Not sure if I'm in the right place but what is a good motor oil and oil filter for a 73 comet? Motorcraft oil filter?
You are opening a can of worms asking a question like that, Motorcraft fl1a filter is what I have used for years, Fram ph8a that I use to use and cut open to check for metal and a fl1a cut open and seeing the difference I wont go back to a Fram, I am sure there are other filters that are just as good but just have never used them. I like to use 10-30 Havoline or Valvoline or Quaker State or your everyday oil , newer cars like my wifes Shelby I use full synthetic
Any brand motor oil of the correct viscosity is just fine. I use Motorcraft FL1-A filters for the V-8.
If engine hasn't been rebuilt in the last 15-20 years and has reasonable oil pressure, these days a high mileage 10W-40 is probably best. There are better filters than FL-1 but being as Ford used those for years, are no doubt fine. Last time I saw a comparison, the Motorcraft was positioned between the Purolator Classic and their Pure One. The Pure One is on my truck & Comet, the Cobra has a FL-1HP a friend gave me. Probably four years ago, I started using high mileage oil in my old 428, stopped a rear main leak that would drip out a 2" puddle after shutdown. Hasn't dripped since.
I'm currently running Valvoline VR1 10W-30 and a Fram oil filter as a stopgap at the moment. I changed the oil last week and essentially found out my head gasket is gone. Once I yank the engine and change out all the gaskets, I'll be running Amsoil Z-Rod and a K&N filter.
Thank you everyone for the tips, yes mine has 90,000+miles,havent driven it much due to needing new tires and carb since the car was given to me I plan on using it as a daily driver when I get those things squared away, Inline 6
Unless your engine is High Perf with high lift cam and mega lb spring pressure, boutique oils are a waste of money. The VR-1 or about any of the HM 10-40 oils are more than adequate for any factory spec engine.
Here’s what I would recommend based off performance, availability and ease (not having to add Prolong). Filter Ford Racing CM-6731-FL1A Motorcraft FL1A Oil 1. Amsoil Signature Synthetic 2. Quaker State Ultimate Durability Synthetic 3. Valvoline Full Synthetic High Mileage with MaxLife Technology 4. Mobil 1 Advanced Full Synthetic https://540ratblog.wordpress.com/
I absolutely wouldn't be scared of Walmart oil. I've always heard 10-40 isn't good oil but never had experience with it. I use 10-30 but in an old car with a flat tappet cam I would buy zinc additive to go in also.
In the olden days 10W-40 tended to sheer down to something like a 10W-30 or maybe even 10W-20. With far better refining process, no longer a real issue. If you have a built engine, Mobil 1 0W-40 already has a goodly amount of zinc, as did most diesel spec oils. With recent changes, Motorcraft is one of few that still has around 1200 ppm zinc, stated they were uncomfortable with limiting zinc to under 800 ppm in their diesel engines. Most oils today have approx same amount of zinc as did oils of the early/mid '60s, was only increased after high performance engines started having cam wear problems. Again, on stockish engines with light valve springs, additional zinc is not necessary.
I run 10w-30. The reason I suggested 10w-40 is because it's got close to 100,000 miles and he's in a hot climate (Georgia). For today's engines, 100,000 miles is nothing, but these old engines from the early '70s are quite loosened up by then, with worn bearngs and valve guides, so a thicker oil can be beneficial.