Engine oil

[wilf]

Well, to a degree you can, if you regularly get oil analyses done?

[marshman]

But an oil filter is about £8 and a gallon of 20W50 (with ZDDP at a decent level) is around £24 , (I buy it in 20L drums from Rye Oils), so at £32 for an annual oil and filter change, can't see the point of "saving" a couple of quid by not changing the filter.

A magnet - either sump plug or wrapped around the oil filter can only hope to catch magnetic particles - i.e. iron/steel, it won't catch anything off bearing shells or any of the other non ferrous debris (burnt carbon deposits etc.), that's what the filter is for. To be honest all the old engines I have stripped usually have a film of sludge in the bottom of the sump which seems good enough to trap all the bits that end up in the sump and stop them being pumped back around the engine. Way back cars often didn't have filters at all, ah for the days of "splash" lubrication and thermo syphon cooling - no oil pumps, filters or water pumps to worry about

As said somewhere in earlier in this thread, regular oil and filter changes are probably more important than than the actual oil. Its the one thing I make sure I do will all my cars - classic or modern - and never had a problem with a "worn" engine unless it was knackered when I bought the car, and I keep my cars for a long time so they build up some high mileages.

[stagerooney]

If you live in a rural area, your best bet is Morris Oils Classic 20/50. Readily available at most Country stores and Farm Supplies outlets and is competitively priced. Has 1200ppm ZDDP.
Look at their spec sheet on line. I have use this is all my pre 80 classic cars and motorcycles for many years without problem. The oil of choice for the vintage tractor and farm machinery boys!

[stagerooney]

Your best bet is Morris Oils "Golden Film" classic 20/50. contains 1200ppm ZDDP. Readily available at most Country Stores and Farm Equipment outlets and is competitively priced.
I have used this in all my pre 1980 classic cars and motorcycles for many years without problem. The oil of choice for the vintage tractor and farm machinery lads! Check out their spec sheet on line