I sent an email into Castrol about our concerns with the new GF-4 oils
(reduced levels of Zinc / ZDDP). Here is the response:
Castrol is aware of articles in enthusiast magazines and web-sites, as well
as after-market parts manufacturer discussions concerning GF-4 engine oils
and cam-shaft durability issues in older performance vehicles. Some
consumers suspect the lower level of ZDDP in GF-4 oils may be causing these
failures. Castrol is currently investigating this issue.
For those consumers that wish not to use a GF-4 oil in these vehicles,
Castrol does offer the following products that contain Zinc at a level that
is typical of the Zinc level found in oils (API SG) marketed during the
"muscle car" era of time:
The following Castrol products have Zinc levels that are typical of API SG
oil:
1. Castrol SYNTEC 5W-40
2. Castrol Grand Prix 4T 10W-40 (product has been replaced by Castrol
Motorcycle 4T 10W-40)
3. Castrol Grand Prix 4T 20W-50 (product has been replaced by Castrol
Motorcycle 4T 20W-50)
4. Castrol GO! ATV 10W-40
5. Castrol GO! ATV 20W-50
6. Castrol TWS Motorsport 10W-60 (full synthetic, available @ BMW
dealerships)
7. BMW Long Life 5W-30 (full synthetic, available @ BMW dealerships)
8. Castrol GO! 10W-40 Motorcycle Oil
9. Castrol GO! 20W-50 Motorcycle Oil
We do recommend you use these oils in your classic cars, however we do not
recommend using automotive oils in your motorcycle. Since these oils meet
all the specifications of classic cars they are completely safe to use in
an automobile.
If installing a new performance cam in an older performance vehicle, it is
important to:
* follow the installation recommendations provided by the cam
manufacturer
* use the recommended cam break-in lube
* prime the engine oil circuits
* use the recommended engine oil
* confirm valve train geometries prior to starting the engine with the
new cam
Castrol Consumer Relations
FWIW,
Bob
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