ZDDP in oil

[gtxragtop]

No, Motorcraft filters "must" be good because theyve been dissected, and found to have decent filter media and anti-drainback valves. The same reason why Frams are no longer considered very good (proof).

The levels of zinc/phos of the Rotella-T 15w40 (1200/1100 ppm) are pushing what Ive read to be the bare minimum to use on a flat tappet motor. I used to be a big fan of the Rotella, but now choose either 20w50 VR1 or 15w50 M1, as both are in the 1300/1200 ppm range.

The levels of zinc/phos of the Rotella-T 15w40 (1200/1100 ppm) are pushing what Ive read to be the bare minimum to use on a flat tappet motor. I used to be a big fan of the Rotella, but now choose either 20w50 VR1 or 15w50 M1, as both are in the 1300/1200 ppm range.[/QUOTE]

Please provide links to data from the manufacturers to back up this data. Otherwise, it is folklore as these vendors are continually changing there specs. Another spec that oil vendors provide that piss me off is the ACEA spec. They DO NOT tell you which year they refer to when they say for example ACEA-A5. There is a 2008, 2007, 2004, 2002 spec for A5 and the later year specs are more stringent. This is an interesting tool to compare oil specs.
http://sas-origin.onstreammedia.com/.../pc/index.html

Looking at the Valvoline MSDS sheets for VR1 (need to figure out which SKU number) ZDDP is >=1-<1.5%
See http://msds.ashland.com/msds-ext/msd...SearchHC&id=20

Premium blue diesel 15W-40 is >=1.5% -<5% zinc compounds. See http://msds.ashland.com/msds-ext/msd...SearchHC&id=16

So your better off with Rotella T 15W40 than VR1 if the Rotella T data is valid.

Here is the M1 15W-50 data... Looks great. http://www.mobiloil.com/USA-English/...duct_Guide.pdf

[TRBenj]

Please provide links to data from the manufacturers to back up this data.

Looks like you found the M1 15w50 data for yourself. Valvoline used to publish the VR1 spec sheet online that included the zinc/phos content, but not anymore. The levels have not changed, according to their FAQ though- check out #6 here:

http://valvoline.com/faqs/motor-oil/racing-oil/

Shell no longer publishes the data on their website either... very interesting. Here are a few links where people shared the information they got directly from Shell. Lots of consistent information on the web:

http://www.bobistheoilguy.com/forums...Number=1064549

http://www.hotrodders.com/forum/shel...-t-162437.html

Someone in the 2nd link shared your concern:

The first (concern) is that in the past couple years Shell has stopped including the zinc and phosphorus content of their Rotella T product on their MSDS. This is unfortunate for those of us who want to have some assurance our cams will be protected. It's not that I don't trust the shell tech's email, but if they are going to share that info with anyone who requests it, why not include it on the MSDS where it counts. It can't be proprietary if they are spilling the beans to anyone who asks. I just have reservations about the company not being willing to state the zinc/phosphorous content on an official document. Most other companies DO include the zinc and phosphorus info...so why not Shell.

All the more reason to stick with an oil you know has the content you need... like VR1 or M1 15w50, IMHO.

[ski4evr]

Can anyone sey definitively when CC/PCM stopped using flat tappet lifters and switched to rollers?

[TRBenj]

Can anyone sey definitively when CC/PCM stopped using flat tappet lifters and switched to rollers?

The GT40 (used through 2002) was always a flat tappet motor, as were all the 351w's before it. The Chevies switched over sometime in the '96-97 timeframe... so if you have a late 90's Apex, Id do some more investigating to be sure you know what you have. Its a safe bet that all Excals ('03+) are roller. All 6.0L's (ZR-6, ZR-409, ZR-450) are roller as well.

[ski4evr]

Thanks

[AirTool]

The Chevies switched over sometime in the '96-97 timeframe... so if you have a late 90's Apex, Id do some more investigating to be sure you know what you have.

I have a hunch that if a chevy intake manifold has manifold bolts that go perpendicular to the head - that the engine is old style flat tappet. This is likely the case for a carbed engine or a "throttle body" injected engine.

If the chevy engine has intake manifold bolts that are perpenducular to the earth (straight up and down) not tilted orthogonal to the head to manifold face - that would indicate a new generation engine that would likely have roller tappets. (and port fuel injection of some kind)

I can't guarantee it...but I'd bet an expensive lunch (McDonald's drive through) on it.

[91xl]

gm started building roller motors in 1986, camaro and corvette had roller cams and trucks still came with flat tappet cams. not sure which was installed in a boat but the blocks are the same just different cams. also the same time they started using center bolt valve covers

[gtxragtop]

After hours of web searching, I believe I've found the data needed to best suit flat tappet engines. Ignoring Diesel for the moment, we need an oil the meets the SH spec. According to API spec sheets. The SH oils meet specs for 1996 or older engines. http://gopurepower.com/site/infolibrary/pdf/api.pdf

So next up, I found recent API website that lists the vendors of oils that meet SH specs. Other than many not well known or available oils, Mobil Delvac 1300 15w-40 meets SH specs along with all the specs through SM. If you poke around on this website you will get an idea of what oils meet what spec.
Oddly valvoline racing meets SL, but nothing older. The older spec oils typically have greater amounts of ZDDP.

http://eolcs.api.org/serviceCategories.aspx

[gtxragtop]

But I see that Mobil does not rate Delvac 1300 as an SH/SJ oil. Did the specs change or does Mobil not include obsolete specs?
http://www.mobil.com/USA-English-LCW...00-super.aspx#