Zinc content in engine oil
Posted: Thu Feb 13, 2014 10:41 pm
Whilst recently discussing my engine rebuild with the guys at Real Steel I asked what oil they suggest I should use when the motor is rebuilt. They told me that I need to use an oil with a high zinc content, or add zinc to my oil.
I've been using Valvoline VR1 20/50 mineral oil. Apparently this does have zinc but RS didn't think it had enough.
To further support their comment I've just read an article in Hagerty's online magazine, (2012 winter edition), in relation to the Ford Cleveland engine.
"All engines with flat top tappets require motor oil that contains 1,000 to 1,500 parts per million (ppm) zincdialkyldithiophosphate (ZDDP).
Without the correct amount of ZDDP, which provides protection by clinging to the metal at high-friction areas, cam lobes can-and will-wear away, and small bits of metal will circulate throughout the engine and cause major damage.
Motor oil designed for modern cars generally has about 800 ppm ZDDP because higher concentrations of zinc damage catalytic converters. So if the motor oil you're using doesn't specifically have at least 1,000 ZDDP consider using a ZDDP additive with every oil change or oil with a higher concentrations such as Brad Penn, AMSOIL or Valvoline Racing Oil"
We may not be able to get all of those makes in the UK, however Penrite also make an oil with high zinc content. There may well be others.
Lou.
I've been using Valvoline VR1 20/50 mineral oil. Apparently this does have zinc but RS didn't think it had enough.
To further support their comment I've just read an article in Hagerty's online magazine, (2012 winter edition), in relation to the Ford Cleveland engine.
"All engines with flat top tappets require motor oil that contains 1,000 to 1,500 parts per million (ppm) zincdialkyldithiophosphate (ZDDP).
Without the correct amount of ZDDP, which provides protection by clinging to the metal at high-friction areas, cam lobes can-and will-wear away, and small bits of metal will circulate throughout the engine and cause major damage.
Motor oil designed for modern cars generally has about 800 ppm ZDDP because higher concentrations of zinc damage catalytic converters. So if the motor oil you're using doesn't specifically have at least 1,000 ZDDP consider using a ZDDP additive with every oil change or oil with a higher concentrations such as Brad Penn, AMSOIL or Valvoline Racing Oil"
We may not be able to get all of those makes in the UK, however Penrite also make an oil with high zinc content. There may well be others.
Lou.