Flat tappet cam life

Badsnake427 · #1 (**permalink**) 08-17-2007, 01:45 PM

Got this with a Google search.

"% zinc is the amount of zinc used as an extreme pressure, anti- wear additive. The zinc is only used when there is actual metal to metal contact in the engine. Hopefully the oil will do its job and this will rarely occur, but if it does, the zinc compounds react with the metal to prevent scuffing and wear. A level of .11% is enough to protect an automobile engine for the extended oil drain interval, under normal use. Those of you with high reving, air cooled motorcycles or turbo charged cars or bikes might want to look at the oils with the higher zinc content. More doesn't give you better protection, it gives you longer protection if the rate of metal to metal contact is abnormally high." Check out this website. It gives the zinc content of pretty much every oil available. http://www.micapeak.com/info/oiled.html From the chart the zinc content in Shell Rotella is .12%. I have always used Kendall GT-1 oil in my cars. The chart reads that the Kendall has a zinc content of .16%. Good stuff!

55312 · #2 (**permalink**) 08-19-2007, 05:40 AM

Note the date of that study. It is no longer valid as the EPA mandated changes took effect last January!

Tim

Badsnake427 · #3 (**permalink**) 08-19-2007, 06:04 AM

Good point, I didn't notice that.

I can still get Kendall GT-1 oil here, though. How would I be able to get a recent analasis?

patrickt · #4 (**permalink**) 08-19-2007, 09:31 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Badsnake427

Good point, I didn't notice that.

I can still get Kendall GT-1 oil here, though. How would I be able to get a recent analasis?

I use Kendall, but you have to supplement it. See my detailed thread here on the Capital Area Cobra Club forum. I sent my oil off for analysis, etc., and used "magic goo" to get my ZDDP up to a safe percentage for my solid, flat tappet cam. http://www.capitalareacobraclub.com/...ic,5499.0.html