Shell Rotella Oil

[FFRBob]

Shell Rotella has a very high zinc content; even with the new formula, it's still quite high compared to other oils. For those with flat-tappet lifters, hydraulic or solid, the zinc is extremely important otherwise the tappets will wipe the lobes flat.

If you have roller lifters, then use your favorite oil.

I think that sums up the discussions

[zrayr]

Originally Posted by FFRBob

Shell Rotella has a very high zinc content; even with the new formula, it's still quite high compared to other oils. For those with flat-tappet lifters, hydraulic or solid, the zinc is extremely important otherwise the tappets will wipe the lobes flat.

If you have roller lifters, then use your favorite oil.

I think that sums up the discussions

Actually, Mobil 1 15W-50 has more zinc & phosphorus that the current formulation of Shell Rotella. If you don't want to use a synthetic oil, the best way to go is to add some Comp Cams (or Crane) break-in oil with every oil change.

BTW, I've personally used Mobil 1 15W-50 in both small block & FE Ford engines with zero leaks, wear, or problems of any kind for over 25,000 (hard) miles. Don't fall all the urban myths surrounding synthetic oils. Actual scientific studies on this subject are nonexistent.

Z. Ray

[Burnd]

Then this oil you might want to consider.

http://www.bradpennracing.com

We run this stuff in our street and race cars. Refined from PA crude and specifically for performance engines. I ran Castrol; it broke down fast. I ran Kendell; it broke down. This is the original "green" oil and it does not break down and formulated with a high zinc content. It's good stuff but there aren't a lot of distributors. $48. a case.

Bernie

[clayfoushee]

Originally Posted by zrayr

Actually, Mobil 1 15W-50 has more zinc & phosphorus that the current formulation of Shell Rotella. If you don't want to use a synthetic oil, the best way to go is to add some Comp Cams (or Crane) break-in oil with every oil change.

BTW, I've personally used Mobil 1 15W-50 in both small block & FE Ford engines with zero leaks, wear, or problems of any kind for over 25,000 (hard) miles. Don't fall all the urban myths surrounding synthetic oils. Actual scientific studies on this subject are nonexistent.

Z. Ray

It is a fact that synthetic oils have superior qualities over conventional oil. It is not an "urban myth" that they are more slippery. If there is an area of a particular engine that is prone to leaking, synthetic oil will find it more easily.

It is not an urban myth that FE's are more prone to leaks because of the block and head design. I'm glad you had one that didn't leak with synthetic oil.

[Tom Kirkham]

Something to consider: When on a trip how hard is it going to be to buy the oil you have in your engine?

[Wayne Maybury]

Originally Posted by Tom Kirkham

Something to consider: When on a trip how hard is it going to be to buy the oil you have in your engine?

Tom, I'm not sure that I understand your post. My engine doesn't leak (I have a Windsor not an FE )or burn oil. I doubt that I will ever take a 3000+ mile trip so why would I worry about buying oil?

By the way, I switched to Rotella T 2 years ago because of the ZDDP issue.

Wayne

[rdorman]

Originally Posted by Tom Kirkham

Something to consider: When on a trip how hard is it going to be to buy the oil you have in your engine?

That was one of the reasons I went with Rotello.