[DeTomaso] Busted Big, but Reno anyway? - Oil & ZDDP

[Garth Rodericks]

Well, I never worried much about my motor oil before I spun a rod bearing 2
  years ago. 
I think that was before we knew much about ZDDP missing from
  our oil.  I have always 
preferred single weight oils (such as
  30wt) for their better quality base product molecules.

Anyway, upon disassembling my engine and inspecting my cam and lifters, I can
  tell you 
that you NEED an oil with sufficient ZDDP to protect your flat tappet cam and lifters. Even 
if this is a 50,000 mile engine.  ZDDP is not just for initial break-in!  My cam lobes were all 
badly scored and my lifters worn concave (they're supposed to be convex to promote rotation).

Here is a brief summary list of suitable oils to use based on ZDDP content:

  

  

   
  
  Valvoline VR1 30wt 
  The
  Valvoline site states the VR-1 has ZDDP added (1400/1300ppm zinc/phosphorus), 
BUT ONLY IF MADE IN US OR CANADA.
  
Might be worth checking the bottle before you buy. 
http://www.valvoline.com/pdf/VR-1_Racing_Motor_Oil.pdf
 
    
  Central Petroleum Race oil 
  http://www.cenpecosales.com/super_racing_oil.html 
    
  Mobil 1 (15w50 is the only one with sufficient ZDDP) 
  Here’s
  a chart of their product line. The last line labeled “Phosphorus content” is
  the ZDDP level: 
  http://www.mobiloil.com/USA-English/MotorOil/Files/Mobil_1_Product_Guide.pdf 
    
  Collectors Choice 
  http://www.mossmotors.com/Shop/ViewProducts.aspx?PlateIndexID=65932 
    
  Lots
  of good info about it here, including why racing oil and diesel oil may not
  be optimal for your gasoline engine: 
  http://www.mossmotors.com/graphics/products/pdf/220-810_220-815_INST.pdf 
    
  Brad Penn Racing Oil 
  http://www.bradpennracing.com/ 
    
  Shell Rotella T Synthetic 
  



Diesel motor oils such as Shell Rotella and Chevron Delos
400 had proper ratings for ZDDP 
content until just recently.Oil formulations for diesel applications are changing due to 
increasing emissions regulations. Furthermore, 





There is a virgin oil analysis for Shell Rotella T Synthetic
CJ4/SM on bobistheoilguy.com 
from 8/08 which shows 1300ppm of Zinc, which is plenty. So it appears that this oil is still 
ok for our cars.


http://www.bobistheoilguy.com/forums/ubbthreads.php?ubb=showflat&Number=1234980#Post1234980

 However, I would not run diesel oil in my engine. Oil formulated for diesel applications 
tends to have a much higher detergent content to deal with the combustion byproducts, 
which results in a much lower surface tension and lower shear pressure rating. And, diesel 
oil is typically a higher viscosity for the larger bearing clearances in a diesel engine than 
you have in a high performance gasoline engine.






ZDDPlus Additive: 


http://www.zddplus.com/

 

Robert Kirk, who's on this list, is a distributor for the ZDDPlus additive. Contact him directlyoff-list for special pricing.http://www.kirks-auto.com