[GTOGreg]

OK, a basic question, but with a 40 y/o original engine i want to make her last. I've been reading up on how a lot of oil copanies have been squeezing out levels of ZDDP (Zinc Phosphate) in oils over the last few years in order to help emissions and save later model catalysts which have adverse reactions to the stuff. The result has been more wear on part that "slap" together, namely cam lobes and flat tappet lifters.

I think I'm convinced I should go with Dino oil and not synthetic, but which brand and weight? Detergent or non-detergent?

TIA

[Tim Corcoran]

GTO Greg
You will find with this question as many answers as there are members on the board. The viscosity of the oil will depend some what on your internal bearing clearances. Everyone has their favorite oil. I believe that if running a flat tappet cam you need more ZDDP that offered in the OTS modern passenger car motor oil. I recommend you choose one of two methods to get the ZDDP you need. One, add some in maybe two ounces of GM OES per oil change, or other products like STP have ZDDP. Or you could use racing oil which has the ZDDP, or use a diesel rated oil. I believe that any of these options would work for you.

Tim C

[BVR421]

Good reply Tim, my first choice has always been Rotella T or DELO 400 as I was in the trucking world for a long time. Very good price at WalMart of all places, cheaper than the local truckstop

or whatever usual car oil is on sale with a can of STP added

FYI, in about two years the big trucks will start being built with catalytic convertors and that will probably mean zinc will be "offroad" additives only soon after. The million or so trucks already out there will probably asking the same questions about oil. Big 855ci diesels have somewhat of an advantage as they have used roller cams since the 40s but they operate under such extreme pressure, 20-1 static compression with an other 20-40 psi boost from the turbo, that they obviously need the very best lubrication.

[mechanickeith]

I have been using Rotella T 15W40 in my Tempest 4 cyl from day one when I overhauled it 8 years ago!! I have over 100.00 miles on the engine since overhaul. Drove it to Pamona a couple weeks ago!! Like BVR said, great price at Wally Mart. Plus, I bet your oil pressure will pick up also!!

[GTOGreg]

This morning (15W40). I also icked upa can of GM EOS to add to it just in case.

Thanks for the suggestions folks!

[ponjohn]

Any opinions about castrol? I just bought a case from Pep Boys but will get rotella at walmart if that is better.

What weight does everybody run? Mine engine is fresh < 1000 miles and no 1/4 miles passes yet.

John

[Will]

IMO, Castrol is about the same as any other name-brand gasoline engine oil. From my experience (20 years of maintaining my own cars), the brand of oil isn't nearly as important as the frequency of changing it. You will still need to add something to it to get the ZDDP levels up.

Rotella or Delo are diesel engine oils and already have the high ZDDP content.

[Bad Karma]

I just add the GM OES at every oil change.

[ponjohn]

good info, I knew rotella was THE oil to use in diesel but i did not know why.

John

[newtoGTO]

Sorry for my ignorance. What is GM "OES" ?

Thanks,
John

[chief many horses]

Originally Posted by newtoGTO

Sorry for my ignorance. What is GM "OES" ?

Thanks,
John

That's "EOS" - Engine Oil Supplement. You can buy it for less than 1/2 price by going to www.gmparts direct (I believe that's the correct address, you may have to "google" it. This stuff is a must for classic Pontiac engine re-build break-in and also would be a good additive on al oil changes.

[chief many horses]

Originally Posted by chief many horses

That's "EOS" - Engine Oil Supplement. You can buy it for less than 1/2 price by going to www.gmparts direct (I believe that's the correct address, you may have to "google" it. This stuff is a must for classic Pontiac engine re-build break-in and also would be a good additive on al oil changes.

Correct web page---
http://gmpartsdirect.com/

[Ken -Ace- Brewer]

Torco MPZ Racing Oil! The Z stands for ZINC! We have been selling it for over 12 yrs!! And using it for over 20! The best oil on the market! IMO! Even there assembly lube contains Zinc!! So does there cam lube!! I use it in every motor!
JMO
Be Cool,
Ace

[ponjohn]

Ken you use not only for new or break in but even after that?

What weight?

[GTOGreg]

I spent waaaaay too much time reading up on this stuff related to ZDDP, but I recall looking at the Castrol products and seeing that they had some level of ZDDP. I made what I thought was the best decision obviously with Rotella, but everyone has their own ideas. What I did learn for sure is that a brand new motor like yours does NOT need synthetic, you need to go with a mineral oil and the Engine Oil Supplement (also referred to as assembly lube) should be on your list of items to pick up for that extra measure and piece of mind. If your Castrol is mineral-based, and not synthetic, and you get the EOS, I think you'll be in excellent shape.

BTW, what weight did you end up with? Another thing I learned is that the max weight in a multi-weight oil (e.g. 10W30) should take into account how tight your clearances are. Although no expert, I believe an older motor with some slop in it could tolerate a heavier weight oil, with a new, tighter motor, requiring a thinner weight to flow. I may have this bass-ackwards, so someone else may want the final word in this respect.

[kaysersuzuki]

http://www.gmgoodwrench.com/perfpart...457&section=pp


Performance Parts > Parts > Tools, Sealants and Lubricants > Sealants and Lubricants


Sealants and Lubricants




992869 Engine Oil Supplement (Pint)


Print



1052367 Engine Oil Supplement (16 oz.)
Protect your engine with this proven oil additive. Designed to help reduce engine wear, this Engine Oil Supplement is recommended before firing up an engine equipped with a new GM Performance Parts camshaft.

[kaysersuzuki]

http://www.gmpartsdirect.com/results.cfm


this is the direct link

[69 redbird]

I have 100M+ miles on my FB, should i put Rotella in my engine also? or just add STP with every oil change?

[69birdboy]

What happens if you use rotella and stp at the same time? Is that even better?