Mad4slalom
CCCUK Member
What oils do folk use in their 350’s was told by previous owner synthetic 10/30 with zinc. Any thoughts? Thanks
Do most oils contain zinc ? And what are its benefits, ?In our stock, old 350 I use Millers Classic Pistonease 20/50 Mineral oil. A high ZDDP content is essential for our old girl. But, I seem to recall you have a re-built engine? In which case a synthetic maybe OK, but I wouldn't use one....
No - fewer and fewer oils (especially synthetic's) have ZDDP suitable for our engines. Valvoline VR1 racing mineral. Kendal GT and a few other have ZDDP. Perhaps try the club supporter Anglo American Oils.Do most oils contain zinc ? And what are its benefits, ?
Ok thanks , I will get on to their site.No - fewer and fewer oils (especially synthetic's) have ZDDP suitable for our engines. Valvoline VR1 racing mineral. Kendal GT and a few other have ZDDP. Perhaps try the club supporter Anglo American Oils.
Seems a bit of a minefield, is the zinc added to help the oil molecules cling to the bearing surfaces? If so then you would think all engines and all oils would specify itI use VR1 in the Mini
Anglo American sell Driven oils many of which contain zinc and I believe they offer a CCUK discount in them.
good info chris . Thanks , Easy to understand as soon as someone explains . I know in my build file the cam and lifters were protected with a product on first start up so want to do the best I can for the motor, only 4k since rebuild ,To expand on the benefits of 'zinc', or ZDDP (zinc dialkyldithiophosphate to give it its full name)..... ZDDP is critical to preventing sliding surface wear, in particular when you have flat-faced lifters as in older engines. Lack of sufficient ZDDP can result in rapid wear at the cam/lifter interface. Most modern engines have roller lifters and don't need as much ZDDP. Unfortunately as catalysts became more widely used, it was found that ZDDP levels high enough to protect against sliding surface wear were reducing catalyst life, so most engine oils that are recommended for modern cars do not have sufficient ZDDP for 'flat tappet' engines.
Chris Sale
'64 Coupe
Will look up vr1 , opie oils have a good choice , very local to us too in cornwall.I always use Valvoline VR1 . being ostensibly a race grade oil it should be changed about every 3000miles but that`s probably annual mileage for most of us .
To expand on the benefits of 'zinc', or ZDDP (zinc dialkyldithiophosphate to give it its full name)..... ZDDP is critical to preventing sliding surface wear, in particular when you have flat-faced lifters as in older engines. Lack of sufficient ZDDP can result in rapid wear at the cam/lifter interface. Most modern engines have roller lifters and don't need as much ZDDP. Unfortunately as catalysts became more widely used, it was found that ZDDP levels high enough to protect against sliding surface wear were reducing catalyst life, so most engine oils that are recommended for modern cars do not have sufficient ZDDP for 'flat tappet' engines.
Chris Sale
'64 Coupe
ZDDP - if good for my engine - then jus' give me loads of it mentality doesn't actually work. There is an optimum figure of about 1000 to 1200 ppm. Any more than 1400 ppm is detrimental and will have adverse effects on other properties of the lubricant and its longevity.
Also my lubricant of choice.........Valvoline VR1 20W 50 has 1400 ppm . I think the engine will outlast me . Like most things in life , everything in moderation !