When you click on links to various merchants on this site and make a purchase, this can result in this site earning a commission. Affiliate programs and affiliations include, but are not limited to, the eBay Partner Network.
What's the consensus in using modern diesel oil for our engines? Many of them still use flat tappet cams and don't seem to have cam wear issues.
I asked a Chevron about historical zinc levels in the late 70's and was told it had between 1000 and 1200 PPM, while today it has around 700-800. The closest I've found has been Valvoline VR1, which you can buy directly from them very cost effectively, and that has a content of 1300ppm. One thing you don't want to do is have something with too much zinc, it's not good for it either.
One thing I don't understand. I have put hundreds of thousands of miles on Jeep (AMC) 4.0 engines since the zinc levels were lowered years ago. I used Mobil 1 at 10,000 mile change intervals and I never had motor trouble of any kind. There are millions of these still around and cam/lifter failures in these engines are very rare. As these vehicles are old now, I am willing to guess that the kind of service they get is not to the same level as an obsessive classic car owner gives to his beloved car.
The diesel oil I was going to try was Shell Rotella T6. I use synthetic in my diesels and never had a problem. Thought it was worth a shot in my 455 with new seals/gaskets.
My grandfather left me a lifetime supply of Quaker State Deluxe oil in cans from the 70's (Pennsylvania Grade only). There's nothing like vintage oil from a can. I checked, the gas milage is better too.......she gets 40 rods to the hogshead. Not too shabby.
My grandfather left me a lifetime supply of Quaker State Deluxe oil in cans from the 70's (Pennsylvania Grade only). There's nothing like vintage oil from a can. I checked, the gas milage is better too.......she gets 40 rods to the hogshead. Not too shabby.
My grandfather left me a lifetime supply of Quaker State Deluxe oil in cans from the 70's (Pennsylvania Grade only). There's nothing like vintage oil from a can. I checked, the gas milage is better too.......she gets 40 rods to the hogshead. Not too shabby.
Seriously though, there's a whole other thread somewhere in here about why you shouldn't use old motor oil. Can't remember what the age cutoff was, but I'm thinking anything in a can that requires a filler spout qualifies as old.
I believe the zinc content is only an issue for an engine with heavy spring rates and fast ramp/high lift cams. A 4.0 jeep motor probably has a very low lift/duration cam for low end power.
Seriously though, there's a whole other thread somewhere in here about why you shouldn't use old motor oil. Can't remember what the age cutoff was, but I'm thinking anything in a can that requires a filler spout qualifies as old.
Joe P, did you check the date on the posting ? by 540 RAT » Mon Nov 26, 2012 3:14 pm
That data was collected over several years by 540 Rat, I think as far back as 2005. Even if al the oils were all tested in 2012, that data would still be 11 years old and subject to changes.
Joe P, did you check the date on the posting ? by 540 RAT » Mon Nov 26, 2012 3:14 pm
That data was collected over several years by 540 Rat, I think as far back as 2005. Even if al the oils were all tested in 2012, that data would still be 11 years old and subject to changes.
Lake Speed Jr, an oil analysis specialist talked about the new VR1 formula. They have a great balance according to him. As mentioned detergent levels play a big part and diesel oil has very high levels which negates the ZDDP. Some of our diesel oils have 800ish ppm in the full synthetic variety that our company manufacturers.
Zinc is an important component in Zinc dialkyldithiophosphate (ZDDP) which forms a sacrificial anti-wear film in an engine to help protect internal components such as a camshaft. Most Shell Rotella engine oils, including T6 5W-40 Full Synthetic Heavy Duty Diesel Engine Oil, contain approximately 1200 ppm of zinc which will benefit older and high-performance engines.
Lake Speed Jr, an oil analysis specialist talked about the new VR1 formula. They have a great balance according to him. As mentioned detergent levels play a big part and diesel oil has very high levels which negates the ZDDP. Some of our diesel oils have 800ish ppm in the full synthetic variety that our company manufacturers. https://youtu.be/W48nygk1mlc?si=0sxE5gDd8EgL5rwx
So that stuff is only available in 20W-50? Isn't that a little heavy for cars that typically want 10-30 or 10-40?
Ahh, I get it......not available in Canada. It was directing me to the Canada site where it isn't an option. Strange that you can't get anything other than 20-50 here.
Ahh, I get it......not available in Canada. It was directing me to the Canada site where it isn't an option. Strange that you can't get anything other than 20-50 here.
I would think that the alternative internet suppliers, Amazon, Rockauto, Summit, Jeggs, ets, would all ship to Canada.
Uhhh, I just went to that link and put in, more specifically, 1970 Olds Cutlass, 455 for the vehicle. Guess what, it says DOESN’T fit that vehicle. You took it at face value.
But use it if you like, it’s your money.
Last edited by cutlassefi; Jun 8, 2024 at 12:18 PM.
