Engine lubrication and motor oil

[cabinfever]

I have searched the previous threads regarding motor oil and I’d appreciate some feedback on my plans for motor lubrication. Even though I have had my M38A1 for only 5 months, I figure I will put no more than 300 miles on my jeep per year.

I live in north central Minnesota. I do not plan on driving my A1 during the winter. What I do plan on doing is putting it up on blocks and storing it in my unheated pole shed from November thru March. Here are my questions.

1. Is it a good idea to start the engine every couple of weeks during the winter and let her run up to temp? Or is it better to just let it “sleep?”

2. Is changing oil once per year adequate? Or, should I do a summer oil change (SAE 30) and a winter change (SAE 10?).

3. If changing oil once per year is considered adequate, is 10w-30 a good choice?

4. I’ve read where several have recommended Shell Rotella brand oil. Isn’t that made for diesel engines? What is its benefit for my gasoline Willys?

5. I do plan on adding a zinc/phosphorus additive to the oil. Is this recommended or am I wasting my money?

Thanks in advance. Sorry for all the greenhorn questions.

[wesk]

Yes they are greenhorn questions. Yes they all have answers that can be found using the search function here.

1. Is it a good idea to start the engine every couple of weeks during the winter and let her run up to temp? Or is it better to just let it “sleep?”

No. It should be pickeled for the winter. Just Google search "engine long term storage".

2. Is changing oil once per year adequate? Or, should I do a summer oil change (SAE 30) and a winter change (SAE 10?).

Yes. I would do the change just prior to winter storage. This will remove all the gunk from the summer's driving. 30 is my choice but 10w30 works as long as the zinc content is up to par for antique engine oil use.

3. If changing oil once per year is considered adequate, is 10w-30 a good choice?

See above

4. I’ve read where several have recommended Shell Rotella brand oil. Isn’t that made for diesel engines? What is its benefit for my gasoline Willys?

Shell Rotella is a good oil and is available in gas engine blends. Just make sure the zinc content is high enough.

5. I do plan on adding a zinc/phosphorus additive to the oil. Is this recommended or am I wasting my money?

Yes if the oil is not a quality brand antique engine oil that already has enough zinc.

[cabinfever]

Thanks, Wes. I'm afraid you're gonna have to put up with my greenhorn questions for a while!

One more question. Shell Rotunda? Is that a real product or just a typo? I couldn't find it by googliing.

[wesk]

That was a typo:

http://www.shell.com/rotella.html

[artificer]

Nice to know stuff courtesy of Tony Norton
http://www.gpwjeep.com/lubrication_system.html

[cabinfever]

Nice to know stuff courtesy of Tony Norton
http://www.gpwjeep.com/lubrication_system.html

Wondering if there a similar webpage for the F-134 Hurricane engine?

[wesk]

That page will work just fine for the F134. Just add the top (rocker) oil tube.

[cabinfever]

Thanks Wes and John!