More than you need to know about motor oils

I've been reading more and more about the lack of zinc in today's oils. This may be fine for newer cars, but for our old cars, I've read that it is essential. My reading of the above article tells me that the zinc is not needed unless the oil isn't doing it's job any longer. Therefore, need I not be concerned with lack of zinc in today's oil if I change my oil frequently enough?

From what I read, the zinc is essential to ALL engines eventually, but those with flat tappet camshafts are particularly subject to wear and very early failure, and the new cars usually have hydraulic lifters, tho timing chains are another point of concern. I bought an additive that is got the zinc and phosphorous<img src=images/icon_smile_question.gif border=0 align=middle> that has been removed to allow CAT life to be unaffected. There was another thread on this site that covered this. <img src=images/icon_smile_approve.gif border=0 align=middle>

Just keep in mind that this article is over 7 years old. There is probably a lot less zinc in the oils today. Generally, racing oil and motorcycle oil will still have the zinc needed, particularly if you are breaking in a new cam.

Zinc is sacrificial so how much you drive your car will determine how much it's level of protection is reduced. I don't think solid vs. hydraulic cams is an issue here. Both are flat tappet, the issue is metal-to-metal contact which both have, modern engines aren't as affected because of OHV and roller lifter cams.

Here's a little more light reading just from this site:

http://www.hipomustang.com/hpmx/topic.asp?TOPIC_ID=6538

http://www.hipomustang.com/hpmx/topic.asp?TOPIC_ID=6684

http://www.hipomustang.com/hpmx/topic.asp?TOPIC_ID=6630

I use diesel engine oil. The additives are the closest to the oils blended in the 60's. Readily available in auto parts stores, Walmart, Costco, etc.

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I think that Don may be onto something here. I do not remember diesel motor oil being discussed on this forum before.

-Fred-

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It's been discussed quite extensively over on VMF. From what I've picked up and somewhat digested it's a viable alternative for now but much of the newer diesel oil is also lacking in zinc content. I don't recall the SE ratings to look for.

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It's been discussed quite extensively over on VMF. From what I've picked up and somewhat digested it's a viable alternative for now but much of the newer diesel oil is also lacking in zinc content. I don't recall the SE ratings to look for.

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Merlyn is right, this has been discussed all over the internet including the VMF and in even more detail on the Bob Is The Oil Guy forum.

The newer deisel heavy duty oils are being reformulated with lower zinc (ZDDP) levels for the same reason passenger car oils are, the ZDDP additive fouls catalytic converters. IIRC the HD oils are rated a bit differently. The last rating with sufficient (old passenger car levels) ZDDP was CI-4, the latest rating, CJ-4, has less ZDDP but is still probably enough protection for the limited miles our cars typically see.

There is also a lot of conflicting info out there. Mobil-1 has a 15W-50 with the older zinc levels that our flat tappet engines need for protection. So do some of the other synthetics like Amsoil, Redline, and Royal Purple. Sounds good but then again some of the specialty cam mfgs. (Comp Cams) specifically say NOT to use synthetic oils with solid lifter cams because (going from memory here - very scary!) they are too slippery and don't allow the lifter to rotate enough in the bore. Now this doesn't make much sense to me but it does illustrate some of the issues (there are more!) we have to currently deal with.

ZddPlus is the brand name of the product I bought, as GM's EOS is history now. Have not used it yet, as my engine is just being finished.More later after it is run in.<img src=images/icon_smile_big.gif border=0 align=middle>

ZddPlus web site is zddplus.com, and they quote a new SAE bulletin that says non-roller lifter bodies, as in the hipo, will experience cam/ lifer body failure without ZDDP. Check the website, it seems to have the latest word plus a solution.<img src=images/icon_smile_big.gif border=0 align=middle>

My brother turned me onto this issue last year. He's got a '72 Porche 911 and those guys have the same concern - probably more so. After talking with him, I changed to Brad Penn racing oil 10W30. It comes from same refinery that made Kendall oil back in the day. It's API service category is SJ which was superceded years ago by the newer oils that have minimal ZDDP. Call them to find your local distributor.

http://www.bradpennracing.com/

I also use BradPenn 10W30. Paid about $50.00 for a case delivered UPS from:

http://valleypetroleum.net/index.html

VALLEY PETROLEUM

7400 GROVE STREET

P.O. BOX 205

SWARTZ CREEK, MICHIGAN 48473

SWARTZ CREEK: (810) 635-4471

FLINT: (810) 233-5281

FAX: (810) 635-4318

BRAD PENN® Penn Grade 1® Racing Oils also contain highly effective detergent and dispersant additives to guarantee exceptional engine cleanliness as well as oxidation and foam inhibitors that offer protection against thermal degradation and air entrainment.

In addition to our unique base oil cut, increased concentration of “zinc” (zinc dialkyldithiophosphate a.k.a. ZDDP) provides outstanding anti-wear/anti-scuffing protection for engines employing either ‘flat tappet’ or roller cams. BRAD PENN® Penn Grade 1® Racing Oils have been evaluated by a number of premiere camshaft manufacturers with tremendous success. Many are now recommending our Penn Grade 1® racing oils to provide outstanding protection for their ‘flat tappet’ or roller cams.