New Oil Spec Problems
Thread Starter
Intermediate
Joined: Feb 2008
Posts: 46
Likes: 0
From: Yorba Linda California
New Oil Spec Problems
I was at an engine builders shop the other day and asked what oil they liked best. They proceeded to tell me that they had been having trouble with their engines recently and believed that it was related to the removal of zinc and phosphorus from the EP package of SM class oils. They advised that any oil with the SL standard would be better then the SL and said that they were using Shell Rotella T 15-40 until they did some tyesting on a zinc/phosphorous additive that one of the cam makers was marketing. Anyone else familiar with this or have a better explanation of the problem?
Tech Contributor
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 19,464
Likes: 1,166
From: Dyer, IN
I was at an engine builders shop the other day and asked what oil they liked best. They proceeded to tell me that they had been having trouble with their engines recently and believed that it was related to the removal of zinc and phosphorus from the EP package of SM class oils. They advised that any oil with the SL standard would be better then the SL and said that they were using Shell Rotella T 15-40 until they did some tyesting on a zinc/phosphorous additive that one of the cam makers was marketing. Anyone else familiar with this or have a better explanation of the problem?
Safety Car
Joined: Aug 2000
Posts: 4,933
Likes: 30
From: San Rafael CA
Go here and read the "Starburst" oil myth .....
http://www.bobistheoilguy.com/forums...Number=1049762
RUN ... don't walk ... from that "engine builder" .....
http://www.bobistheoilguy.com/forums...Number=1049762
RUN ... don't walk ... from that "engine builder" .....
Le Mans Master
Joined: Aug 2005
Posts: 5,375
Likes: 328
From: CA.
St. Jude Donor '13-'14-'15
The engine oil additives that were removed as of late really only affect engines at break-in----most engine builders dump in a new additive that they sell now into a new engine and it's no big deal--(according to my builder)
Thread Starter
Intermediate
Joined: Feb 2008
Posts: 46
Likes: 0
From: Yorba Linda California
Ah, I figured you guys would be on top of this one. The builder I was talking with builds mostly sprint car engines w/ flat tappets and high lift cams so not someone to do anything on the Zo6. I figured there was more to the story than bad oil.
Safety Car
Joined: Sep 2003
Posts: 3,558
Likes: 2
From: Cape Coral FL
I'm using it in my new 403 with new Comp Cams cam. They also recommend using thier Cam break-in additive with the Rotella. I bought some and am using it. The valve train is very quiet even with a 242/242 with .610" lift. I plan on using it until ~500miles, then changing to RedLine 10w-40. It also has the same amount of ZDDP as the Rotella except it's a synthetic. I think the desirable attribute for Rotella other than it has 1200ppm of ZDDP is it is very low ash and high detergent which is good for keeping all that stuff that comes off the cylinder walls in suspension until it can get filtered.
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