I use the factory recommended 10w-30 and truck seems to like it.

 

Does anyone have a recommended brand that has the right amount of zinc/

 

How about the Motorcraft Brand of oil?

 

None of them have the right Mount of zinc unless you pay a lot for mail order oil. Just use a ZDDP additive.

 

Well, I decided to go to the source or at least a source LOL Reply below from Shell.

All of our Shell Rotella T-series multi-grade oils (SAE 15W-40, 10W-40, 5W-40 and 10W-30) contain approximately 1200 ppm zinc.* I wouldn't go full synthetic in this engine (our Shell Rotella T6 oils), but Shell Rotella T Triple Protection Oil (a full conventional product) in SAE 15W-40 would be a very good choice when the ambient start-up temperature will be at least 15-20F.* If you will run the engine in colder temperatures, you could consider our Shell Rotella T5 Synthetic Blend Oil SAE 10W-30.

Thank you for your interest in Shell/Pennzoil/Quaker State Lubricants!
*
Regards,
Edward Calcote
Staff Chemist
Shell Lubricants North America Technical Information Center

 

You want at least 1000ppm of zinc in a flat tappet engine. Rotella is known to be good for this.

 

Yes, per Shell...Rotella has approx. 1200.

 

But, didn't you earlier say none of them have the right amount

 

I'd forgotten about Rotella.

 

Anyone check this out? Hy-PerLube Zinc Replacement Additive
Directions say to add 1 to 12 oz (12 oz bottle) to engine...

I couldn't find anything close to zddp where I live, so if this isn't up to snuff, then my poor poor 300 will need an upgrade to a roller setup :P


edit: searchinbg around found me this forum: http://www.bobistheoilguy.com/forums...Number=2786001

 

pardon my revival of old thread @moderators, i had been using a 5-30 high mileage oil in my 95 EFI 4.9, 5qts of it btw, never had a problem minus rattle ish noise at idle i had recently decided to start using some rotella ( a few days ago infact lol) thanks to an article that was gettng pretty in depth about zinc levels etc etc so i decided to run rotella, so far the noise id hear has been quieted and i dont see a problem with it yet, wouldnt be surprised if shes happier with it, shes 177,8xx miles young

 

The Rotella is really high-detergent as well as high ZDDP... that may explain why your noise quieted down - you finally cleaned out whatever bit of gunk was causing the noise.

I noticed there was a comment in the thread where the guy said he was going to run a heavier monoweight since he had a leak - last I heard if you had a leak, ANY oil would go through it. Changing to a heavier oil just gives you the potential to oil-starve anyplace with tight tolerances.

There was another comment that said 'engines used to run on mono 30 all the time" - very true. And in most cases back then, an engine was considered worn out at 100,000 miles. There's a reason why manufacturers suggest specific multiweights.

 

The reason for multi weight oils is for start up lubrication vs a hot engine being driven.
The thinner oil is there to lubricate during start up, the heavier oil purpose is to lubricate during use.

 

Valvoline 10W-40 in every hot rod I own.

And I use the race cars draining in my lawnmowers after I let it sit for a year in a jug for the guk to settle out.

 

I don't normally look into oil opinions threads because its like ______ everyone has one.
BUT,,(no punn intended) the response from Shell engineers caught my eye talking about the amount of zinc in the Rotella T. I used it for years in my 99 F-250 7.3
I have heard that oils today contain less zinc than in years past.
After saying all that, My question is,, does anyone know what is the difference between ROTELLA T 15W40 Tripple Protection and the Rotella T4.
Or is there any difference. Anyone using the Rotella on the older 79 trucks.
Thank you Alex