ZDDP oil additive

[Rich Thomas]

So here's my subject: Apparently after 70 or so years the EPA has mandated that this additive be removed from all oils produced or sold in the U.S.A.. Most modern engines aren't affected by this But any engine predating 1989 can have a lot of problems. ZDDP is a ware additive that was developed to stem the ware on cam lobes and flat tappets. There is several venders now selling it as an OTC. the problem is you have to be careful how much of this you use because to much is also detrimental. People who do rebuilds are reporting cam lobes wiping and blaming aftermarket parts when its the oil that is causing the problem. I am wondering if any one here has had problems with flat tappet cams on there pre 89 power plants. 

[Lakota Wolf]

Thats good INFO Jack... Thanks for sharing.

[Rich Thomas]

I get Eastwood e-mails and they had 4 0z. bottles on sale and had the hype article to tell you why you just had to have it.  I was concerned because my MH is a 78 on a 77 chassis with a 350. I went on the old Google search and found just about any opinion pro and con and everything in between. I knew about the racing oils with better ware additives but not specific ones. One article said Valvoline was one of only a few to still put it in there oils. I use Edge Syntech in every thing I own but, looks like I'll either by the stuff or change over to Valvoline for the Palace. 

[Lakota Wolf]

I use Valvoline semi synthetic and add Lucas oil to my older trucks and it seems to work very well,, Plus I run Lucas in fuel system. Its my FEEL GOOD solution that works for me.

[Russell E Johnson]

There was a discussion about adding tranny fluid to the gas tank started by Mike and Heather Brancich.  Because of that discussion I now use 1 quart of tranny fluid per 20 gallons of gas, plus 1 pint of Lucas fuel additive per 20 gallons and added SFR100 to the differential and engine oil.  We went from 5.5 MPG to 6.9 MPG in our 87 Southwind.  The MH starts easier and has lots more power on the hills.  Now if it helps the engine go 300,000 plus miles that will be icing on the cake.  I also added SFR transmission treatment to the transmission.  And Yes, I am a big fan of SFR products.  And no, I am in no way affiliated with them, I have just used their products since 1990.  I also use Castrol 10-40 oil, non synthetic, in the winter and 20-50 in the hot Arkansas summers.  I like the higher viscosity of the heavier oils.  The tranny fluid and the Lucas fuel additive make great top oil substitutes and at a cheaper price.  I dislike shopping at Wal Mart, but I do get all my tranny fluid there because it is the cheapest place, and the Lucas by the case from Amazon.

So, long story short, with the removal of ZDDP from oils, our MH will be unaffected as we have an battery of additives now that work very well.

[Rich Thomas]

Thanks guys any more suggestions welcomed. I've not had a problem with any of the vehicles I've owned other than a little OHC 2300cc in line 4 that was in a ford Currier pic up I used to drive back and forth to work. Every so often I had to replace the cam on it because of how it oiled the lobes through a hole in the lobe.That was back in the 70's. The rest I never kept long enough to find out but the Palace I plan on having around a while and anything I can do to achieve that I want to do.  

[steve citron]

You might go to www.Bob is the oil guy.com

It is a website, and discussion on all things oil, and mechanical. I have a diesel truck, (Cummins), so use a diesel oil with more zinc, and it is a synthetic as well. I've got over 200,000 miles, and no problems with oiling. going on a 6000 mile trip this spring and summer, so will need to have all the protection i can, as I will be crossing the Rockies twice!

[Rich Thomas]

Thank you Steve I was wondering about Rotella  I used to run it in my 87 f 250 diesel. I run JD oil in my tractors that are high in zinc too. Ill give old Bob a look see. I can always switch over to Valvoline as Jack W. mentioned above and that's most likely what I'll do but I wan't to learn the whys and why not's. I know Valvoline is a good oil so I comfortable with that.