1949 Ford 8N detergent vs non-detergent oil

[scrimmi1]

I'm changing the oil in a 1949 Ford 8N. The existing oil was very dirty and there was sludge in the bottom of the oil drain plug/screen and oil filter housing. The existing oil type in the tractor is unknown. Should I switch to a modern detergent type 15W40 or use a 30W non-detergent oil to avoid breaking down the sludge further and causing possible engine damage?

 

[RickB]

Every N I have been around has had detergent oil used in it.

 

[shovelmike]

I would put detergent oil in it and change it very frequently for 2 or 3 changes to flush the sludge out.

 

[LD48750]

Conventional 10W30 oil and filter change.
Tractor will last your lifetime.

 

[LouNY]

conventional detergent oil and if you desired to change just the filter after 10-20 hours.

 

[fidowanttobe]

So, . . . You would do the same with an original 1950's Massey Harris 44 Special gas? Continental 4 banger.
The old gentleman I bought it from almost made me promise to ALWAYS run straight 30.
Maybe gets 10 hrs a year, NOW switch it over to a 10/30 diesel oil??
I'm nervous.

 

[John0829]

It's your tractor use whatever oil you want, if were me it would be a detergent oil. It will not hurt a thing to change.

 

[nyone]

I have a old ford 851 with a rear main seal leak. The only oil it gets is the drained oil out of my other vehicles and it really dosnt care.

 

[RickB]

It's your tractor use whatever oil you want, if were me it would be a detergent oil. It will not hurt a thing to change.

Exactly.

 

[RickB]

So, . . . You would do the same with an original 1950's Massey Harris 44 Special gas? Continental 4 banger.
The old gentleman I bought it from almost made me promise to ALWAYS run straight 30.
Maybe gets 10 hrs a year, NOW switch it over to a 10/30 diesel oil??
I'm nervous.

I would. You should be more nervous about getting hit by an asteroid.