Status of Zinc in Oil, as of mid-2007?

Jon B
Jon B Administrator
edited November -1 in HUDSON
One of the oils that supposedly still contain some zinc, is supposed to be Shell Rotella-T. As far as anyone knows, is this still a 'safe' oil with which to fill one's Hudson (splasher type) in order to prevent premature cam wear? Locally, this oil is available in 15w-40 viscosity.



The reason I ask, is that I've noticed postings in various on-line bulletin boards which indicate the formulation for Rotella-T (and maybe other recommended oils with zinc still in them) may have changed in 2007.

Comments

  • 50C8DAN
    50C8DAN Senior Contributor
    If the rating on the container is CI-4 or CI-4+ it should be OK, but most of the Rotella is now rated CJ- and if so it does not have the zinc and phosphorous of the previous formulation. There are still other oils out there that are rate CI including Chevron's Delo 400 ( I just bought some at our local Pep Boys) as well as others look on the bottle. Also, supposedly Lucas has additive that will compensate as well.
  • Unknown
    Unknown
    Jon B wrote:
    One of the oils that supposedly still contain some zinc, is supposed to be Shell Rotella-T. As far as anyone knows, is this still a 'safe' oil with which to fill one's Hudson (splasher type) in order to prevent premature cam wear? Locally, this oil is available in 15w-40 viscosity.



    The reason I ask, is that I've noticed postings in various on-line bulletin boards which indicate the formulation for Rotella-T (and maybe other recommended oils with zinc still in them) may have changed in 2007.



    I had that for dinner last night at my local Italian restaurant..Good stuff..:)
  • [Deleted User]
    [Deleted User]
    Wall Mart has their own brand of 15w-40 that's CI-4 rated which I'm presently using in my Pacemaker.



    Dan
  • Ol racer
    Ol racer Senior Contributor
    FYI

    Regarding Zinc;

    I inquired online to a Pennzoil Tech Site which oil to use in older engines with flat tappets and was given an 800 number reply to speak directly with a Tech.



    The Tech told me that ALL Diesel oils are losing a percentage of Zinc and other additives each year to comply with the rising Government Emissions Standard for Diesel engines. The Pennzoil Tech recommendation was to use Shell Rotella T (which I also noticed was re formulated) or Racing Oil that has a high percentage of Zinc, because of Non Highway use.



    Additionally, I recently read a couple of H-Rod Articles on the subject that stated flat tappet engines 'already in use' had little to be concerned with low Zinc levels because it is primarily critical for freshly rebuilt engines with New cam & lifters trying to mate for longitivity. HRM Recommendation was 1) to use light valve springs for initial start-up then switch to regular springs before reving motor. 2) Utilize Diesel Oil with GM O.E.S.Supplement #1052367 at each oil change, or #3) Use Racing Oils.



    Ol Racer
  • 50C8DAN
    50C8DAN Senior Contributor
    Here are two good links on oil from the Studebaker forum:



    http://www.studebakerdriversclub.com/sdc_forum/topic.asp?TOPIC_ID=9697&SearchTerms=rotella

    http://www.studebakerdriversclub.com/sdc_forum/default.asp
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