Zinc, oil issue?

[rauder775]

Ok, sorry if there is a thread already around on this, but I "searched" and found squat.

Curious whether fellow MM owners are using and zinc additives or different oil given the mandated reductions in Zinc for "standard" oil. I have read that "Non street legal" oils such as VR1 still maintain the 1400pp of Zinc of past oils.

I run the standard weight in mine (stock motor), no synthetics. I realize the Zinc issue is more relevant for flat tappet, pushrod applications but the anti wear aspect would still be relevant.

Thoughts??

[fastblackmerc]

Oil additives = snake oil and will most likely do more harm than good.



Whatever your engine needs is in a good quality engine oil.

[RF Overlord]

I realize the Zinc issue is more relevant for flat tappet, pushrod applications but the anti wear aspect would still be relevant.
Actually, the AW aspect is not relevant in OHC motors such as the Ford modular series. The current formulation (SM) is more than up to the job.

You are, however, right about it being a potential issue in flat-tappet motors, which is why I use Rotella 15W-40 in my '68 Buick Gran Sport. GM's EOS would be a perfect additive, but they don't sell it anymore...likewise Valvoline's VSOT.

[Blackened300a]

My uncle has a 65 Olds 442. He had the engine rebuilt about 5 years ago and used normal oil in it. 6 months ago the engine picked up a sticky lifter and when we took the intake manifold off, we saw premature wear of the lifters and cam. Our engine builder told us that we needed zinc in the oil to prevent this from happening in the older push rod engines. So almost $1000 later for a custom ground cam and new lifters, we picked up zinc additive and straight 30 weight oil for the engine for now on.

[Taemian]

Mustang Monthly (July 2009) has a 3 page story on zinc in oil. Vintage engines NEED it for longevity, especially flat tappet ones.

Those built after 1980 or so, when leaded fuels were gone, have hardened exhaust valve seats to help prevent excessive wear.

Zinc screws up your cats, so be careful about adding too much ZDDP additive if you live where they smog-check your car.

Zinc does in fact reduce wear in severe service (racing/ non-smog check) applications.

Google the mag if you need to know more.:)

[Stranger in the Black Sedan]

all the zinc craze is for flat tappet muscle car engines running high spring pressures.

[Ozz]

I bought 6 bottles of 'ZDDP' to use in my '69 Mustang (one per oil change) but I will not be using it in my Marauder or in my '91 Mustang... roller cam = no need.