Gas engine life today vs yesterday?

[fc3]

There are motor oils that are compatible with the older formulations and have sufficient anti-wear materials for flat tappet lifters. Search around on the web and you should find some articles that will help. I have the reference here somewhere, as I have two old cars that have engines with old-fashioned pushrod valve trains and flat hydraulic lifters. Just don't remember where I put them.

 

[Hoosier John]

Thanks Redhook98 and fc3,

After the break-in, I will probably go with a modern synthetic like Merc 20w40 or Mobil 1, then add some zinc/ZDDP like Rislone that Redhook98 uses. I suppose there are treatment concentrations given on the can. But if you don't know how much zinc is in the oil to start with, how do you know that you aren't putting in too much? I understand that too much can cause metallic embers in the combustion chamber causing predetonation.

fc3, if you happen across anything already posted, please let me know. I must suck at searching. On the web I have found very little, especially identifying the levels of zinc currently in modern oils. Still reading though. I have read that oils without the starburst, typically in straight grades, might be using older formulas. The starburst guarantees that they are compatible with catalytic converters, thus very low zinc. Also all oils with the latest SAE ratings (can't remember the exact changeover code) have reduced zinc.

Racing oils like Valvoline VR1, have healthy levels of zinc, but are not intended for long usage, and like Mobile 1 don't have any marine additives. Has anyone ever heard of Marine Additives (like zinc additives)?

Thanks