Joe Gibbs High Zinc Oil Anyone

Marty is this supposed to be better for older engines?

I have not really looked into it and am too young to remember when gas went from leaded to unleaded. My motor clearly says leaded gasoline only. I know that the lead helped keep everything running smooth.

Keegan,
Lots of threads/discussion here on the importance of running high ZDDP (zinc) oils in our flat tappet engines. Reports are coming in about cams destroyed with people running what they thought was good oil. They were thinking "with their dipstick"!!!! Plan on running a high zinc oil.

FWIW, page 23 from 1993 PCM engine manual:


"IMPORTANT: Zinc additive, Ford PIN D2AZ19579-A, G.M. PIN 993104 is necessary during the initial Break-In period and is in the engine oil of all engines when shipped from peM. Oil changes at a time earlier than specified above are not recommended unless the Zinc additive is also added to the oil when changed. The effect of the Zinc additive has no value beyond the initial wear period and is not recommended at any other time. "

Ernest,
That's from 93 before the zincs were removed from most oils. It's a different story now!

The break in is when even extra is needed.

Mobil 15w50 is the only one on that list that should be used in a boat, there is a link in one of the oil threads to a site where a guy spent over a year having oils tested to come up with an approved list for flat tappet motors. It's a good read if you've got some time and really want to get a good understanding of the issue.

you guys make a good point...I may start running a different oil.

And Paul Newman decided to make salad dressing!Go figure.

LKG,
Did ya get my e-mails?

I have a 75 Mustang all original - what would the recommended oil be to run - it is a 302-4barrel and from what I can read on the old sticker it is a pleasure craft, but have also had the guys at Skidm tell me it was a crossover from Escort to PCM

TRBenj - I have done some research on both the Valvoline and Rotella and the following is what I come up with on the zinc ratios
a. Valvoline - .13ppm
b. Rotella - .12ppm

I don't want to skimp on anything, but with the Rotella being about 1/2 the cost of the Valvoline do most folks just opt for the Rotella and change it a little more often since these are the two I found with the highest zinc contents for off the shelf oils without special ordering or spending 3x-4x the cost - I think I am leaning toward the straight 40w Rotella

Any additional advice on upkeep for a motor of this age - it keeps on starting right up - I had it on the water the first time this year on Easter since Nov. of last year and I just pumped it 2x to get some fuel out of the accelerator pump and as soon as I bumped the key it fired right up. I try not to run over 3,500rpm most of the time since I am just pulling kids under 10 on skis 95% of the time

Thanks for any additional advice you have to offer