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[doug]

Can someone help me with  correct information about oil and the absence of zddp and how it affects our older engines. Please !!!

[Mark Richlen]

This gets to be a real hot topic among owners of all old cars not just ours.  I've started using Castrol Syntec 20W-50. in my TR4.  Castrol claims it is a "high zinc formula specially engineered for classic engines." 

[Dan76spitfire]

from my understanding missing zddp hurts your top end because the oil will not stick up there and lubricate.  now i use lucas oil stabilazer in all my vehicles but only recently started hearing about zddp.  i know lucas helps because it makes the oil stick to metal better, im not sure if its a replacement for zddp or if i should add that to-im still researching that.  i also use a product called seafoam amazing.  i use it in the oil and the fuel.  in the fuel tank it acts like a stabilizer, it removes water and helps clean deposits from carb and is an upper cylinder lube.  i dont work for them i just really like the product.  i dont know how this may help but its what im trying to figure out also...

[charley fitch]

There have been a number of articles written about the absence of ZDDP and the affects on the upper engine.  Some people believe it and some do not.   For me I believe it. So what do you do about it?  Here are some fixes that I have read about.  GM makes a Camshaft and Lifter Prelube that comes in  4 oz. bottle part number 12345501, using this when you change your oil is recommended ( I have switched to half a bottle each time as the price really went up lately),Valvoline VR1 (1300 PPM of ZDDP), Castrol Syntec 20/50 (1200 PPM and check to make sure the label says recommended for classic cars),BRAD PENN GRADE 1 RACING OIL( this is a mineral oil alternative with 1500 PPM),Classic Car Motor Oil formulated just for our cars (1600 PPM)only available from Indiana Region of the Classic Car Club.  So there are some additives and some oils out there to help.  I am confident that there are a lot more that I did not list.  Maybe somebody else has a favorite.
Charley Fitch   

[Chahles]

I just read a post on the British Forum about how Mobil 1 has ZDDP also.
It seems it would be best to use a synthetic WITH ZDDP as it would have double protective characteristics.
All in all, I revert back to what Charlie Fitch mentioned, that everyone has a favorite and we should be using something other than a run of the mill oil.
Charlie Costa

[charley fitch]

When it comes to synthetic oil I have heard a number of very strong opinions about NOT using such in our older engines. For myself I don't know why the synthetic oils would not do okay as long as they have the zddp.  I have now tried to be consistant in the use of straight 30 weight oil and adding ZDDP if it isn't already in the oil.
Charley Fitch   

[vila]

I sent Valvoline an email several years ago asking about ZDDP, and they confirmed what Charley mentions in the TR6 forum about Valvoline.  At the time my question was with reference to my 1933 Chevrolet, where I was considering switching to Valvoline Durablend.  As I recall from the email their Racing Oil actually has the highest ZDDP in the Valvoline line.  I switched from a standard grade oil to Durablend which is a synthetic blend and the reduced friction solved my overheating problem which I had been trying to solve since I got the car in 1971.  I am currently restoring a 1962 TR4 and will be using Durablend 10W-40.  I did not ask about their full synthetic at the time, but you can send them an email and ask about the ZDDP in it if you are leaning in that direction.  I fact, if you send an email to which ever brand of oil you are leaning toward I am sure they will provide the info.

Bob Beers

Bob Beers