The Stovebolt Site Forums The Shop Area Engine Shop New oils in old engines

I don't know if this has been discussed here or not, but I believe if it has not it is worth mentioning. I ran across an article about the new oils that are lacking zddp, zinc dithiophosphate, an additive that is important in protecting against extreme pressure friction in engines, specificially the type encountered by a camshaft with flat tappets. The complete article is at: www.ttalk.info/zddp.htm.

I believe there may be something to this, and for those of us with engines that do not have roller camshafts, it would be prudent to at least get more information about this to avoid trouble in the future.

Also
http://www.hotrod.com/techarticles/engine/flat_tappet_cam_tech/index.html

Shell Rotella T SAE 30 (15W-40 for colder winters) works best and not only for cam break-in.

Another good one is Chevron Delo 400.

I heard even these will be reformulated starting in January. :confused:

The high mileage oils on the market have these additives. I found this out from the Mini forum I belong to. Seems that oil companies let us wear out our engines first, then give us the protection they need in their high mileage oils. I use Castrol 10W-30 or 40 depending on the temperature.

Jeff

Second that note from on the road again regarding Delo 400. I run it in my 261 with no oil filter, change it every 2000 miles and things look great.

I use either Delo 400 or Rotella T in my 261, too. It's really starting to get clean under the valve cover. I also use it in my BMW 325i.

I was told by my old car machinest guy that delo 400 was the right stuff.