Zinc removed from oil

[studelover]

I was with the engine builder today and heard a conversation about oils. I was told that they have been systematically removing zinc from the oil that we use because it is hurting the catalitic converters. The zinc is a cleaner and very important for rebuilds in the break in period. GM is asking machine shops to get a prelube mix to put in gm motors that have been rebuilt. The oil Rottell (Excuse my spell) had the zinc removed from it in January. I guess nothing is safe in this time. Anybody heard anything about this, are we suppose to be concerned?

Studebakers forever!

[bondobilly]

I believe JP posted about this and suggested using a diesel rated motor oil.

BG

[studelover]

I would like to reference this JPD where can I find it, I will be breaking my motor in about a month from now and need to know the best why to do it.

Studebakers forever!

[StudeRich]

WARNING: "THIS IS AN "X" RATED TOPIC! Only over 18 members may read!" [:0][:0]

Here you go! You DO have to remember however, that someone got "out of control" on this post and a few comments are still there about him. But all of his comments are edited OUT, so it is a bit hard reading. Forget the opinions, just follow the FACTS!

http://www.studebakerdriversclub.com...archTerms=zddp

StudeRich
Studebakers Northwest
Ferndale, WA

[sntsftbll]

I said I was sorry

[StudeRich]

quote:Originally posted by sntsftbll

I said I was sorry

It was not you or me or anyone still on the forum!

StudeRich
Studebakers Northwest
Ferndale, WA

[sntsftbll]

Whew... I feel much better

[showbizkid]

Wow! He really did edit them all out! Even zeroed out his profile. "I guess I'll take my ball and go home..."


[img=left]http://members.cox.net/clarknovak/lark.gif[/img=left]

Clark in San Diego
'63 F2/Lark Standard
http://studeblogger.blogspot.com

[Swifster]

Are the manufacturers 'breaking in' their engines prior to installation to avoid wiping out the cam or the converter? Or is there some special blend being used for the first oil installed in the car? Anyone have any ideas?

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Tom - Valrico, FL

1964 Studebaker Daytona

[StudeRich]

What new engines? All of the new cars for years have had either an overhead cam, or roller lifters eliminating the need for extreme pressure (wear) additives.

StudeRich
Studebakers Northwest
Ferndale, WA

[studelover]

The folks that I had this conversation with sais that because of the removal of the zinc, the motors were wiping the cam. I forgot to mention that. I did not know it was such a tabo subject. I was not on the forum then, I am sorry for opening up a bad wound. I need to take this info back to my club at it's next meeting because we know nothing of this, it's very scary! thanks![}]

Studebakers forever!

[blackhawk61]

quote:Originally posted by bondobilly

quote:Originally posted by Swifster

Are the manufacturers 'breaking in' their engines prior to installation to avoid wiping out the cam or the converter? Or is there some special blend being used for the first oil installed in the car? Anyone have any ideas?

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Tom - Valrico, FL

Two months ago we took delivery of a new vehicle, it was a 6 mile drive home, and when I went through all the books, there was no mention as to keeping speeds below 50 for the first 100 miles, below 70 for the forst 500, and no msntion of returning to dealer after the first 1000 miles. The scheduled maintenance is 5000 miles.

The world has changed.

I had a VERY GOOD Mechanic once tell Me(long time ago)"Break it in like You intend to drive it"...Always worked for Me !
1961 Hawk 4BC,4-SPEED,TT

Lewisville,NC
(formerly chevpartsman)

[bondobilly]

quote:Originally posted by Swifster

Are the manufacturers 'breaking in' their engines prior to installation to avoid wiping out the cam or the converter? Or is there some special blend being used for the first oil installed in the car? Anyone have any ideas?

---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Tom - Valrico, FL

Two months ago we took delivery of a new vehicle, it was a 6 mile drive home, and when I went through all the books, there was no mention as to keeping speeds below 50 for the first 100 miles, below 70 for the forst 500, and no msntion of returning to dealer after the first 1000 miles. The scheduled maintenance is 5000 miles.

The world has changed.

[Swifster]

I've seen this too. But even with roller lifters, there is still metal-to-metal contact with various parts in the engine. With the elimination of the 'break in' period, I would tend to think the auto makers are breaking in the engines at their facilities before being shipped to the final assembly plant.

Another reason I ask this, and it may be another fairy tale, but I've been told not to break in a new rebuilt engine with synthetic oil. The idea behind this is that the synthetic works too well and keeps the rings from seating against the cylinder walls. Now, how true this is I don't know. If it is true, the factory break in would explain how the car can come down the assembly line and still get a 'factory fill' of Mobil 1.

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Tom - Valrico, FL

1964 Studebaker Daytona

[showbizkid]

Just found this article from Crane Cams that specifically addresses the break-in of flat-tappet engines and the lack of zinc in modern oils:

http://www.cranecams.com/pdf/548e.pdf

They recommend the use of a break-in lube like GM E.O.S. (or their own, natch), and specifically recommend against the use of synthetics for break-in. Worth a read.


[img=left]http://members.cox.net/clarknovak/lark.gif[/img=left]

Clark in San Diego
'63 F2/Lark Standard
http://studeblogger.blogspot.com