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Have any of you heard of or used ZDDPlus. From what i've been reading, the EPA has had the oil companies remove ZDDP (zinc dialkyldithiophosphate) from oil because it plugs up the catalitic convertors. This ZDDP is what coats and protects the lifters and camshaft from interface wear, and now using the modern oils of today, could cause premature cam and lifter failure on vehicles that don't use roller lifters.
How true is this? Anyone else heard of this?

Click the "Search" button right above your posting and search on ZDDP

A lot of people posted a lot of disagreement about 18 months ago when an article was published on ZDDP and mechanical-lifter/cam break-in problems. Now, that lack-of-ZDDP-problem from oil used with new cams/solid-lifters is a fairly well-accepted reality.

It's been a long talked about subject. Patrick's recommends used Valvoline VR1 due to it's 20 ppm content. The American Engine Rebuilders Assosiation recommends Shell Rotella along with break in lube, and all of the cam manufactures pretty much recommend the same thing. All those people can't be wrong. If I'm not mistaken, the oil companies have been phasing zinc out since about 2000, my guess is that there has been alot of data since then to back it up. Especially in the form of flat cam lobes!

The use of break in additives is only reccomended during the break in process. They should not be used as a regular additive, as the can cause pre-ignition problems as well as oiling system issues, sugh as plugging the filter. Once break in is properly done, regular oil can be used safely. However, if you feel you need more protection, this is one alternative.

I recently purchased "How to Keep Your Collector Car Alive", a Motorbooks Workshop publication written by Josh B. Malks. Amazon.com He has some interesting things to say about the ZDDP issue, and has clearly studied it in depth. He does not take a hardline stance on the subject, but,in a nutshell, says:

-Zinc amounts in gasoline have fluctuated ever since it was first added (to raise octane).

-It is a bigger issue for Muscle-cars of the '60s & '70s, as well as "high-performance" cars (though I tend to think our old trucks often need to work as hard as a muscle-car to keep up with today's traffic. Not to mention, my 1.5 ton fire truck is prob. substantially underpowered with a 216 engine).

-If it helps you sleep at night, he mentions the use of "Classic Car Motor Oil". Check it out here

-For starting up rebuilt engines, GM EOS ("Engine Oil Supplement") is generally recommended.

-The Internet makes it possible to scare the most people the fastest, and the Zinc debate sounds a little like the unleaded gas panic, when all classic motors would self-destruct without lead in them (didn't happen).

Anyway, it's an excellent book that covers every aspect of maintaining old vehicles, and I highly recommend it. For the record, I'll be picking up my rebuilt engine next week, and have not yet decided what oil to use.

-Michael

And I would highly recommend you use the oil and break in procedure that your engine rebuilder seggests since he is the one that has to stand behind it if your engine comes apart!
Denny G

My machinest said that it's a big problem on vehicles with high lift cams and high spring rates on the valves. He said he's had to replace dozens of cams in big blocks. All I know is that I'm not going to spend a grand on machine work and parts only to see ultimate failure. I'm going to play it safe with my engine and use Zinc.

i use @ start up of the newly rebuilt motor
http://www.lucasoil.com/products/di...%20Oil%20Additive%20-%20TB%20Zinc%20Plus

I use it because it has additives that older air-cooled machines as well as older motors used to get from older oils of the 60's. I use it in all my motors (motorcycle & truck) when changing oil and filters.

API:
www.tnk-oil.ru/doc/doc.asp?obj=70095 -

There is one thing that you must do to get the guaranttee for your engine is use what the engine rebuilder recommends. If it scatters it is on him but if it scatters and you put your engine break in lube and oil in then it might be on you and that my friends could be very expencive now days. After the required break in use what ever you desire, be it Shell, Valveline, Texaco, Chevron, Castrol, Kendall Amsoil,Mobil or what have you XYZ oil etc. then he can't say you did not follow his rememdations. Just my two cents here fellows and everyone has their own idea what they like best for their engine. For me I like Castrol but was told to use Rotella and Com Cam lube so what I will do.
Don