Engine oil for older engines and ZDDP!

Grrrrrr · Apr 26, 2014

Someone was asking about engine oil the other day (regular topic) and then I came across this and it got me thinking: ZDDP motor oil additive.

It was posted quite a few years ago now - the update was 2008. Was this all a storm in a teacup or was there any foundations to his concerns?

J

StuckAgainSteve · Apr 26, 2014

Zinc is quite simply the best "last barrier" oil additive, the Rover V8 would undoubtedly benefit from high zinc content oil as it's pretty hard on its cam lobes and lifters - however zinc destroys catalytic converters hence its removal from modern oil.

wammers · Apr 26, 2014

One thing to look out for is the spec on oil advertised as 20W 50 Classic engine oil. For instance i believe the stuff sold by a popular high street seller does not contain anything near the correct amount of Zinc needed for older engines. This oil could damage them.

Druim · Apr 26, 2014

I like Goodyear tyres btw

zen · Apr 26, 2014

most oils, even low saps has over 1000ppm zinc..

low saps is the latest spec stuff for ultra clean self regening diesels..

i have checked..ie rang tech depts for specs as need to know for works machines.. i asked for other grades too...manufactors know and are aware that zinc is needed..

we are talking exol/shell/mobile etc..not tesco!

so if in dought, ring oil company and ask..they are helpful.

bridgestones for me!

Druim · Apr 26, 2014

zen said:
most oils, even low saps has over 1000ppm zinc..

low saps is the latest spec stuff for ultra clean self regening diesels..

i have checked..ie rang tech depts for specs as need to know for works machines.. i asked for other grades too...manufactors know and are aware that zinc is needed..

we are talking exol/shell/mobile etc..not tesco!

so if in dought, ring oil company and ask..they are helpful.

bridgestones for me!

:hysterically_laughi Tyres... Ohh and Shell Helix 10w/40 - or Mobil - or

norseman · Apr 27, 2014

I used Comma mineral 15w/40 for a number of years, but after much studying of tech specs. I've changed to their classic 20w/50. My '87 RRC has now passed the 50k mileage mark & is serviced every year, despite rarely covering more than 1500m.

wammers · Apr 27, 2014

Zinc content mainly protects old standard cams and tappets. Were the cam ran on the centre of the tappet. Zinc is in the oil to reduce wear on the high pressure contact area. On new designs of cam and tappet the cam runs offset to the centre of the tappet to cause it to rotate in use and even out the wear across it's surface area.

Engine oil for older engines and ZDDP!

Grrrrrr

Technician, Bodgit & Scarper Ltd

StuckAgainSteve

Well-Known Member

wammers

No longer with us, RIP

Druim

Well-Known Member

zen

Well-Known Member

Druim

Well-Known Member

norseman

Well-Known Member

wammers

No longer with us, RIP

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