be better then what was available 90 plus years ago.

User avatar

fbergski
Posts: 111
Joined: Sun Jan 06, 2019 11:16 am
First Name: Philip
Last Name: Berg
* REQUIRED* Type and Year of Model Ts owned: 1911 Touring 1916 Coupelet
Location: Simi Valley CA

Re: Lubricants, what do you use?

Post by fbergski » Fri May 10, 2019 2:52 pm

75w-90/140 in the diff, whatever I have on the shelf, engine get 30w Rotella, oilers get oil that's in my oil can (can be a mixture of different weights), Grease cups get Valvoline multipurpose wheel bearing grease (non disc brake).

User avatar

HalSched
Posts: 180
Joined: Tue Jan 08, 2019 8:13 pm
First Name: Hal
Last Name: Schedler
* REQUIRED* Type and Year of Model Ts owned: 24 Speedster, 23 RA, 25 Fordor
Location: Sacramento
MTFCA Number: 16688
MTFCI Number: 19356
Board Member Since: 2005

Re: Lubricants, what do you use?

Post by HalSched » Fri May 10, 2019 7:53 pm

Unless I use 30 weight I canot maintain oil pressure. I have an oil pump to send pressure to the mains of an A crank.


Wreckrod
Posts: 47
Joined: Tue Apr 30, 2019 12:02 am
First Name: Seth
Last Name: Spratlin
* REQUIRED* Type and Year of Model Ts owned: 1914 Speedster
Location: AL

Re: Lubricants, what do you use?

Post by Wreckrod » Sat May 11, 2019 12:38 am

For my Ruckstell I use 85/140 but also a healthy big gob of Lucas oil stabilizer. I like the Lucas a lot for getting all over everything and sticking well.

In my Chicago auxiliary I use 80w90 and lots of Lucas again. I’ve run just straight Lucas in that but it’s too expensive when it climbs out of the shifter shafts so fast.

In the engine I like the cheap Walmart Supertech 5w30, or if that’s not available I use 10w30 but replace one quart with Marvel Mystery Oil - I like how 5w30 and the MMO thinned 10w30 feel on the bands and how it hand cranks. Regular 10w30 just feels thicker and heavier when hand cranking (14 speedster no starter) and the pedals aren’t quite as crisp.

I don’t think there’s anything special or great about Marvel Mystery Oil other than it thins the 10w30 nicely and smells REALLY good.


Nv Bob
Posts: 777
Joined: Mon Jan 07, 2019 11:04 pm
First Name: Bob
Last Name: Middleton
* REQUIRED* Type and Year of Model Ts owned: 18 roadster 1810 brand X
Location: Western nv

Re: Lubricants, what do you use?

Post by Nv Bob » Mon May 13, 2019 12:27 am

85/140 my gear lube ruckstel included
Oil whats ever cheapest as long as it is not
Synthetic

User avatar

Susanne
Posts: 1045
Joined: Sat Apr 13, 2019 6:06 pm
First Name: Susanne
Last Name: Rohner
* REQUIRED* Type and Year of Model Ts owned: Late '15 touring, "Angel".
Location: Valfabbrica, (central) Italy
MTFCA Number: 464
MTFCA Life Member: YES
Board Member Since: 1999
Contact:

Re: Lubricants, what do you use?

Post by Susanne » Mon May 13, 2019 12:34 am

Because I still run bronze bushings in my Hall Scott pre-Ruckstell, I run 600W in my rear end, and it works well. doesn't grind, doesn't pop. I once ran 85/140 in it, it started acting really bad, and once I went back to that "evil" steam oil it stopped acting up, YMMV, this is just my experience, but I'm not going back.

User avatar

George N Lake Ozark
Posts: 324
Joined: Sun Jan 06, 2019 2:15 pm
First Name: George P
Last Name: Clipner
* REQUIRED* Type and Year of Model Ts owned: Late '26 Touring
Location: LakeOzark,Missourah
MTFCI Number: 18665

Re: Lubricants, what do you use?

Post by George N Lake Ozark » Mon May 13, 2019 12:42 am

I use synthetic everything, Grease, 85/something in the Diff, synthetic chain bar for oilers, Z-Rod 20/50 engine. If not Z-Rod, I'll use Wally's full syntec. 4Stroke motorcycle oil 20/50. Splashes just fine. No issues.

User avatar

HalSched
Posts: 180
Joined: Tue Jan 08, 2019 8:13 pm
First Name: Hal
Last Name: Schedler
* REQUIRED* Type and Year of Model Ts owned: 24 Speedster, 23 RA, 25 Fordor
Location: Sacramento
MTFCA Number: 16688
MTFCI Number: 19356
Board Member Since: 2005

Re: Lubricants, what do you use?

Post by HalSched » Mon May 13, 2019 1:20 am

How well do the bands work with synthetic? What kind of band material do you use? When I used synthetic in my Lincoln my milage went up 3MPG.

Thanks

User avatar

TRDxB2
Posts: 5407
Joined: Tue Jan 08, 2019 4:56 pm
First Name: Frank
Last Name: Brandi
* REQUIRED* Type and Year of Model Ts owned: Speedster (1919 w 1926)
Location: Moline IL
Board Member Since: 2018

Re: Lubricants, what do you use?

Post by TRDxB2 » Mon May 13, 2019 1:27 am

Engine oil selection opinions are likely based on what outside temperatures people plan to drive in. The chart below shows various weights on the left & right side of the temperature gauge. For mult-grade oils the first number applies to cold starting and the second to a running engine. There are many other viscosities available. 30W may be good for most but something like 5W40 would be better for easier cranking/starting and just as good when hot. I couldn't find a comprehensive chart for most grades applied to degrees Fahrenheit only Centigrade temperatures. Detergent vs Non-Detergent stick with whatever you have been using. Here is a link on Synthetic vs Detergent oils https://www.gotodobbs.com/blog/syntheti ... ional-oil/
Viscosity chart.png
The past is a great place and I don't want to erase it or to regret it, but I don't want to be its prisoner either.
Mick Jagger


Hal
Posts: 200
Joined: Mon Jan 07, 2019 12:08 pm
First Name: Hal
Last Name: Davis
* REQUIRED* Type and Year of Model Ts owned: '22 TT Stake Bed, '18 Touring (Hers)
Location: SE Georgia
Board Member Since: 2005

Re: Lubricants, what do you use?

Post by Hal » Mon May 13, 2019 7:23 am

Unfortunately, even those charts can be found with temperatures for the same oil all over the board. That one is especially suspect as my modern car says to use 5W20 PERIOD, and didn't bother to ask what the temperature was where I live, but according to that chart if it's above 14*F I shouldn't use it.

Post Reply Previous topicNext topic