School me - Do modern flat tappet cams/lifters need high-zinc oil?

[Jim Kueneman]

Sadly it never was a lack of zinc in the oil that was killing cams.

All engine oil has zinc in it.

The amount of zinc was reduced but it was never eliminated.

If an oil has 800 ppm of zinc or if it has 1500 ppm zinc when it comes out of the bottle doesn’t change anything.

The difference is the oil with less zinc will run out of zinc sooner.

It’s that basic.

That is what Lake said. Use the ZR1 Valvoline in classics BUT REMEMBER it is a racing oil and breaks down FAST. Change it often.

Jim

 

[440 Mike]

The Goldilocks/Three Bear flat tappet theory. Too much, too little, just right:

 

[RustyRatRod]

You change your oil frequently, because it's dirty in ten cycles.

I change it when I think it's time. Since it's my vehicles.

 

[Jim Kueneman]

Lake actually designed that breakin oil. He is being modest.

 

[318willrun]

Sadly it never was a lack of zinc in the oil that was killing cams.

All engine oil has zinc in it.

The amount of zinc was reduced but it was never eliminated.

If an oil has 800 ppm of zinc or if it has 1500 ppm zinc when it comes out of the bottle doesn’t change anything.

The difference is the oil with less zinc will run out of zinc sooner.

It’s that basic.

I think a typical oil today has 600 ppm. I think VR-1 is at 1400 ... but it's been a while since I looked and I don't go around quoting it so I may be wrong... lol. What I do know is my engines run great on it...

 

[318willrun]

I change it when I think it's time. Since it's my vehicles.

I've gone 2-3 years on VR-1 without issue because the car may not have got 500 miles in a year.

 

[Newbomb Turk]

I think a typical oil today has 600 ppm. I think VR-1 is at 1400 ... but it's been a while since I looked and I don't go around quoting it so I may be wrong... lol. What I do know is my engines run great on it...

Those numbers sound close. I’m not up on the current API grading but I know the newest oils have about that much zinc in them.

If that oil is used in an engine that is using tractor rings and flat tappet lifters it will eventually destroy parts.

Not because there is no zinc in it, but because the amount of zinc is half (or less) than what it should be for these types of engines.

And zinc is a consumable part of the oil.

The zinc runs out sooner and parts die.

I haven’t tested VR-1 in almost 20 years but it’s a power eater compared to an up to date oil.

 

[318willrun]

Those numbers sound close. I’m not up on the current API grading but I know the newest oils have about that much zinc in them.

If that oil is used in an engine that is using tractor rings and flat tappet lifters it will eventually destroy parts.

Not because there is no zinc in it, but because the amount of zinc is half (or less) than what it should be for these types of engines.

And zinc is a consumable part of the oil.

The zinc runs out sooner and parts die.

I haven’t tested VR-1 in almost 20 years but it’s a power eater compared to an up to date oil.

for years I ran 20w-50, but I got away from that and have been running 10w-30. I've found no benefit in 20w-50 but found benefit in 10w-30.

 

[RustyRatRod]

I've gone 2-3 years on VR-1 without issue because the car may not have got 500 miles in a year.

I drive Vixen more than that. I've been trying to drive her more lately. I change it when it gets dirty pretty much. That usually equates to once yearly.

 

[318willrun]

I drive Vixen more than that. I've been trying to drive her more lately. I change it when it gets dirty pretty much. That usually equates to once yearly.

We may put 1000 miles in a week in a van, and not start a Duster in 3 months. Just how it is.... I got rid of a couple, but still have too many classics.. LOL

 

[RustyRatRod]

We may put 1000 miles in a week in a van, and not start a Duster in 3 months. Just how it is.... I got rid of a couple, but still have too many classics.. LOL

I want one or two more older reliable vehicles. Probably coming in the next 12 months.