Changing Oil in a Model A - My First Time
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- čas přidán 21. 07. 2020
- This is my first time changing the oil in my 1931 Ford Model A pickup. It has been almost a year since my Model A was serviced by my Dad’s mechanic. Although I have only driven 240 miles since, the oil should be changed every 500 miles or at least once a year, according to the manual. This engine has no oil filter, so it is critical that the oil be changed often. And my Dad’s mechanic told me that it is particularly important to add zinc to the oil to prevent excessive engine wear, especially when the engine first starts.
Seven years ago in 2013, this Model A engine was rebuilt by my Dad’s mechanic. Years of sludge was cleaned out of the oil pan. Thus, modern multi-grade oil with detergent can be used safely, without loosening up old sludge, damaging the engine.
I decided to record a video of myself changing the oil, both to share with you and to use as reference the next time I change it. I realize that this is kind of silly - it is simple to do. However, my objective is to create a “Model A Basic Maintenance” video library that documents such DIY procedures so that I, or most any mechanically inclined person can do it him or herself.
I hope that you find this video both informative and entertaining. See you soon! - Randall
Very helpful, thank you!
Good job!
I wouldn't use that breaking bar to put the drain plug back in. My A's drain plug was no longer a 15/16 when I got it due to years of abuse.
Right, use a regular ratchet for installation.
I didn’t change my oil for years because I couldn’t get the drain plug out. It seems this is a common problem due to over tightening the huge 15/16 headed plug. The threads are a swedged and silver soldered into the oil pan and break loose, causing them to turn in the pan, so the plug is spinning, but so are the threads. The way I finally removed the plug was to clamp a vice grip to the threaded portion (it protrudes about 1/8” below the pan) then using a 15/16” open end wrench held vertically so the jaws engaged 2 flats of the plug, then using a large crescent wrench for leverage, got it to come loose. Then I had a mechanic who happened to be familiar with this, remove the oil baffle tray and resolder it back into place. I found some copper crush washers made for stock Model A drain plugs. First pry off the flattened copper washer before using the new one. Then do Not use such a big ass wrench to tighten it. I plan to use a new washer every oil change.
Ok, I will take a closer look at the oil drain plug on my A. Thanks for the tip! That said, I’m past due for an annual oil change. Too much going on. Do you suppose I can skip a year? The 2022 mileage is much less than 500. What’s the worse that can happen if I don’t change the oil?
I use a nylon washer, which is reusable.
SO SO SO FAR into that brake pedal before it did anything!! One of the few things I don’t miss about old cars.
Also is that the oil brand and grade specified by the manufacturer provided owners manual! 🙃
Any oil you can buy today is far superior to the oil available in 1928-31, so brand doesn’t really matter.
Mint👌🏽
Do you find that once you run it for a while the oil level will settle down a bit?
Or you can just by Lucas oil with zinc already in it. BTW, manufacturers back then called for straight weight oils. Usually 30 weight or 40 weight depending on your climate conditions.
It's always a joy to see your Model A being loved and taken care of.
Do you plan to put a load resistor behind the horn sometime? I promise, it'll sound much nicer on 6 Volt than it does on 12!
If I was you I would use valvoline vr1 20 50 racing oil high zinc beautiful truck i am jealous
It's amazing how the only thing that's changed between then and now for oil changes is an oil filter
Interessant. Viele Danke ❤️Ford Model A 1930 für Ölwechsel und REV X ZDDP Zinc & Phosphorus 50 Prozent ( halb ) Motor mischen laufen.❤😊.
I would not be able to own such a thing and only drive it 250miles a year..what are you doing with ? Looking at it ? Cleaning it ?
How would you know until you own one?
I own a 1928 Model A and honestly with all the crazy driving on the roads it is hard to justify taking it out for long periods of time. I fear someone damaging it or a texter and driver running into me when I am out on the road. I would love to have mine as a daily driver as it is smooth and just such a sweet ride but like I said, its pretty nerve racking all things considered.
@@rhysbriden5777 And how do you like the salt on the roads in the winter? Around here, it's mostly in the parking lots.
@@jimervin1637 I'm up in Canada. We use salt everywhere. It remains on axle jacks from the end of October until about May. I'll fire it up a few times to keeps the engine well lubricated, but aside from that it is not a winter car by any means.
@@rhysbriden5777 On axle jacks? That must be from your daily driver cars. Out here in B.C., the salt is mainly used in parking lots at the first sign of frost. So I don't like to use my partially restored daily driver '97 GMC pickup in the winter just for that reason, if no other. But at least we have decent bus service (weekdays) if you don't mind freezing your nuts and bolts off.
Or you could just measure out 1/2 quart out of the 5 quart BEFORE you emptied it into the crankcase.. Seems so tedious going back and forth checking the dipstick.