I've been woundering what common oil would have the highest zddp (zinc dialkyl dithio phasphate) in it or would have the highest protection? I've been reading that the zddp content in oil has been decreasing more and more as of late to help with emissions and catalytic converters which my and most cars on here don't have... I'm currently running Valvaline. Any advice would be appreciated. Valvaline, Castrol, Rotella T, Mobil 1... thanks.
Swap out the old flat tappet engine for a roller motor then its not an issue. I know easier said than done.
there are additve bottles that you can add to you oil to put it back in. usually its refered to as break in additive.
The most common time that people are having problems with this is on cam break in. Every once in a great while, cam lobes are getting wiped out because the protection isn't there. If it survived that, run whatever engine oil you want. Lots of good info here: http://www.bobistheoilguy.com/forums/ubbthreads.php
Diesel Oil Hi, As suggested by others many diesel oils work well with pre-emission engines. However, one thing to keep in mind is that they tend to be rich in "detergents." This is all well and good for new builds. But there is always the possibility with an older engine that some crude will break loose and cause damage. This is by no means a universal rule or even a common happening, but be aware of this potential problem. Regards, David
I would just like to know which oil is good for a flat-tappet pre-emission engine... higher zddp content... or pretty much which one would have the contents or as close to what is needed for the older non-emission engines... which desial oils would you suggest? I've already shortened my engines life after rebuild due to afew things that happened but I would like to do what I can to keep it going for as long as possible.
Well if you're wondering which diesel had flat tappet cams that required ZDDP. the answer is none. Diesels went roller decades ago.
Like mentioned its the break in period that is the big issue. Lots of info out there on this if you google it you can read for hours.
Further Information Hi, Diesel lubricating oils have now been required to reduce their zinc/phosphorus levels to use the API certification label. Rotella is now down to 1016 ppm of ZDDP, whereas, the recommended level for pre-emission engines is 1600 ppm. Amsoil makes three different fixed viscosity oils of interest and there is also Brad Penn Racing Oil, 20W-50W. I believe all four of these oils are rated at about 1500 ppm of zddp. I have no knowledge of their detergent contents. At least at 1500 ppm, one would have to use far less of the expensive ZDDP additive to reach optimal levels. It should be noted that ZDDP levels need to be adjusted to 1600 ppm at every oil change. I hope this helps. Regards, David
