Looking around the internet there seems to be confusion about how much Zddp is this oil.Does it still have sufficient additives for our motors or should I be buying the Zddp additive in cans?Also seems to be a question as to what is the correct PPM for gas motors as opposed to diesel.Apparently too much is just as bad as too little.

  

Mark,



As far as I know, it still has not been proven/settled whether the aftermarket ZDDP additives will even mix properly. I'd stay with an official/proven oil formulation just to be safe.

While the newer Rotella does have less zinc (I still have a dozen gals. of the older formula put away), it may still be adequate for tappets/cams that are well broken-in, but might possibly be dicey for a fresh motor with stiffer/HiPo springs. Also, since the higher detergency of diesel oil may eventually strip off some of the built up protective zinc layers laid down before ZDDP was reduced, you might consider (like me) rotating occasionally with a ultra high-zinc racing oil to replenish protection.

6 VOLTS/POS. GRD. NW INDIANA

There is an article by Joseph Pullen in the latest issue of YBM where he indicates you can use Amsoil 10W-40 in our Y-Blocks because they have zinc. He is correct. I use the Amsoil 10W-40 "Premium Protection Motor Oil" in my '56 Customline. The product is listed as having "a high zinc formula and excellent for flat tappets, high performance, heavy duty and high milage applications"

Rono

  Ron Lane,  Meridian, ID

Thats good to know.Up here north of the border not sold here.The Rotella-T is available at Walmart in 20 litre jugs which is good for about 3 oil changes.Thats what I am using which is why I am asking about the Zddp.

  

Oldcarmark;

You can order Amsoil products factory direct. I can send you a retail catalog if you want. If you're interested, send me a PM.

Rono

  Ron Lane,  Meridian, ID

The latest formulation of Shell Rotella T 15/40 has 1100 ppm of ZDDP. This should be ok for any basically stock engine. In addition, any 10/40, 20/50 dino oil has enough ZDDP. If breaking in a new engine, I would add a supplement such as GM (gasp) EOS or any of the other supplements.

54 Victoria 312;  48 Ford Conv 302, 56 Bird 312
Forever Ford
Midland Park, NJ

Thanks Paul.I found Daniels input interesting.About whether or not the Zddp additives actually do mix with the oil.With all the various suppliers selling the additives it would be nice to know if they are actually effective.Also as I mentioned before apparently you can have too much Zddp in the oil.The diesel formulated oils have a higher Zddp content than the gas formulated oils.I thought the Rotella-T was a diesel oil yet the PPM of Zddp is actually quite low.

  

I believe the GM additive was designed largely for the brief, initial break-in run. Likely the others would suffice in a pinch for that also?



New diesels with cat. converters unable to use higher zinc formulas, but I suspect their heavier loading of engine components compared to high RPM/roller cam gas engines will still likely keep that oil to a higher zinc content. Again, higher detergency could possibly be problematic though if not addressed, but previously mentioned rotation might eventually clear the sludge from an old engine?

6 VOLTS/POS. GRD. NW INDIANA

Hey Guys;;   I use shell, but I put in a bottle   ZDDP just to be save.  Tooo much invested to take a chance.   Have Fun   God Bless and thanks to all for this great site!!!!   Eddie

Eddie

Lake Forest, Ca. 92630

Valvoline VR1 racing oil is available at your local parts store, is priced like plain ole cheap oil and has "old fashioned Zinc additives" in it. I run it religiously in my 60 292 and does just fine.