Mobil 1 and Fuel Stabilizer

[Edmund C.]

Gents: Is it OK to run Mobil 1 synthetic oil in my 1966 C2 (327/350)? Also, everyone keeps telling me to add something to my fuel to protect against ethanol damage. Do you fellows add anything? If so, can you please recommend a product? Many thanks. Best, EWC

[Frank D.]

Re: Mobil 1 and Fuel Stabilizer

Mobil 1 15W-50W has the proper amount of ZDDP for our old flat tappet cars (see attachment). I use it in both of mine.
Who is "everyone" ? You need NOTHING because of ethanol...

If you want to add stabilizer (e.g. Sta-Bil) for long term storage then that's fine -- not needed for a regularly driven car.

[Edmund C.]

Re: Mobil 1 and Fuel Stabilizer

Frank: Thanks, this is very helpful. Prior owner's widow and a neighbor (crazy Corvette guy with 7 Vettes and Mechanical Engineer) strongly recommended that I do so. I have surfed the NCRS Archives and the vast bulk of folks agree with you Frank. OK, I'll keep running ExxonMobil high test and disregard the additives.

[Ed S.]

Re: Mobil 1 and Fuel Stabilizer

Ok, am I the only C2 owner reading this thread and scratching my head? Edmund asks if Mobile 1 is ok for use in his 327/350. Frank says yes, because Mobile 1 has the proper amount of ZDDP for our "old flat tapper cars". First, I am not challenging the ZDDP content of Mobile 1. But, am I mistaken, doesn't the the 327/350 have hydraulic lifters and... regardless what type of lifters it has, I can recall reading numerous threads and comments written by recognized technical experts in this TB that advise using diesel engine oils (like Rotilla) in vintage engines -- especially ones that have solid lifters like so many C1 & C2 small block engines have. I don't recall anyone ever recommending Mobile 1. Are we now adding Mobile 1 to the list of acceptable (recommended) lubricants for solid lifter engines? Thoughts??

[Joe R.]

Re: Mobil 1 and Fuel Stabilizer

Gents: Is it OK to run Mobil 1 synthetic oil in my 1966 C2 (327/350)? Also, everyone keeps telling me to add something to my fuel to protect against ethanol damage. Do you fellows add anything? If so, can you please recommend a product? Many thanks. Best, EWC

Edmund,

I would recommend reading Duke's engine oil article starting on page 3 of this newsletter:

http://stlouisncrs.org/news_files/St_Louis_NCRS_Chapter_July_2011.pdf

Please be very careful here, oil that does not contain the proper amount of ZDDP will flatten your cam. Don't ask how I know!

I wouldn't add anything to your gas. There are lots of threads on this board on both of these topics.

Joe

[Duke W.]

Re: Mobil 1 and Fuel Stabilizer

I doesn't make economic sense to use a synthetic on a car that has low mileage accumulation with time, and you change oil on a time basis -usually once a year year on a car that sees a few hundred to a few thousand miles, annually. 15W-40CJ-4 is a less expensive alternative and will provide as good protection as Mobil 15W-50. If you insist on synthetic (and there is no rational reason to do so), 5W-40 CJ-4 is synthetic based.

I'm sure most here on the TDB are using 15W-40 CJ-4. Download and read the article in the link from Joe's post so you understand the issues, and from there you should be able to make a rational choice.

Duke

[Michael W.]

Re: Mobil 1 and Fuel Stabilizer

Ok, am I the only C2 owner reading this thread and scratching my head? Edmund asks if Mobile 1 is ok for use in his 327/350. Frank says yes, because Mobile 1 has the proper amount of ZDDP for our "old flat tapper cars". First, I am not challenging the ZDDP content of Mobile 1. But, am I mistaken, doesn't the the 327/350 have hydraulic lifters and... regardless what type of lifters it has, I can recall reading numerous threads and comments written by recognized technical experts in this TB that advise using diesel engine oils (like Rotilla) in vintage engines -- especially ones that have solid lifters like so many C1 & C2 small block engines have. I don't recall anyone ever recommending Mobile 1. Are we now adding Mobile 1 to the list of acceptable (recommended) lubricants for solid lifter engines? Thoughts??

Both 'solid' and 'hydraulic' lifters as used on C1-C3 Corvettes are flat tappet.

[Duke W.]

Re: Mobil 1 and Fuel Stabilizer

Mobil 1, only in the 15W-50 viscosity, has sufficient P and Zn for vintage flat tappet engines, but offers no other benefits over CJ-4 when not run for more than at least 5000 miles between changes. So it is "acceptable", but doesn't make economic sense for most vintage car owners who change their oil every year or two and don't accumulate considerably more than 5000 miles between changes. That's why I don't "recommend" it for the vast majority of vintage car owners. There is a difference between "acceptable" and "recommended". The former includes only technical considerations. The latter takes into account both technical and economic considerations.

As said, the issue with vintage engines is sliding surfaces in the valve train, and this includes engines with either mechanical or hydraulic flat tappets in addition the rocker arm/ball or shaft mounted plain bearing rocker arms typical of vintage engines.

Duke

[Frank D.]

Re: Mobil 1 and Fuel Stabilizer

Both 'solid' and 'hydraulic' lifters as used on C1-C3 Corvettes are flat tappet.

Correct. It is up to the car owner whether to spend the money on synthetic. I merely responded to the original poster's question about the use of Mobil 1 products... I use them, but I'm not twisting anyone's arm to follow suit.

As far as making 'economic sense'; the ownership of these cars makes no economic sense for that matter...

I've read Duke's paper and "Bob the Oil Guy" extensively. Others should do so as well and come to their own conclusions.
I really don't want to reignite the 'oil wars'....

[Ed S.]

Re: Mobil 1 and Fuel Stabilizer

Edmund, Duke, thanks for clarifying the issue(s). I have read Duke's "oil article" as well as others that corroborate Duke's technical analysis and recommendations. I didn't now Mobile 1 was "acceptable" and now that I understand that it is, I also clearly understand why it does not make economic sense to use Mobile 1 in a classic (limited miles driven). Another point you all cleared up for me - I incorrectly equated "flat tappet" to solid lifter - I do understand that hydraulic and solid tappets (at least those in vintage SBs) are flat. Thanks again to all - will continue to use CJ-4 rated lubricant.

[Frank D.]

Re: Mobil 1 and Fuel Stabilizer

Edmund, Duke, thanks for clarifying the issue(s). I have read Duke's "oil article" as well as others that corroborate Duke's technical analysis and recommendations. I didn't now Mobile 1 was "acceptable" and now that I understand that it is, I also clearly understand why it does not make economic sense to use Mobile 1 in a classic (limited miles driven). Another point you all cleared up for me - I incorrectly equated "flat tappet" to solid lifter - I do understand that hydraulic and solid tappets (at least those in vintage SBs) are flat. Thanks again to all - will continue to use CJ-4 rated lubricant.

And nobody suggested you should do otherwise

[Duke W.]

Re: Mobil 1 and Fuel Stabilizer

As far as making 'economic sense'; the ownership of these cars makes no economic sense for that matter...

It does assuming you derive enjoyment, equal or greater in your opinion, to what you spend... same with a house much larger than you really need or a condo in Vail, a daily driver more expensive than the minimum you could spend for one that meets your basic needs, an expensive vacation, or going to Vegas and blowing a wad at the gaming tables.

You will never be able to distinguish the difference between 15W-50 Mobil 1 and CJ-4.

Duke

[Frank D.]

Re: Mobil 1 and Fuel Stabilizer

Those are intangibly valued things my friend; I can't assign a monetary value to them. Nor can I do so to watching my granddaughter grow up or my garden blooming.

Anyway - not going there on the oil debate beyond this; by your own admission there might be some value if there are more than 5,000 miles between my oil changes - and there are.... It will scandalize some but I go 8,000-10,000 miles between oil changes on both of my original motors.
Both cars are driven 2-3 times weekly.

OP asked a question; I answered it....

[William F.]

Re: Mobil 1 and Fuel Stabilizer

ZDDP level may be OK, but 15w50 is mighty high viscosity. Rotella T is available in 10W30 and would seem ore desirable and outweigh any perceived advantages of synthetic. Duke, what say you?

[John S.]

Re: Mobil 1 and Fuel Stabilizer

Edmund,
One more thought on the Mobil 1. I was told a long time ago and have experienced it my self with leaks. You may have minor leaks or seepage which is normal for an old Corvette. They will get worse with the Mobil 1. That stuff will seep out anywhere it can! Love the stuff other wise and run it in all my newer vehicles! I personally run the Walmart brand CJ-4 oil in my vintage stuff. Have had zero problems in 7 years.