[Author nameAuthor names are only available to PAS members.]

Ed,

Try changing your e-mail account password. It stopped all of the spam that went out with my name on it from my Yahoo account. It has happened to me twice so far.

[Author nameAuthor names are only available to PAS members.]

Scott one other thing I forgot. You mention concern about long periods of non-use. There is an additive product called “ASL Camguard”” that is specifically designed for this. I am familiar with the aircraft version for piston aircraft engines. Most aircraft mechanics are very skeptical of oil additives. Camguard has been fairly widely accepted and has not caused any problems that I have heard of. I use it in my small plane. They make an automotive version.

Dave”

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Scott,

I recently bought a 1928 Series 36 and wondered the same thing about what oil to use. I definitely am not an authority on this, but what I found through much web research is that the big controversy right now is the level of ZDDP (zinc/phosphorus) needed in oil for older engines.

The bottom line that I found is that there is much disagreement over whether modern oils are bad for older engines, specifically cam and lifter wear in flat tappet engines. Most seem to agree that in a freshly rebuilt engine, use an oil with around 1200 ppm of ZDDP for break in. Most newer “Starburst” oils are currently around 600-800ppm. Most also agree that levels of ZDDP above about 1500 ppm can harm an engine. Before the 1950’s the level of ZDDP was less than 800ppm, so our older cars ran on low ZDDP oil when new.

After reading a lot of the arguments, I am OK with modern oils in my car. The previous owner was using a modern NAPA 10-40 oil with no apparent problems. Additionally, the dual valve 6 in my car has roller tappets so the ZDDP level is not an issue.

Do a web search for “Bob Olree” (a GM engineer) and you will get a paper he did on modern oil myths. “ZDDP in oil” will get you all of the various forums and articles on whether or not modern oil is harmful in old cars. It seems that those that sell additives or specialty oils say you have to have high ZDDP. Those that sell modern oils say you don’t need higher levels of ZDDP.

There are high ZDDP specialty oils available as well as ZDDP additives if you feel uncomfortable with modern “standard” oils.

I hope this helps you. I recommend you do some research and make your own decision. I also would love to hear from other PAS members that have looked into this issue.

Dave

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Ed,

Thanks for the welcome. I think I joined PAS around 1993 (if I read the roster correctly)and have been looking for the right P-A since, so ownership has been a long time coming. On Memorial Day, we gave rides to neighbors, friends and kids and had a great time with the car.

The next few PAS meets are on the east coast so I doubt we’ll drive the car that far, but should get it to the next west coast meet. I have been really impressed with the hospitality of the PAS members I have met and spoken to. A great group to be a part of. Dave

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We dealt with a good friend of Walt’s while looking at and purchasing the car. He filled Walt in on who was buying the car and Walt approved the sale to us, so I believe Walt knew we were first time P-A owners. We did not have the opportunity to meet or talk to Walt because of his illness. When we picked the car up yesterday, we did talk to Kathryn (initially not knowing Walt had passed the day before) about their adventures with the car, and what history she knew. Great people.

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Mark, thanks for the kind words. The car will be going to Arcata on the north coast of California. As far as I know, the only one in the area. We are very excited to have purchased the car. It is quite evident that Walt and Kathryn cared greatly for it.

I have been a PAS member for a number of years, but until now had not owned a Perce-Arrow. Donna and I went to our first PAS meet in Minden last year and were very impressed with the friendliness and hospitality that other members showed us. We rode and drove several Pierces and had a great time. We are looking forward to future meets and tours with the car.

Dave White

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