Oil for 54 Series 62

[Frank Palacio]

What engine oil should I use in my 54?  When at idle after warmed up the oil light comes on.  I've heard many different answers but would appreciate one from you guys.
Thanks
Frank

[Bobby B]

Frank,
Hi. You might want to tackle the oil light issue first , before worrying about the grade/type of oil to use…..
                                                                                                      Bobby

[Frank Palacio]

Well some folks told me it may be the wrong weight and that could be the reason for the light coming on.  Pressure issue.

[joeceretti]

Could be a grade issue, a worn oil pump or a defective gauge/sensor. Or a combination.

[D.Yaros]

In answer to the original query, I have a a stock of 20-20w HD that I use.

The light issue could just be a defective oil pressure switch.  After all, if it is original to the car it is only 3 score and 1 year young!

[Frank Palacio]

Thank you!!!  So 5w-20 is ok?

[Frank Palacio]

I read that wrong.  Do they make 20-20w anymore?

[Jon S]

I would think 10W/30 or 10W/40 would be fine.  If your light is coming on after warm at idle, I would opt for the 10W/40.  The 30 or 40 weight warm/hot should provide sufficient oil pressure for the light to stay off and provide proper lubrication.

[D.Yaros]

I read that wrong.  Do they make 20-20w anymore?

I do not believe so.  Nor do they make 20.  Only straight weight I see anymore is 30 HD.

[35-709]

I personally would run 10W-30 or 10W-40 in that engine, more preferably 10W-40 unless it is a freshly overhauled engine.  To my mind 5W-20 is way too thin unless maybe you are in Alaska and want a winter only oil. 

[Bobby B]

5W oil is not a good idea with an engine of that era. Too thin of a oil film on bearing surfaces with clearances that were spec'd for old motors. I agree with all of the above. I run 10W-30 if it's rebuilt, since I'll hold the tolerances on the tight side. With a motor having some miles on it, 10W-40 is the way to go, and 20W-50 is only asking for trouble. Just my 2 cents…….
                                                                                                     Bobby

[Jeff Rosansky CLC #28373]

Has it been doing this for a long time?  Sounds like you either have a weak pump, weak pressure relief spring, crap under the seat of the relief spring, or loose engine tolerances.  If this just started then maybe you have some debris blocking the relief valve???
Jeff

[Jon S]

Just change the oil and filter and add 10w/40 oil and see if the problem goes away.

[Jeff Rosansky CLC #28373]

Actually, this was sticking in my mind.
My grandparents had a couple of Early 50's 62's.  I can't remember the years. One of them had a constant oil pressure problem.  The local mechanic jacked it up one day in the driveway, dropped the pan and found the oil pump loose.
I admit this is is just from memory of something told to me so it may not be correct, but worth looking into.
Jeff

[Jon S]

Sometimes we over-analyze and perform unnecessary repairs. If the heavier weight oil resolves the problem, why look further?

[brian faull clc#25881]

I use Brad Penn 10 w 40 racing oil. It have the zinc phosphorus additives the flat tappet motors need. Most new oils you buy at the auto parts store have removed that for catalyst longevity.