Diesel oil and break-in?

[Ant]

This topic has been well used, but it is not that easy to get the right oil for my application, as out here in NZ, Shell Rotella is not available,
but Chevron Delo 400, Mobil Delvac 1300 super are available, these oils are listed on the Comp Cams website!

So I asked an oil rep (Penrite) on a good Diesel oil full of Zinc etc and he came up with Penrite FX which has a high zinc content, but he advised against this as it is designed for Trucks and might glaze the bore on a dynoed new type engine, apparently Diesel oils have more additives than a normal car oil, like heavy pistons rattling around.
I am prepared to give the Delo 400 a go but I would hate to glaze a bore, I could go to another option of a dedicated running in oil which are high in zinc but dont have the same friction additives to allow the rings to fully bed in!

[Jac Mac]

Have used the Mobil Delvac 1330 (30w) for all my break-in running for the last few years Ant. Tried the Mobil Motrex 9300 (10w-30) for a while until one idiot tried to race with it still in. Only down side to the Delvac is possibility of some unwanted deposits that could lead to detonation if your motor is a bit on the 'loose' side with regard to piston/ring clearances.

BTW my chances of getting thru to chch are looking slimmer by the day as xmas approaches.
Cheers
Jac Mac

[Ant]

Jac Mac,

Mobil Delvac 1330 should be worth a go, there is also Castrol RX Super 15-40, but as Comp Cams recommend Mobil, my engine is not that high in compression (10.2) and if I use a good mix of fuel and keep it on good medium fast runs!
How long do you use the Delvac before changing to a hi performance car oil?
Having said all that I am quite a wee way off, just sussing out products!

Yep Christmas is almost here, there is always next year.

Made some changes to the build, it was impractical to go under floor exhausts, would have had about 1.5 - 2" GC under the mufflers, so going out the sides, but going to get as technical as possible with pipe size changes, cones etc, the only down side is the Oil Tank in the front of the passengers footwell and "how the hell I am going to get headers past that? The tank is already inset, I will just have to reduce the passengers leg room, which should be okay (I had the tank made especially for this car in the UK) the only other thing is heat but an alloy shield with some KA Wool should sort it, I dont like boot located oil tanks!

[Jac Mac]

With FTsolid cams I run it for about 45 min with only the outer springs @ 2500+ rpm.( Your Roller wont need that) Then fit inners and run for about 2 to 3 hours before changing oil to race or performance type. Rings should be 'bedded in' within the 45 minute time. Try to avoid any high loads during that 45 min if running in the car.

I take it that you have looked at the 'Low Profile Flowmasters' ( 2.5" thick), same pipe area as 3.5" tube.

Jac Mac

[Ant]

Jac Mac,

This little Nascar based, engine has had about 2 hours running on a dyno, first part with just the outer springs, then the build up to the dyno pulls! I am running a Comp Cam flat tappet with Shubeck lifters, hence the interest in oils high in zinc/phosphorus for my initial running!

Exhausts, I have come across the low profile mufflers, but with this car and the Yates Heads, room is a problem with headers, and it will be far easier to go out the sides, I havent come to this decision lightly as I dislike side pipes. Going underfloor can be done but it will be like a kit set of slip fits, on 2-3 of the drivers side primaries, and there will be a clearance issue where the primaries bend under the chassis.
So unfortunately I am unable to use a balance pipe etc

[Ant]

This maybe another alternative to diesel oils for early break in,

Penrite Australia make an SAE 20/50 dedicated mineral based running in oil,
API SF/CC rated, this oil is recommended for 500miles only and has no friction modifiers, and low levels of detergent. Plus has high levels of zinc 0.136, phosphorus 0.124.
The running in oil may not be that suitable for a race type engine, and its reasonably thick but that could be so it covers a wide range of engines!

[Anthony]

Originally Posted by Ant

This maybe another alternative to diesel oils for early break in,

Go tol a GM parts dealer, and get the EOS additive, it has high Zinc just made for your purpose.

[Ant]

Anthony,

Thanks, thats a good option, will see if our GM Dealer has it or can get it!