Flat Tappet Engines
- Rob R.
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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).
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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- Sunny Boy
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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
- Sunny Boy
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How many engines still use flat tappets verses roller tappets, and why have so many engines gone to roller tappets ?
Paul
Paul
- Rob R.
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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.
I would be surprised if there is any car or truck engine being made today with a flat tappet camshaft.
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.
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.
- gaw
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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.
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.