Diesel-Electric Diary
Any oil, as long as
it’s Valvoline
Henry Ford was an uncompromising man who was pedantic about many things, including the motor oil that was
to be used in his Model-T Ford.
W
hen the
Model-T
was massproduced with a sidevalve 4-cylinder engine
in 1920, only one motor
oil was recommended to
keep them all running.
In fact, each car had a
plaque mounted on the
dash panel that reads:
“This car is filled with
Valvoline light motor oil.
We recommend its use.
No other oil should be
used in this car.”
The oil in a car’s engine
maintains a thin,
lubricating film on all metal
parts that lets them glide
over each other safely
and efficiently, minimising
friction.
➲ Justin Elliott’s Model-T Ford
This theory and heritage
was recently used to ferry excited
were recently put to
adolescents to a Matric Farewell function
the ultimate test when
South African Justin
Elliott rebuilt a Model-T
“Fellow Model-T and A guys could not
Ford engine in his garage, before topping it
believe this, so it w as good that Paul Koski
up with Valvoline Durablend 10w40.
- an avid collector who has four Model-T’s Justin made the decision to use Valvoline
confirmed it. He is rebuilding one presently
Durablend 10w40 engine oil after
and will be using Valvoline oil in it too as he
researching the topic of engine oils and
is also a believer!”
Model-T Ford’s extensively. He later made
contact with Valvoline representatives
Justin’s fuel consumption nails the point
who explained the history and heritage
home. “I filled up at Parktown North,
the brand has with the Model-T Ford.
drove to Zwartkops raceway, then played
This, combined with the properties and
around in the T all day, and then drove to
spec of the oil convinced him to proceed
Hartbeespoort. I filled up there, and put
with Valvoline.
in 15.2 litres. Working this out, I averaged
Justin is very impressed with the results.
He writes: “For interest sake, during the
drive from Parktown North to Zwartkops
Raceway, I averaged 70 km/h. A Model-T’s
top speed was 72km/h. On the hills I never
got below 50 km/h. This is quite a feat, as
before the rebuild, I would often have to
go to a lower gear and crawl up the hills.”
A model-T only has 20 hp and two forward
gears. Justin says he has experienced
no oil leaks and says he is able to rev the
engine higher than ever before.
The superior additive
technology used in
Valvoline DuraBlend engine
oils offers advantages
over other semi-synthetic
and mineral engine oils.
Valvoline DuraBlend
motor oil provides
improved protection
for engines operating
under tough conditions
that include cold and
high temperatures, short
journey cycles where
full operating temperature is not reached,
stop-start city driving with long periods of
idling, and long-distance driving at high
RPM. Valvoline DuraBlend oil provides extra
durability for a broad range of applications.
17.6 mpg - previously I achieved 12 mpg if I nursed her. I am thoroughly pleased.”
Valvoline’s Durablend range of engine
oils for passenger cars exceeds the latest
performance standards of leading engine
manufacturers.
The primary function of engine oil is to
minimise metal-to-metal contact reducing
friction and wear. With friction comes heat,
which increases wear and distorts moving
engine parts.
| words in action
70
october 2014
Valvoline DuraBlend is
available through any one of
the 42 Diesel-Electric outlets
countrywide.