motor oil ruining cams

[t-mark]

I don"t know if this subject has ever been on here before, so here goes. I heard from a guy at work today that the newer motor oils have reduced ZDDP(a zinc/phosphorous compound)so much that it is causing damage to camshafts on many older(pre '89) engines. Has anyone heard of this, and if so, what is your opinions on it. I understand there is an additive you can put in to replace it.

 

[Anonymous-0]

Use good oil and your cam will be fine. Sounds like a whole lotta hype to me. I guess maybe the super duper synthetics could do something funny to it but still doubtful.

 

[Bob]

Yerpearnoid,

You might want to do a little reasearch before saying there's NO PROBLEM.

For one source, take a look at the link below. LOTS of big names in the cam and automotive industry seem to disagree with you.

A litle surfing around GOOGLE will bring up LOTS more.
New

 

[Anonymous-0]

Can believe this, buggered a GM 6v53 by not having the correct oil, no fly ash I was told.

 

[Anonymous-0]

I have been watching the cam problem for some time and use diesel rated oil in my tractors now.

 

[Dean]

T:

This is a well known issue caused by ignorant federal bureaucrats.

Though probably not a serious concern for us antique tractor enthusiasts becasue our slow speed gasoline tractor engines are equipped with low pressure valve springs, it is a serious concern for flat tappet vintage muscle car engines.

To avoid the potential problem, use 15W40 diesel spec oil in your flat tappet vintage tractor engines.

Stay tuned for a pending real debacle as the feds have mandated that the zinc additive be removed from diesel spec oils in 2010 (2011?).

Don't you just love these dolts?

Dean

 

[buickanddeere]

Detroit Diesel two stroke oil has to be rated low ash CF-2 or CF-4.

 

[JDemaris]

Many 15W 40 diesel spec oils already have lowered the ZDDP below what is needed for flat cam followers. This includes Shell Rotella T "Triple Protection." The newest forumla that says "Triple Protection" on the label has the low ZDDP content. The older forumla is still made and is very popular in Europe. I don't find it anywhere in my area anymore unless I special order it.

The fact is - you have to look closely at any oil you buy - diesel-rated or not. Many of the most popular brands have shifted their formulas to conform with the post 2007 diesel emission systems - which is not good for older engines - gas or diesel - with flat cam followers.

Older engines need oil at over .1% ZDDP. The new Shell Rotella T does not have it since it only has .05%. The older formula Shell Rotella T has .12%.

The newest formula Mobil 1 Turbo-Diesel Truck oil has .11 % ZDDP. I might change over to that once I run out of old forumla Rotella.

 

[t-mark]

So, did I get this right? We have the flat-tappet cams in our old ford tractors, but it's probably not an issue because of the low-pressure valve springs. BTW I have a '64 4000(4 cyl.)

 

[steve n carol]

Thanks Bob for the info. I did read the articles.

Q) "flat" tappet cams... are they anything other than "roller" tappets/cams?

I've come to the place in life that i have my oil changed now. Had used castrol since i had a full head of hair....sl

 

[Dave in MS]

If you are asking about the difference between "Roller" and "Flat Tappets", Roller tappets have a roller bearing on their bottom that rolls over the cam lobes. Flat tappets have no roller bearing and just slide over the lobes.