quote:Originally posted by George P:
Respectfully and humbly,
I would suggest interested readers please carefully read the information at the following link before you dump ZDDP additives in your oil: Motor Oil Wear Protection
For the average 351C (excepting those specifically machined to utilize 0W or 5W oil) I recommend Valvoline VR1 (10W30, 10W40 or 20W50), conventional or synthetic, using no additives. After you read the link I believe you'll understand why.
Equally respectfully George. The link you provide threw up a few red flags for me.
First of all, the guy uses a few logical fallacies: Argument from authority and Proof by verbosity.
Statements like "I’m a working Professional Degreed Mechanical Engineer, as well as a U.S. Patent holder. Mechanical Design Engineering is what I do for a living. A Mechanical Engineer is clearly the most qualified Engineer to test motor oil"
Oozes of "You must believe me because I am smarter than you" mentality, without proving he is really an expert in anything.
And then the next statement is down right condescending as well as exposing his laziness / unwillingness / incapacity to provide tabular data that actually makes a complex idea easier to understand, not harder: "And the intended audience is not other Engineers. There are no formulas, equations, charts or graphs. The intended audience is Automotive Enthusiasts, Gearheads, Hotrodders, Racers and Engine builders. So, it is written in normal everyday spoken language, rather than overly technical jargon. That way, it will be the easiest to follow and understand by the widest possible audience."
His methods are anything but transparent. No photographs or diagrams of the test rig? I'm not convinced. Some of us are enthusiasts as well as engineers, and as an engineer, I understand the value of making a technical point by simple text supported by graphical evidence of the process.
His conclusion that viscosity and zinc are not important will be widely refuted by the people selling and guaranteeing camshafts. It is well known that zinc is a great EP additive, but poisons catalytic convertors, so that is the reason it has been phased out. That, and the fact that most modern valve trains are roller, so EP additives that protect the cam lobes are less important. If you have a flat tappet valve train, you need protection.
Now on to your statement that 0W or 5W oils are not recommended. Please don't confuse the low temperature performance (the "W" number) with operating temperature performance (the second number). As long as the operating temperature number is what you need, the "W" number merely states that you can be protected in low temperature start up conditions. It is a good thing! A wide range in viscosity grade numbers means the oil has a high viscosity index. . That means it is more stable in temperature related viscosity. Again, a good thing, as long as this high index is not not made with polymer viscosity modifiers that can shear down over time.
But don't take it from me!
