ZDDP (Zinc Dialkyl Dithio Phosphate)
"Experts don't all agree on what damage, if any, the new oils could
be causing to older engines. While I haven't personally experienced any
devastating engine failures from using oil made to new specifications,
others state that they have, and the damage is disturbingly rapid and severe.
In the absence of more conclusive information, I would say that using a
ZDDP additive at every oil change might be a wise decision for classic
car drivers. I can't promise that it alone will prevent engine damage,
but it certainly wouldn't hurt, considering it is an important component
missing from new oils .”
—Ken Wilson, Automotive Mileposts
Back in 2006, a new motor oil warranty category for gasoline engines was
released. Designated GF-4, this new warranty specification was licensed
by the American Petroleum Institute (API) and superseded all previous specifications.
Historically, when a new specification such as this was released, all older
cars built under a previous specification would be able to operate on the
new one as well without any loss of lubricant protection, as the newer
specifications normally provided at least the same level of protection
as previous ones, and generally have provided improved protection as research
developed newer and better detergents, additives, etc. However, that didn't
happen in this instance, and it wasn't long before problems started being
reported with engines in older cars.
For many decades all of the major oil companies used ZDDP (Zinc Dithiophosphate)
in their motor oil formulations. ZDDP is an excellent anti-wear agent,
and for years was inexpensive for the oil companies to purchase.
But along came catalytic converters, and everything began to change. When
first introduced, catalytic converters contained things like platinum and
palladium, which were expensive to buy, and have continued to become more
expensive as the years have gone by. Due to this, the original equipment
manufacturers (OEMs) changed the composition of catalytic converters to
make them less costly. And with that change came the need to reduce the
levels of sulfur, phosphorus, and zinc in motor oils because they will
eventually destroy catalytic converters on new cars built with the new
materials. When the EPA mandated that ZDDP be removed from all conventional
and synthetic oils produced domestically that sought to meet the GF-4 specification,
apparently no thought was given to what might happen to older engines that
require ZDDP.
ZDDP protects older engines by creating a film on cams and flat lifter
contact points. This film, consisting of zinc and phosphorus compounds,
provides a sacrificial wear surface that protects the base metal of the
cam and lifter from wear.
Additionally, ZDDP alters the surface characteristics of bearings and journals
to prevent metal to metal contact, and reduces the tendency of critical
engine components to scuff or gall under heavy loads.
There are a few motor oils on the market today that still have higher levels
of zinc in them. One is Valvoline VR-1 Racing Motor Oil. It has been reformulated
to meet all new car manufacturer's specifications, which means reduced
levels of zinc. Some say it has enough zinc to protect older engines, while
others say it falls short of what's needed to provide adequate protection.
There are additives on the market that can restore ZDDP levels to today's
motor oils. One of them is ZDDP Plus . Adding ZDDP Plus to every 4-5 quart oil change will protect your older
engine from metal to metal contact, and restore the lubrication characteristics
of new oil to the original specification for older engines, which will
help to prevent the premature deterioration of critical internal engine
components.
Until more is known about this issue, it might be wise for old car enthusiasts
to err on the side of caution and add ZDDP Plus at every oil change. We've
even provided links on this page for you to order it now, and have it shipped
to you, ready for your next oil change. Then when things get hot under
the hood and you step on the gas, you'll know your engine has the lubrication
protection it needs.
Click this link to buy > ZDDP Plus from a vendor we both know and trust: The Eastwood Company. If any company
has been dedicated to the do it yourself auto restorer over the years,
it's Eastwood.
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PROTECT YOUR ENGINE
CLICK LINK BELOW TO BUY NOW!
ZDDP Plus
(One bottle needed for every 4-5 quart oil change.)
 
Compare to GM E.O.S. Engine Assembly Lubricant - ZDDP Plus has twice the amount of ZDDP!
ZDDP Plus
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