Engine: Good fluids to use in the 169.6

[bosshoss61]

I'm ready to buy, fill, and check for leaks in the 50 Champion 170 cu. in.. All mechanicals are done and back in. I do have the shop manual....Have you had good luck with other fluids I might consider for my oil, tranny and antifreeze--pro's and cons...thanks

[garyash]

I'm happy with Pennzoil Synchromesh fluid in my M5's manual/OD transmission. It's made for transmissions with brass and bronze parts. The wrong fluid will eat the yellow metals.

[jclary]

I'm happy with Pennzoil Synchromesh fluid in my M5's manual/OD transmission. It's made for transmissions with brass and bronze parts. The wrong fluid will eat the yellow metals.

Gary, is that a 80/90 wt gear oil, or something like the non-detergent 40wt engine oil as suggested in conversations on the subject in the past?

[1961lark]

For my transmission (3 spd/OD) I went to my local farm store (Bomgaars) and found a non-detergent 40wt oil. The label said that it was pure mineral oil, no additives whatsoever. For my engine I used Havoline 10w30 oil. It's working well so far.

[jclary]

For my engine oil, since it has the appropriate amount of zinc additive, I use Valvoline VR1 Racing oil. I use straight 30wt for all engines except the very tired 185 CI engine in my '55 Truck. It gets 40wt.

[garyash]

[Corvanti]

on the '40 i used 30W non-detergent oil since that was what was always used according to the P.O... on the '51 the P.O. used 30W HD detergent - (API service SM, SL, SJ, SH). Both the Champion engine (169.6) and no oil filter.

i also threw in a bottle of ZDDP at each oil change. i may go to a racing or other oil with the ZDDP already added when i run out the the little bottles i have...

with no oil filter, the main thing is to change the oil frequently . i've changed mine every 1,500 miles or 6 months (fall & spring) - whichever comes first. i'm in a area where i can drive the '51 mostly year round.

re: antifreeze, both came with the "green stuff". the '40 came from New Jersey so she had a little more than a 50/50 mix.

can't help with gear oil, i never had to mess with it. the '40 was sold to a guy in Wisconsin. the '51 is a Detroit Gear automatic that has been using Dextron III or Dex-Merc.

hope this helps!