Zinc and the flat tappet cam

[rdorman]

While this topic have been covered well, a nice article in the recent Circle Track had some confirmation of what I am others have been saying. I truly enjoy Circle Track for the tech articles even though I have never, and may never, set foot on a circle track. Good stuff that applies.

Anyways, the article goes on to confirm the 1200 - 1500 ppm for flat tappet cams, reminds us about phosphorus as well and talks about some specific oils such as Brad Penn. It also made me aware of a product I was not familiar with (or forgot about!) ZDDP Plus.

It also brought back up a good investment if you are running a flat tappet cam, nitriding. A number of cam manufacturer, including Comp Cams, offer the service in house for a very reasonable sum... about $150. Claims have been made as high as a near zero lobe failure rate and life spans of 10 -12 times longer. Sounds almost to good to be true doesn't it?

And, it has one of the best common sense recommendations... talk to the cam manufacturer. They know what kills their cams.

Nothing ground breaking here for those who have followed the discussion, more a confirmation.

[patrickt]

And, btw, GM reinstated their EOS. I have not seen a VOA on the new stuff as I still have a case of the old stuff -- so I can't tell you that I'm 100% sure that it's the same. But I'm sure a VOA will turn up on BITOG soon. Here's a link to the new stuff: http://www.gmpartsdirect.com/results...partnumber=EOS

[rdorman]

I didn't know that GM brought back the EOS. Some more good info. Here is the ZDDP Plus info http://www.zddplus.com/

[speed220mph]

To ensure the oil has a sufficient percentage of ZDDP, one good way you can do it is purchase Joe Gibb's oil . . . very pricey . . . or Brad Penn, which is refinned from Pennsylvania crude. Both have sufficiently high concentrations of ZDDP to protect your flat tappet cam. Gibb's oil is expensive, but considering the cost of rebuilding your engine . . . Brad Penn can be had for a "reasonable" price. Either way, good oil costs less that a wiped cam lobe. I follow the "Pay me now or pay me later" rule.

Brad Penn web site: http://www.bradpennracing.com/News/june192007.html

[rdorman]

Joe Gibb's oil is another they mention by name in the article.

[4pipes]

Redline is about to market a synthetic with ZDDP and other anti-wear additives soon.

[Cobra 29]

Who has used this additive? Probably difficult to know whether is works until many miles. Is the Zddplus available only from the website?

[jwd]

Use CJ-4 (diesel oil) and don't worry about additives. It has 1200PPM or you can still get CI-4 at truck supply stores and it has 1500PPM. The new GM EOS is the same as the old with the exception of added calcium as a detergent. It is used for assembly and the initial breaking in of new cams but not to be used regularly.

Jim

[Silverback51]

High zinc oil is also good for roller cams if you are running a steel gear on your distributor.

[JBCOBRA]

Does Valvoline VR1 conventional oil have enough zinc?

[rdorman]

According to the data sheet: http://www.valvoline.com/products/VR...otor%20Oil.pdf

Yep, but at the very bottom end.

For those of you looking to see if what your favorite oil contains, Google it. ZDDP is a widely discussed topic and part of virtually any oils data sheet.

[sideoiler10]

I have been using ZDDP Plus for the past few years. The last time I ordered from the website I ordered a case. This way I always have some on hand when I decide to freshen up the oil and filters.

As to wear...I have no idea how well it works. But considering the investment in a 427 sideoiler with a flat tappet solid lifter motor. why would you not run it? Besides, there is too much information on the web that documents the need for it. If Comp Cams says it is needed, I'll use it.

Bob

[Bob In Ct]

I recently spoke with a tech guy at Mobil1. He told me the ZDDP level in their 5W-30 was not enough for my flat tappet Windsor. He told me the ZDDP level in Mobil1 5W-30 was 800 PPM or less (thus the starburst).

I then bought a case of 5W-30 synthetic from another producer and dumped 9 quarts of it into my engine. I did this because their tech guy assured me that the ZDDP level in their product was around 1200 PPM ZDDP. I also took a sample of the new oil and sent it out to be analyzed. When I get the results I will post them on this thread. Last year I sent a sample of the Mobil1 5W-30 and the ZDDP level came in under 800 PPM.

BTW, according to both the Mobil1 guy and the other guy it's not so much the zinc but rather the phosphorous that prevents the wear.

Bob

[Cashburn]

Originally Posted by Cobra 29

Who has used this additive? Probably difficult to know whether is works until many miles. Is the Zddplus available only from the website?

We sell it and use it: http://www.vintage-motorsports.com/s...cat=264&page=1

[patrickt]

Originally Posted by Cashburn

We sell it and use it: http://www.vintage-motorsports.com/s...cat=264&page=1

Your web page says: "The chart below compares the amount of ZDDP in ZddPlus to GM EOS, an additive which claims to provide ZDDP based wear protection." But there's no chart?

[Cashburn]

Originally Posted by patrickt

Your web page says: "The chart below compares the amount of ZDDP in ZddPlus to GM EOS, an additive which claims to provide ZDDP based wear protection." But there's no chart?

This one?

[patrickt]

Originally Posted by Cashburn

This one?

Yes, I bought a case of the old EOS before it changed. I use it along with Brad Penn with my solid, flat tappet FE. Aside from the additive, what oil do you fancy?

[Cashburn]

Originally Posted by patrickt

Yes, I bought a case of the old EOS before it changed. I use it along with Brad Penn with my solid, flat tappet FE. Aside from the additive, what oil do you fancy?

Actually, planning on moving to a new offering:

http://www.roushoil.com/10w-30.html

[Cashburn]

And they have a specific formula for break-in:

http://www.roushoil.com/sae-40.html

[Cashburn]

And another chart for ya: