[GreenKeys] Grease and Oil for old cars and Linotypes...

[DR HOUSE]

Doctor Dave,

I do not pretend to be an expert in lubrication, but I do have  
experience with both Teletype machines and 1938-1954 Packard engines.

The latest problem in older engines is the EPA... like everything else  
they get into.  Most of the oils have been changed to lower the sulfur  
and zinc levels.
Shell has come out with new chemistry to make up for the loss of the  
ZDDP that the EPA wanted lowered or removed. I think the latest SAE  
spec is "SM"

Older engines such as those in automobile engines built between WWI  
and WWII need to have a supplement added to their oil to help reduce  
wear.
As you mentioned those with poured bearings and some with early  
technology valve springs.
There are also several companies out there marketing special oil with  
high levels of ZDDP just for older cars.

Both Ford and GM sell a additive that is used in brand new engines  
during the first fill of oil. Some mechanics recommend adding this to  
engine oil in older engines.
Another additive that helps is the BLUE STP, not the Red.  This thread  
is getting a bit over the edge...

My Packard's engine is the Super 8, 356 Cu. In. Inline 8. Hydraulic  
operated valves in block.  It is made from Iron and steel with 9 main  
(insert) bearings on the crankshaft.
You can balance a nickel on edge when it is running. As you mention  
some older engines have copper and brass alloys in their makeup.  The  
British like to use yellow metals.
Most tillers that you use for digging up your garden have a bronze  
drive gear for the tines.  Without the proper grease, made by  
Lubriplate, the gear grinds down to nothing.

There are more requirements for engine oil than for machines that run  
in normal office temperatures.
In Des Plaines, IL is  Universal Oil Products... they research just  
about everything to do with oil and grease and lubrication applications.
If you know the Linotype temperatures and stated requirements you  
might write and ask for a recommendation.

Our club technical director did a lot of study on oils and the ZDDP  
issue.  Guess what? There are just as many differing opinions as there  
are on Greenkeys!

Best.
Don K9TTY

P.S. If any of you want to see my Packard I can send you a photo off  
list.  It is one of two survivors and I am very lucky to have owned her.
Sadly, if the economy and my investments do not turn around, I will  
have to sell her... :-(