Hemmings info on Oil for older engines - NCRS Discussion Boards

Hemmings info on Oil for older engines

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  • Gary N.
    Very Frequent User
    • August 31, 1986
    • 118
    #1

    Hemmings info on Oil for older engines

    I just saw this on another forum and thought it was interesting. I have been watching the comments about oil for older engines for some time and from what I can gather it seems that some of the information has changed. It indicates that the CJ-4 rating being put on oils like Rotella T has changed for the amounts of zinc and phorophus and is lower. I have read Dukes threads awhile back and wondered if things have changed. Looks to me that you need to use a zinc and phorophus additive or go to one of the speciality oils (Brad Penn, ect.) that have the higher levels of ZN and P to be safe.
    I know that there have been alot comments on this before, but it appears that the information coming out today is different that the initial information I read earlier (Dukes article and others). I believe that the Hemmings article below is very recent and it appears that the ratings CJ-4, ect. seem to have changed as to the ZN and P content in the oil. It would appear that the CJ-4 rating is to low now for older flat tappet cam use. Certainly for any break-in use. Anyone else have a similar view?

    http://blog.hemmings.com/index.php/2012/10/18/tech-101-zinc-in-oil-and-its-effects-on-older-engines/
    Gary Nyland
    1966 Black Corvette Air Coupe
    2014 Black Z-51, 3LT Coupe
    1955 Black Chevy Belair Gasser
    1955 Nomad
    Tags: None
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    • Duke W.
      Beyond Control Poster
      • December 31, 1992
      • 15610
      #2
      Re: Hemmings info on Oil for older engines

      The maximum allowable P concentrations he quotes for all catagories are flat out WRONG! Further, there are no limits on Zn or B. The only element that is limited is P. Hemmings "expert" didn't do his homework.

      CJ-4, which was introduced in 2007 specifies a maximum P level of 1100 ppm. (SM and SN is 800 and SL was 1000.) Nothing has changed since CJ-4's 2007 introduction, and the CJ-4 P level will never change. Any signficant changes such as a reduction in P concentration will have to be part of a new specification. I am sure API is working on the next spec, which will likely be called CK-4, but I don't have any data on what changes might be made. Until then don't worry. CJ-4 is more than adequate for vintage engines with sliding surface valve trains and OE valve springs.

      This article is three years old as it talks about SN being introduced "next year". SN has now been around for a couple of years.

      If you don't believe me read the API 1509 document that I referenced in my engine oil article, and google Chevron Delo. They have very good spec sheets that specifiy the P and Zn analysis, and any other CJ-4 will have very similar specs.

      The revised copy of my engine oil article published in the St. Louis Chapter newsletter, which is available on the Web is still current. The revisions from the original article published in The Corvette Restorer are minor - just a few cosmetic changes and a mention that SN has replaced SM, which was for information purposes only as vintage cars owners should not be using current S-category oils.

      Duke
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        • Gary N.
          Very Frequent User
          • August 31, 1986
          • 118
          #3
          Re: Hemmings info on Oil for older engines

          Thanks for the feedback. I hesitiated bringing this up again, but I keep reading articles that made me question if something had changed. I would rather error on the cautious side than have to ruin a cam or have to rebuild an engine. The author indicated this was a recent article in a recent issue of
          Hemmings. I have read your earlier articles and have the Restorer article so I will continue to use Rotella T with the CJ-4 label. Seems like this topic is beat to death.
          Gary Nyland
          1966 Black Corvette Air Coupe
          2014 Black Z-51, 3LT Coupe
          1955 Black Chevy Belair Gasser
          1955 Nomad
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            • Dick W.
              Former NCRS Director Region IV
              • June 30, 1985
              • 10483
              #4
              Re: Hemmings info on Oil for older engines

              Originally posted by Duke Williams (22045)
              T

              I am sure API is working on the next spec, which will likely be called CK-4, but I don't have any data on what changes might be made. Until then don't worry. CJ-4 is more than adequate for vintage engines with sliding surface valve trains and OE valve springs.


              Duke
              Saw reference a couple of months ago to a new oil that did not have spec assigned. Talked about newer emission requirements for HD diesels and the changes that would have to be made to motor oils to accommodate them
              Dick Whittington
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                • William F.
                  Extremely Frequent Poster
                  • June 9, 2009
                  • 1354
                  #5
                  Re: Hemmings info on Oil for older engines

                  Gary,
                  When something like this comes up, I've found it best to get info from "horse's mouth", such as Calling Shell's help line or going to a company's web site such as Duke suggested.
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                    • Frank E.
                      Very Frequent User
                      • May 31, 1986
                      • 189
                      #6
                      Re: Hemmings info on Oil for older engines

                      IMHO, I would think that CJ-4 is tied to a spec. If they would change the spec, I would have to think that a new marketing designation for the spec (i.e. CJ-5 or something ) would have to be specified on the product....

                      Just my $.02....
                      Frank


                      1966 Milano Maroon Roadster
                      2004 CE Z06
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                        • Duke W.
                          Beyond Control Poster
                          • December 31, 1992
                          • 15610
                          #7
                          Re: Hemmings info on Oil for older engines

                          Read post #2.

                          Duke
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