Is Rotella good for flat tappet cam?

Is Rotella good for flat tappet cam?

We learned that current-spec commercial-grade oil, like ROTELLA T, remains a suitable off-the-shelf lubricant for hobbyists with flat-tappet camshaft engines.

Do flat tappet cams need Zinc oil?

It’s simple enough. If you run a motor with a flat-tappet camshaft then you need to use the proper assembly lube, break-in oil and racing oil all the time. These lubricants should have enough ZDDP or other zinc additive to provide a sufficient buffer against cam lobe failure.

Can you use synthetic oil with flat tappet cam?

Synthetic oils are so slippery that there is less force to turn the lifter. So, theoretically, synthetic oil could cause problems for flat-tappet cams.

What oil has the highest ZDDP?

For those who want use regular oil (non-synthetic) without additives, Brad Penn ($5 qt), Shell Rotella T and Valvoline Racing oils have the highest Zinc/ZDDP content from some recent hot rod oil article I read at my local performance shop.

Does Rotella still have zinc in it?

Most Shell Rotella engine oils, including T6 5W-40 Full Synthetic Heavy Duty Diesel Engine Oil, contain approximately 1200 ppm of zinc which will benefit older and high-performance engines.

Can you use Rotella 15w40 in a gas engine?

Shell Rotella is a line of heavy-duty engine lubrication products produced by Royal Dutch Shell. Rotella oils, like the T3 15W-40, meet both the API CJ-4 and SM specifications, and may be used in both gasoline and diesel engines. …

How much zinc is needed for flat tappet?

“ZDDP” Is The Predominant Anti-wear Additive, Used In Crankcase Oils. It Is A Class Of Additive, Rather Than One Particular Chemical. Not all Zinc (ZDDP) additives, react under the same level of heat and load. Zinc has different “Burn” rates.

What motor oil is high in zinc?

Valvoline VR1 Racing Oil: Contains 75% higher zinc than SN or SM motor oil with a balanced additive package designed to work in both racing and traditional applications. Valvoline provides this product in both multi and mono viscosity grades: 20w50, straight 50, 10w30, straight 30, straight 40 and straight 60.

Does Rotella have ZDDP?

When Rotella T6 was revised for the API specification (for use in spark ignition engines), its zinc levels were effectively reduced. Higher (content) zinc additives (ZDDP) are required for flat tappet engines and cartridge bearings, which in previous formulations Rotella T6 had desirable levels of zinc (ZDDP).

Is too much ZDDP bad?

If you have too much ZDDP, you start to see corrosive wear and cause another problem. Adding an excess causes the oil to become acidic, and before you know, you’re wearing cams, bearings and bushings because of too much ZDDP.

Does Mobil 1 15W 50 have zinc?

More info. I’ve been using Mobil 1™ 15W-50 in my race car. Additionally, Mobil 1 Racing oils offer boosted levels of anti‐wear protection (nominal zinc level of 1,850 ppm) for extra engine protection in highly loaded flat tappet engine designs like those used in the NASCAR® Sprint Cup series.

Will Rotella hurt a gas engine?

Rotella oils, like the T3 15W-40, meet both the API CJ-4 and SM specifications, and may be used in both gasoline and diesel engines. Therefore, Rotella is not recommended for gasoline vehicles with catalytic converters due to the higher risk of damaging these emission controls.

Which is the best oil for a flat tappet engine?

Valvoline SAE 10W-40– Protective oil for flat tappet cam engine 3. Shell Rotella 15W-40Engine Oil– Performance booster oil for flat tappet cam engine 4. Mobil 1 10W-40 Full Synthetic Motor Oil– Leak preventing oil for flat tappet cam engine 5. Royal Purple 20W-50 – Best for Efficiency 6.

Do you need designer oil for a flat tappet Cam?

Not all the diesel oil is up to snuff but most of it will have enough ZDDP for a flat tappet cam. Unless you are running high lift or turning serious RPMS there is simply no reason to use designer oil for your 283.

Can a flat tappet cam engine be damaged?

If you do not get deposit protection from your engine oil, then your engine will get damaged over time. This oil comes with great deposit protection for a flat tappet cam engine to save you from this problem. So, during the oil drain interval, your engine will remain safe and clean.

What kind of oil to use in a T-Bird?

Shell Rotella 15W-40 is what I run in my T-Bird. I’ve also run Pennzoil 15W-40 and have been fine so far. The key is to get oil that can be used in diesel engines. It has the extra zddp that is missing from regular motor oil these days.