I am also a bit confused about the oils and their effect on cam shafts. Is
this a problem only when breaking in a new engine, or should I be concerned
about an engine which was rebuilt 25k miles ago as well?
Peter Schauss
1963 BJ7
1980 MGB
> -----Original Message-----
> From: owner-healeys@Autox.Team.Net [mailto:owner-healeys@Autox.Team.Net]
> On Behalf Of Dave & M
> Sent: Sunday, May 13, 2007 8:58 PM
> To: John Soderling
> Cc: Healey List
> Subject: Re: Confused - ZDDP and our oils
>
> Hi John,
>
> I'm as confused as anyone.
>
> The listed results are quite old, considering that oil content &
> published numbers are changing very rapidly.
>
> the published numbers that you quote which are quite high, certainly
> enough to do the job. It's my belief that any oil that actually meets
> API service SM for 2007 will of necessity have it's ZDDP content
> significantly reduced from this level.
>
> If I'm wrong, it has only cost me a few bottles of EOS. If right, a
> new cam & lifters have been saved. I doubt if we will ever get a
> straight answer from the oil companies. They MUST cater to the
> majority of customers. The folks with flat tappet cams who might be
> affected by the newest oils are an insignificant percentage of their
> whole customer base. I believe the manufacturers started using roller
> tappet cams which don't require the high ZDDP levels in the mid
> 1980's. Not many older cars are on the road.
>
> I note that the small specialty sellers of oil for race & off road use
> are not hesitant to publish right up front what the ZDDP content of
> their oils are.
>
> I think each of us will have to make a decision & hope for the best.
>
> Regards,
> Dave Russell
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