What oil to use in Mercury Cyclone? 429CJ

[brentalan]

UPDATE: I took mechtech's advice and figured out my pressure problem first. He(she?) was absolutely correct, it seems to be electrical, when I tried a different electric gauge i was getting the same readings. I picked up a mechanical gauge from a parts store and I found that I DO NOT have a high oil pressure issue, it runs right around 50 on the highway and 20 at idle. Hooray!


As Mechtech said, "Get that straightened out for sure, then decide on your oil."

Well, that's where I am now. It seems like if I used almost any of the oils you guys suggested I'd be just fine. Don't mean to agonize over it but I'm stuck between 2 choices. I'd really like to stick with Mobil1, although I guess it is kind of a waste of money since I do have high consumption. On the other hand, it's not like I drive this car a lot either.

I can use 5W40 TDT/Delvac 1 - which I've read is essentially the same oil. My only concern is the ZDDP number is 1100, which is pretty high, however, browsing around on BITOG I'm reading that I should consider a minimum of 1200 for a car like this.


If I need to stick to 1200, my only choices are back to the M1 15W-50 or M1 racing oil which is just obscenely expensive. I don't think I really need to have a 50w oil either, but if it's my only choice, fine. Thoughts?

 

[Steve S]

An after thought oil pressure isn't a problem untill the oil filters bursts. There are so many people worring about nonsense because they read some article posted on the web that someone posted . Is the article fact or opinion with out fact? If you want to add more additive s buy some EOS . EOS is Engine Oil Supplement usually sold at G.M dealers or some hot rod parts outlets but only add an eighth of a can or so as it is for the initial startup of a new engine. Try a non syn HDEO oil as it is all the oil you need. I hope you don't drive that baby in the winter as is really is a jewel.

 

[SteveSRT8]

Glad there is no problem.

That Delvac is great oil, and perfectly suitable.

 

[demarpaint]

Awesome car. My cousin had a 428 CJ in a Torino Cobra circa 1970, that car was hot!

I'd consider adding RL Break In Oil additive to boost the ZDDP level even higher. It is a great additive for an older HP car like that.

Best of luck with it, it brings back some great memories!

 

[LS2JSTS]

Sweet ride!

 

[addyguy]

If you like M1, then stick with that.

On a car that rare and valuable, how much you spend on top-off oil should not even enter your mind!

TDT/Delvac 1 would be a great option, and I don't think agonizing over 100ppm or so of zinc is needed - the oil will provide all the protection you need!

 

[brentalan]

OK, just ordered 2 cases of TDT 5W-40. Thanks everyone. A lot of good suggestions in this thread. I probably wouldn't go wrong with any of the choices presented here, but I had to pick one!

 

[addyguy]

Very cool.

Would love to see more pics of the car - interior, engine...?

 

[willix]

If you have stock clearences 10w40 will do well.

 

[lipadj46]

Originally Posted By: brentalan

I can use 5W40 TDT/Delvac 1 - which I've read is essentially the same oil. My only concern is the ZDDP number is 1100, which is pretty high, however, browsing around on BITOG I'm reading that I should consider a minimum of 1200 for a car like this.


Delvac 1 and TDT are no longer the same oil, TDT has been watered down a bit but still a fine oil in your case.

 

[brentalan]

Here is a Flickr slideshow from last summer, I really gotta get some more pictures up, been working a lot this summer!


Click here for Flickr slideshow

 

[AWESOMO4000]

I had a 1972 Plymouth 'Cuda with a 440 and a 4-speed from 1994-2005. 10w30 Valvoline will work just fine.

 

[hounddog]

I was working in a small busy gas station in 71/72 and going to college.GTOs/351 Cleveland's,396 and 428/429s etc. all got Havoline 10w30.
Most everything did except VW.30 Castrol.