DynoDave
CO-ADMINISTRATOR
Motown Mopar-Wizard
Posts: 11,157
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Post by DynoDave on Sept 29, 2014 11:34:35 GMT -5
I understand what you're saying. I don't think I've ever seen / read an article on how new engines survive without zinc...what technical changes were made. But i guess from an old car point of view, all we really need to know is that, to help catalytic converters meet new, longer warranty requirements mandated by...wait for it...THE GOVERNMENT, that zinc content had to be radically reduced in motor oil. Whatever changes that took, auto makers had little choice.
The reality is you and/or your engine builder are not likely to rework your engine with low-zinc oil in mind. If it requires special bearing materials, as an example (don't know that's what manufacturers are doing...just throwing it out there for the sake of conversation), those low-zinc oil tolerant bearings are probably not available for a family of big blocks (example) that was introduced in the late 50s. You are going to get largely the same bearing we've all gotten for the last 50+ years. The easier answer for us is to make sure that we have an oil formulated for old cars, or are adding an additive to the new oils to make them work better for us.
The highest friction point in an engine was always in the valvetrain, as I recall being taught. And I can't think of a modern car that doesn't have an all-roller valvetrain. So that is probably part of the reason they can live with less zinc.
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gip63
Forum Regular
Posts: 257
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Post by gip63 on Sept 29, 2014 18:24:34 GMT -5
Well that makes sense to me so I guess I'll just keep using additives to make up for it. So now to use synthetic or not to use synthetic (with additives) that is the question. Do you think it matters as long as additives are used or do we need real dinosaur juice in the crank case?
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Post by azhighcountry on Oct 10, 2014 13:09:03 GMT -5
The highest friction point in an engine was always in the valvetrain, as I recall being taught. And I can't think of a modern car that doesn't have an all-roller valvetrain. So that is probably part of the reason they can live with less zinc. from what I have researched this it "THE" reason they where able to take zinc out of the mix. I'm sure there have also been advancements in metals and anti wear treatments but going to rollers instead of a metal to metal rub makes the most difference.
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Post by ltmike on Oct 5, 2018 21:34:09 GMT -5
I’ve used Mobil 1 10-30 and 5-20 in my cars and trucks and get 200,000 miles out of them. My wife once drove my truck 20 miles home after throwing the belt. The temp gauge was pegged an hour after it was shut down and there was no coolant left in the system. Thought the motor was done. Once cooled down I refilled the coolant and turned the key, it fired and ran like nothing happened. I have to feel the Mobil 1 had something to do with that. When I changed the oil I had a bitch of a time getting the filter off as the seal had melted to the block. That’s a testament on how hot it got. Yup, Mobil 1 is in everything I have now. Note: Incidentally by chance I met a rep at the track last weekend who told me that Mobil’s 15-50 oils include zinc.
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