Do i need zinc
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Junior User
Joined: Oct 2015
Posts: 84
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From: Socal
Do i need zinc
Hi there I own a 1985 f250 with a 460.Non catalyst. I was wondering do I need to put zinc in the oil. Also my dad owns a 1984 f150 with a 4.9 straight six but I don't know if I should put zinc because it has a catylitic converter.
FTE Legend
Joined: Jul 2010
Posts: 32,875
Likes: 48
From: Northeast, OK
That is an on-going debate, and not just here - around the world. I don't think there is a conclusive answer to that question as people on both sides have statistics that support their position.
So, what do I do? I don't run any zinc in Rusty, which has a flat tappet cam. On the other hand, the engine for Dad's truck will have a roller cam and I won't need to worry about it.
So, what do I do? I don't run any zinc in Rusty, which has a flat tappet cam. On the other hand, the engine for Dad's truck will have a roller cam and I won't need to worry about it.
Lead Driver
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 5,958
Likes: 105
From: Houston
Zinc and converters, I wouldn't buy into it, my '78 Mercury has the original Ford labeled converters on it and they still are functional. If you research you will find that Zinc levels in oils peaked in the '80s. So Zinc harming cats is just a excuse to get rid of it. Now as far as flat tappet goes, I don't run it in my 351W nor my 302 but I do run VR1 racing oil with higher levels of zinc in my 292 as that is a solid lift cam and I rather take extra precaution there.
pedant
Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 23,576
Likes: 40
From: EXTREME southwest CT
I own an '87 250 with a 460 non catalyst.
I run diesel oil -mostly because of the higher detergent- but it may have more ZDDP
.
I don't think there is any real advantage to *adding* something to your oil.
If you want higher than currently permissible levels of zinc and phosphorus look at the Brad Penn products.
They are back at SH or SI levels of antiwear additives.
It's the phosphorus that really kills the Cat.
I run diesel oil -mostly because of the higher detergent- but it may have more ZDDP
.
I don't think there is any real advantage to *adding* something to your oil.
If you want higher than currently permissible levels of zinc and phosphorus look at the Brad Penn products.
They are back at SH or SI levels of antiwear additives.
It's the phosphorus that really kills the Cat.
FTE Legend
Joined: Nov 2015
Posts: 30,940
Likes: 4,125
From: Angier, NC
The new diesel oils have less zinc in them now days because diesels now have cats also. You have to check the labels to see if is can be used in new or older diesels.
The other thing is foaming. Diesel engines are a low RPM engine, gas engines are high(er) RPM. With higher RPM you get more foaming, more foaming = no oil to bearings!
I did use diesel oil in my AMC drag motor but after I heard that I use normal gas oil with a bottle of Lucus oil products zinc added.
For the AMC street car the same, normal oil & bottle of zinc.
Now I never gave it a though on my 300. Maybe after it is running and I know I sealed all oil leaks I may add a bottle?
Dave ----
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Laughing Gas
Joined: Feb 2010
Posts: 781
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From: Sanford, NC
I use ZPPD with every oil change in both my truck which does have a performance
cam in it and flat tappets and in my classic muscle car which also has a flat tappet cam.
If I ever build another moter for my truck I will go to a roller cam.
cam in it and flat tappets and in my classic muscle car which also has a flat tappet cam.
If I ever build another moter for my truck I will go to a roller cam.
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pedant
Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 23,576
Likes: 40
From: EXTREME southwest CT
Dave,
That's why I said "*may* have more zinc"
I don't think they do anymore.
After all, diesels have Cats now.
Some of the Brad Penn oils *DO* have all the ZDDP you need to run solid lifters and radical cams.
I -personally- don't believe in messing with the additive package the refiner puts together in their product.
If I want something else I'll buy a product that reflects that.
Rotella and/or Delo seem fine in my engine and inspection proves that sludge is not a problem.
Soon I'm going to have to pull the engine for a reseal and I will do a leakdown before I yank it.
You know I will take pics of the top and bottom while it's out, and post them.
That's why I said "*may* have more zinc"
I don't think they do anymore.
After all, diesels have Cats now.
Some of the Brad Penn oils *DO* have all the ZDDP you need to run solid lifters and radical cams.
I -personally- don't believe in messing with the additive package the refiner puts together in their product.
If I want something else I'll buy a product that reflects that.
Rotella and/or Delo seem fine in my engine and inspection proves that sludge is not a problem.
Soon I'm going to have to pull the engine for a reseal and I will do a leakdown before I yank it.
You know I will take pics of the top and bottom while it's out, and post them.
FTE Legend
Joined: Nov 2015
Posts: 30,940
Likes: 4,125
From: Angier, NC
Dave,
That's why I said "*may* have more zinc"
I don't think they do anymore.
After all, diesels have Cats now.
Some of the Brad Penn oils *DO* have all the ZDDP you need to run solid lifters and radical cams.
I -personally- don't believe in messing with the additive package the refiner puts together in their product.
If I want something else I'll buy a product that reflects that.
Rotella and/or Delo seem fine in my engine and inspection proves that sludge is not a problem.
Soon I'm going to have to pull the engine for a reseal and I will do a leakdown before I yank it.
You know I will take pics of the top and bottom while it's out, and post them.
That's why I said "*may* have more zinc"
I don't think they do anymore.
After all, diesels have Cats now.
Some of the Brad Penn oils *DO* have all the ZDDP you need to run solid lifters and radical cams.
I -personally- don't believe in messing with the additive package the refiner puts together in their product.
If I want something else I'll buy a product that reflects that.
Rotella and/or Delo seem fine in my engine and inspection proves that sludge is not a problem.
Soon I'm going to have to pull the engine for a reseal and I will do a leakdown before I yank it.
You know I will take pics of the top and bottom while it's out, and post them.
Dave ----
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