Cheap engine oil

[Smallfry]

The misunderstanding that the latest oil is the best for you engine is not true. It killed many a motor in the late 70s and 80s, when they removed most of the ZDDP and added detergents. This cleaned all the gunk off the inside and sent it around the motor. One dead engine

ZDDP is still in some oils, mainly mineral though. While I agree that the "latest" oils are NOT best for your engine, you can (and should IMO) still get away from non detergent oil in old vehicles. Nothing wrong with monograde though, as the summer/winter change is a good thing. Detergent oil can be used with no problem, provided that the engine has been cleaned internally or freshly rebuilt. You just have to know what you are buying. ZDDP is vital for camshafts and followers of old engines, and can be got as an additive from specialists.

 

[Robotstar5]

Nice and simple in my old tractor, SAE40 in everything, engine, gearbox, backend, even the oil bath air cleaner

 

[lexi]

Morris Oil Golden Film sae 30 may suitable. Not that expensive either

 

[Gareth J]

To keep the cost down, you could just put in the minimum amount required to reliably maintain oil pressure.