[AT] More on modern oils in older engines

[Mike Sloane]

This note came from another list where I sent the ATIS message about the 
newer oil formulations and their impact on flat tappet engines:

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I sent Ashland Oil Co. Ashland,Ky. an e-mail asking about the levels of 
ZDDP in Valvoline oil. Also sent them a copy of the NMA warning. This is 
their answer. Oh, who to believe, that is the question !!
Larry

The oil industry per ILSAC had to only decrease the levels of ZDDP 
(Zinc) in certain viscosity to meet new emission standards. The ILSAC 
rated oils still have an average of .085 levels of zinc. Testing has 
shown on standard OEM set ups that used mild camshafts will still get 
plenty of protection from the new rated oils. There is an exception when 
it comes to extreme aftermarket applications. If you have a high 
performance solid lifter set up with an aggressive cam then you will 
need to use a quality Racing Oil or Fleet Oil for break in and normal 
usage. These oils have an increased level of Zinc that will range from 
.14 to .16 and will provide plenty of protection.
The consensus in the industry is that the current chemical limits of the 
GF-4/SM category are still sufficient to protect all "street" engines, 
including older flat tappet engines. The engine tests required for a 
GF-4/SM product is just as severe as the older, higher ZDDP allowed 
category. For the special applications (aggressive cams, high HP racing 
motors, etc) where the customer needs more ZDDP protection, our NON-GF-4 
products still contain the higher levels (such as VR-1 and "not street 
legal" racing).
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Based on that, I don't really think that those of us with older engines 
need to get ourselves all in a tizzy about cams getting wiped out 
because of insufficient zinc in our oil.

Mike