The Stovebolt Site Forums The Shop Area Engine Shop What Oil has higher Zinc for older engines?

I am getting ready to start a 230 6cyl engine that my dad had completely rebuilt 15 years ago and was just stored and never installed. I talked to the machine shop owner who did the work on it for advice on starting it. He advised I use a high zinc oil which is harder to find now a days because of it being a flat tappet cam. Any advice as to what brand I might go with? He seemed to think napa might carry it but I'm sure you stovebolt gurus out there might have some favorites you can recommend?? Thanks

you can buy a zinc additive then put it in any oil you want. here's an example:

ZDDP

Shell Rotella [or other brand for diesels] has the zinc, or you might look for a ZDDP additive, I believe STP makes one

Bill

Pretty much anyhting from Valvoline will be fine, as they didn't reduce the ZDDP levels, or if you want a higher level, look into the VR-1 or Rousch oils from Valvoline. If the engine hasn't been broken in, add some EOS or any of the other break in additives. Once broken in, regular oil will be fine for a stock flat tappet engine.

Hemmings Motor News has an oil available now that has been formulated especially for older flat tappet engines and antiques. Available from them direct at www.hemmingsmotornews.com.

Thanks for the info guys. I will look for the ZDDP additive. Does anyone know what is the capacity of a 230 I6? 5 or 6 quarts a I'm assuming?

Amsoil has high zinc content is some of their motor oils too. It is becoming more common, so keep your eyes open.

Only the Valvoline oils designated as "RACING" contain ZDDP. This was a 'pollutant' that the EPA mandated removal from commerce, but not from racing, hence the RACING label

That is not the case. EPA mandated lower emissions and manufacturers complied with catalytic converters. ZDDP was causing early catalytic converter failure rates. The manufacturers cut a deal with oil companies to reduce ZDDP levels.

That is incorrect/ ALL Valvoline oil has ZDDP in it, with the standard Valvoline having .08 PPM (same as what was used when these trucks were new, BTW). The have a propriatory ZDDP blend that keeps the phosphorus (which is not only the anti-wear agent, but is also what fouls catalytic converters) from burning off. The VR-1 and Rousch oils Valvoline produces have a higher ZDDP level, around .10-.12 PPM.

...and just to throw this in....new cars have roller tappet cams so no need for Zddp in them.

I've built several engines and, as suggested above, put a quart of the EOS (engine oil supplement) from the local chevy dealer and have never had a problem running conventional oil later which has always been Castrol and Valvoline.

Just finished putting a new cam in a 77 Firebird and did buy the bottle of ZDDP additive this go round. All is well.

One of the main things to remember, even with ZDDP, is to get the engine running ASAP to avoid the engine "grinding" over a lot before it starts...to be on the safe side.

Interesting story on motor oils,

http://www.hotrodandrestoration.com..._source=Email&utm_medium=Enewsletter

Valvoline oils are a reduced ZDDP oil, just like all the rest. It must be racing oil for to have the most additives. Any oil on the market has some zinc left in it, but for break-in, some is not enough. Diesel oil is now reduced just like automotive oils so don't us it for break-in either.

Comp cams sells a break-in oil or a additive for regular oil, both work just fine.

Your 230 will not require much if the cam is stock. Radical cam profiles require the most. Have the carb full of fuel and ready to run, pre-lube the oil system, and have the coolant full. If it fires, get the rpm up to 1500 ASAP and you should be fine. 15 minute minimum break-in time.

Joe

I use Valvoline VR1 racing oil 20w-50 in my 54 261 engine. Valvoline VR1


Tim

I use Hicks brand Collector Choice Oil (or Muscle Car Oil, same stuff) 20-50. Has the same amount of ZDDP as the Valvoline VR1 racing oil (which from my research has the highest content) but it's cheaper. NAPA stocks it but I'd call first to make sure they have the viscosity you're looking for on hand.

http://www.hicksoils.com/pdfs/10-13-09/Collector%20Car%20Motor%20Oil%20PDS.pdf

http://www.hicksoils.com/technical.asp

They also advertise private label packaging and I've heard it's what Hemmings is selling under their own name.

Motorcycle oils have higher Zinc levels. They never got catalytic converters (well some do now) so they were able to keep higher zinc levels. In fact I think that's what makes a motorcycle oil a motorcycle oil.

Joe