Flat Tappet/Camshaft - Specific Oil

[ed1948]

My friend, when he was a GM mechanic in the 80's, said he replaced many camshafts, ususally out of warranty. He cautioned me to find an engine oil containing zinc to lube the valvetrain..

Any brands to search out?

 

[85442/86buick]

google ZDDPlus comes in 4 oz bottles ,add one with each oil change.

not sure if there are any local ( Toronto ) retailers , i order from Kirban's in the states.

what was the previous owner using ?

 

[mymontess]

The 80's cam failure was caused by incorrect heat treating of the cam.
To answer your question, I'm using Kendall GT-1 which has zddp additive. I get it from my local jobber (400/401 area).
I paid around $25 for 5 litres so it's reasonably priced too.

 

[clean8485]

I'm using the Brad Penn oil, which I get from a distributor called RP Oil in Whitby.

 

[Turboelky]

Like those guys said, and as you've been told, zinc. If you're real cool, you'll try to find an old stash of GM EOS

 

[ed1948]

Previous owner used regulay Dino oil. For now I'll add the additive until I can source the good stuff.

 

[clean8485]

Are you looking for conventional (i.e. dino) oil, or synthetic? Also, are you looking for an oil that already has the zinc in it? Some of the newer synthetic oils work well, but don't always get along with 30 year old seals and gaskets. I found this out through first hand experience.

 

[Clone TIE Pilot]

Synthetic oil doesn't stick to flat tappet, cams as well as Dino oil, which is especially bad for break in. Use the oil GM recommends and add zddp, additive to it.

 

[Longroof79]

Valvoline VR-1 racing oil has good zinc content. That's what I use in my aircooled Porsche engine. I'm currently using Shell Rotella-T 15-40 wt in my Chevy engine, but I don't think it has the same amount of zinc in it as it once had.

 

[Clone TIE Pilot]

Need to be careful about racing oil, it doesn't have much detergents and a short service life, like most pure racing products. Diesel oils are the opposite problem, they have too much detergent for normal gasoline engines.