Flat Tappet Engines

 
grumpy
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Post by grumpy » Tue. Feb. 11, 2020 4:23 pm

I am learning about this, some people say you need a high Zinc oil, some say after break in you don't.

Can anyone here chime in about this?

thanks


 
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Rob R.
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Post by Rob R. » Tue. Feb. 11, 2020 4:58 pm

It depends. For a stock performance engine with stock valve train (mild cam, weak springs), after break in a current API spec oil should be fine.

Aggressive cam with stiff springs...check with the camshaft manufacturer. Many of them recommend the use of an oil with more ZDDP than the current API spec oils. I have had good luck with oils rated for gasoline and diesel use (Mobil Delvac, etc).

 
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Post by scalabro » Tue. Feb. 11, 2020 5:40 pm

grumpy wrote:
Tue. Feb. 11, 2020 4:23 pm
I am learning about this, some people say you need a high Zinc oil, some say after break in you don't.

Can anyone here chime in about this?

thanks
What Rob said plus this...

https://penngrade1.com/

 
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Sunny Boy
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Post by Sunny Boy » Tue. Feb. 11, 2020 5:43 pm

grumpy wrote:
Tue. Feb. 11, 2020 4:23 pm
I am learning about this, some people say you need a high Zinc oil, some say after break in you don't.

Can anyone here chime in about this?

thanks
Another shade tree mechanic rumor.

I rebuild flat tappet aircraft type engines for a living. Most of the early tappet engines don't have high enough valve spring tensions to need extra protection for the tappets. For more modern engines with higher spring tension the oils have other additives to compensate. If your going racing, that's another ball game.

It's like all the guys who were worried about valve seat recession when they stopped using lead in gasoline. The engines that have high enough valve spring tensions, compression and cylinder pressures, that it might be a worry, also have hardened valve seats. There has never been any scientific studies that can show seat recession due to using unleaded gasoline.

Or the fools who still spout-off that antique engines should only use non-detergent motor oil,... even though that old wive's tail was debunked 40 years ago, and gets knocked down everytime it gets mentioned on antique car forums.

Some rumors live on, because too many people choose to believe the ignorance of others.

Paul

 
scalabro
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Post by scalabro » Tue. Feb. 11, 2020 6:00 pm

Opinions vary!

 
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Sunny Boy
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Post by Sunny Boy » Tue. Feb. 11, 2020 6:25 pm

How many engines still use flat tappets verses roller tappets, and why have so many engines gone to roller tappets ?

Paul

 
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Post by Rob R. » Tue. Feb. 11, 2020 6:30 pm

Roller cams allow for a more aggressive profile, and more duration...with reduced friction at the same time.

I would be surprised if there is any car or truck engine being made today with a flat tappet camshaft.


 
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Post by grumpy » Tue. Feb. 11, 2020 7:02 pm

thanks guys, i'm hearing this alot , no need for me to worry.

 
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Post by grumpy » Tue. Feb. 11, 2020 8:14 pm

So if i wanted to run higher zinc some are telling me Mobile 1 0w-40 or 10w-40 at 1000ppm. Is that too far off from 5w-30?

I do know a bit about oil but not when it comes to older engines..

As i understand it most oils will be around 20w when at temp.

 
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Post by Rob R. » Tue. Feb. 11, 2020 8:24 pm

What is the application?

 
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Post by gaw » Tue. Feb. 11, 2020 8:25 pm

I am not an engine builder or re builder, whatever term you like, but just tonight I saw this video and you may find it interesting. He is talking about inferior (imported) valve tappets found on the market these days.

 
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Post by grumpy » Tue. Feb. 11, 2020 8:27 pm

Rob R. wrote:
Tue. Feb. 11, 2020 8:24 pm
What is the application?
the car, 86 fiero gt, 2.8 V6..

 
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Post by grumpy » Tue. Feb. 11, 2020 8:28 pm

gaw wrote:
Tue. Feb. 11, 2020 8:25 pm
I am not an engine builder or re builder, whatever term you like, but just tonight I saw this video and you may find it interesting. He is talking about inferior (imported) valve tappets found on the market these days.
Thanks gaw..

 
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Post by Rob R. » Tue. Feb. 11, 2020 8:31 pm

grumpy wrote:
Tue. Feb. 11, 2020 8:27 pm
the car, 86 fiero gt, 2.8 V6..
Factory recommendation was likely 10w-30 for average temperatures. Do you have the manual?

 
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Post by grumpy » Tue. Feb. 11, 2020 8:36 pm

Rob R. wrote:
Tue. Feb. 11, 2020 8:31 pm
Factory recommendation was likely 10w-30 for average temperatures. Do you have the manual?
IIRC 5w-30 SF/CC on the cap.....I don't have the car yet, but if i were to guess the Manuel would say 10w 30 5w 30 30w and maybe 10w 40. i'll see if i can find some info on line.


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