WHO, ME ? posted a few, reasonable questions about an article in Vintage Truck Magazine. That "TECH TIPS" article includes references to multiple engine rebuilders, and engine rebuilders associations, and oil manufacturers.
The article did refer to "soupped up engines" but it also referred to potential problems with " . . ANY flat tappet engines." (J & M machine of Southborough, MA). A flat tappet engine can be any engine that has mechanical or hydraulic flat tappets.
The J&M quote above was in reference to a Technical Bulletin issued by "The Automotive Engine Rebuilders Association (AERA), and the whole quote is "The bulletin cautioned its member rebuilders to use diesel engine oils plus break-in additives for the initial break-in on any flat tappet engines." Read the on-line article linked-to by BlueBolt, above, for additional information.
Significant changes have recently (last several years) taken place in the most formulations of non-diesel engine oils (to meet emission standards and to not cause harm to emmissions-related sensors). Soon, more changes in formulations will most likely occur and the Zinc (ZDDP) content will become low to non-existent even in diesel oils.
The conclusion of Rob English's Tech Tip was a suggestion to use ZDDP-containing oils, if possible, and to add GM's Camshaft and Lifter Prelube at every oil change (GM part number 12345501). Seems reasonable to me. Thank you for the information and advice, Rob.
I will always listen to 84 year old mechanics about the old days, but I take with a grain of salt the old boys' opinions-about and knowledge-about modern products and problems (unless they are up-to-date on the products and problems). Oh yeah, I think it is a good idea to read a technical article before criticizing it's contents and the merits of the information provided.
Tim
