Older flat tappet cam engines, what oil do you use?

[bwh998]

I just filled my Goodwrench 350 up with v1r, I had read it was good for flat tappets, but since then I've read some things saying it wasn't really that great and didnt have the zddp levels i need. Now I'm confused.

 

[bwh998]

Forgot to add, its all stock internally and already broken in. It's been sitting for a while. I just don't want to wipe out the cam lobes.

 

[Don5]

I had this same question with my old engine as well. I just got it started after sitting for over 20 years last year. I was not aware that the formula for oil had changed. I ran the regular oil for one change. After learning about the ZDDP, I immediately drained the oil and changed it. I added a can of ZDDP additive to it as well. I plan on adding it at every oil change. It cost $10 for the ZDDP additive. I got it at Advance.

I used Valvoline oil and added the ZDDP can to it.

 

[quaddriver]

are we still wiping cam lobes nowadays? I have to admit, I have not seen that in properly lubed engines, and have not seen it period in about 20 years or so...proper grade, proper levels, drive in health.

 

[firebane]

are we still wiping cam lobes nowadays? I have to admit, I have not seen that in properly lubed engines, and have not seen it period in about 20 years or so...proper grade, proper levels, drive in health.

Yes it still happens but only in older engines. The problem is oil just does not contain enough zinc to prevent internal damage to older engines.

 

[Georgeb]

Added zinc seems to be a really good idea either way. Would lacking it increase valve guide wear as well?

 

[quaddriver]

well, ya, but there was a spate of softer cams and lifters in 70's motors, which would be of concern to square owners, and the increased wear from unbelievable valve spring pressures and lobe profiles, which to not affect square owners. In the OP, is the goodwrench motor one of the drop ins you can get today from like summit or jegs or napa etc? built with modern components? I dropped a quarter mil on my last flat tappet motor (albeit a 1990) and once cancer took the frame, sold the motor still running cherry...

 

[Georgeb]

I will admit the lack of lead is the main cause of valve issues but zinc from the oiling system side could contribute.

 

[SkinnyG]

I use Lucas "Hot Rod & Classic" oil.

 

[MadOgre]

I had this same question with my old engine as well. I just got it started after sitting for over 20 years last year. I was not aware that the formula for oil had changed. I ran the regular oil for one change. After learning about the ZDDP, I immediately drained the oil and changed it. I added a can of ZDDP additive to it as well. I plan on adding it at every oil change. It cost $10 for the ZDDP additive. I got it at Advance.

I used Valvoline oil and added the ZDDP can to it.

There is research now that shows ZDDP is good for initial break in but if continuously used that the ZDDP can actually cause premature wear because it etches the metal.

 

[Don5]

There is research now that shows ZDDP is good for initial break in but if continuously used that the ZDDP can actually cause premature wear because it etches the metal.

Oh great. In any event it is in there now. I thought the whole purpose of the ZDDP was to reduce the friction in the oil?

 

[MadOgre]

Oh great. In any event it is in there now. I thought the whole purpose of the ZDDP was to reduce the friction in the oil?

Ya but if left in the oil for substantial periods of time it almost acts like an acid by etching the metal and making the metal surface not so perfectly smooth anymore thus causing wear

 

[74propu]

I ran A old school big block in my square I used rotella diesel oil in it diesel oil has zink in it and had no problums of wear

 

[Skweegle89]

Rotella Triple T 15-40 is what I'm running in my new fm crate, always with a bottle of Comp cams break in additive. Just change the oil often. A quality filter is just as important as the oil you choose. Don't skimp on the filter.


Sent from an old rotary telephone.

 

[bwh998]

I had this same question with my old engine as well. I just got it started after sitting for over 20 years last year. I was not aware that the formula for oil had changed. I ran the regular oil for one change. After learning about the ZDDP, I immediately drained the oil and changed it. I added a can of ZDDP additive to it as well. I plan on adding it at every oil change. It cost $10 for the ZDDP additive. I got it at Advance.

I used Valvoline oil and added the ZDDP can to it.

Thank you, i was wondering where I could get the additive