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Classic/Antique Car Repair/1949 Cadillac Engine Oil

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Expert: - 9/4/2010


Question
I have a 1949 Cadillac Sedan De Ville (62 Series) that has a 331 V8 engine.  I would like to know what would be the best type / grade engine oil to run in this car, taking into consideration that I live in an area where temp's can and do range from 25F in the winter to 115F in the Summer.
Thanks in advance for your help.

Mark

Mark

Answer
The question that I have is how fresh is the engine? Does it have a lot of miles on it or is it a fresh rebuild? I would certainly run the run one of todays to brand oils with at least an SM API rating. If the engine is fresh I would use a 10W-30 viscosity year round. If the engine is old and has significant miles on it I would run a 10W in the winter and a 30 in the summer but still with an API rating of SM. There has been some talk of the newer oils not containing enough phosphorous anti scuff compounds to prevent cam shaft wear. The anti scuff compounds have been eliminated from the oils to prevent catalytic converter failure. But I have not seen any testing proof that this is the case or just an attempt by an additive maker to sell more snake oil.If that concerns you then use an API SJ oil as it was for cars prior to 2001.

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Brad Sears

Expertise

All automotive including antique and collectible. However if the car has been modified I can only answer in general terms and maybe get you pointed in the right direction.

Experience

Automotive tech instructor. Syndicated auto columnist 1970's though the early 1990's. Syndicated auto radio talk show, Ask Brad About cars, CBS Radio 70's through 90's TV Show "Last Chance Garage" 1980's PBS-TV syndicated. Auto instructor for the following companies: Fram Autolyte Holly Carter AMF Ford Motor University Of Conn Blue Hills Technical School Sugar River Technical Center Grew up in a family garage in Needham Mass and turned wrenches from the age of 14.

Publications
Manchester Union Leader, Nashua Telegraph, Motor Service Magazine, Yankee Magazine, Popular Mechanics (Saturday Mechanic early 80's), Los Angeles Times, New York Times, and lots more.

Education/Credentials
More than I care to remember. Basically Franklin Technical Institute in Boston, Northeastern University, Fitchburg State Teachers College, Tufts University, and a lot of factory schools along the way.

Awards and Honors
Moto Award winner. And much more.

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