ZDDP oil additive, with regards to the 7.3 IDI

[Brad S.]

On a local automotive radio show I hear about the ZDDP additive, which most motor oils are lacking now because of Uncle Sam.

I wanted to ask this in the IDI section to see if anyone running our age of diesel engine has had problems.
Or if anyone even knows if the lack of ZDDP is causing problems.
Don't want this to turn into one type of motor oil is better then another one.
Thanks guys.

 

[79jasper]

I don't believe I've heard of it. Following.

 

[riotwarrior]

I believe it's a Zinc based additive, not sure, perhaps you can enlighten us on what it is?

 

[Blind Driver2]

On a local automotive radio show I hear about the ZDDP additive, which most motor oils are lacking now because of Uncle Sam.

I wanted to ask this in the IDI section to see if anyone running our age of diesel engine has had problems.
Or if anyone even knows if the lack of ZDDP is causing problems.
Don't want this to turn into one type of motor oil is better then another one.
Thanks guys.

What do you mean by "a lack of". Why do you think there is any less ZDDP in the oil made today as opposed to oils made 30 years ago?

This discussion keeps going on longer then the Energizer Bunny

 

[tbrumm]

I am not thoroughly informed on this issue, so hopefully someone more knowledgeable than me will better inform us all. But, I know that zinc was being removed from motor oils per Federal requirements. As I understand it, zinc provides needed lubrication at the interface between the lifter and cam surfaces. So, older engines with flat lifters will wear faster. Newer engines with roller lifters are supposed to be okay. I thought I had read that the heavy duty oils for diesels would be allowed to have zinc in them yet (but that makes too much sense so the Feds couldn't possibly allow that, could they?). Anyway, ZDDP additives are available to add to the oil, if you have a motor with flat tappet cam. That is my limited knowledge on the subject - hopefully somebody will give us all the full scoop. This is certainly something I have been concerned about, especially regarding agricultural engines. Todd

 

[swervyjoe]

As I understand it, zinc provides needed lubrication at the interface between the lifter and cam surfaces. So, older engines with flat lifters will wear faster. Newer engines with roller lifters are supposed to be okay.

I'll second this; however, I'm no expert.

 

[typ4]

Since our engines are roller lifter, it isnt necessary for the cam/ lifter, it will help the rockers a bit but very little as they have already gotten to know each other and should be highly polished. Now for a flat tappet engine it is a must.. At least for cam break in.
They have added some things to the oil to replace the zinc but dont know what.

 

[Brad S.]

tbrumm & russ said it best.
I'm glad its not ******* the IDI.
Thanks guys.

 

[Dave 001]

Zinc dialkyldithiophosphates (a.k.a. zinc or ZDDP) protects flat tappet cam/lifters and non-roller rocker arms. This is why new engines have roller lifters and roller rockers or in some cases OHC with roller followers. The manufacturers knew it was coming and redesigned their engines accordingly. The zinc contaminated the catalyst in catylytic converters and the EPA said it's gotta' go. The zinc was also your last line of defense against bearing damage should the engine suffer temporary oil starvation problems.

Zinc levels were drastictally lowered or removed in "gasoline engine only" oils. Diesel rated engine oils still have a sufficient about of zinc in them. The EPA realized that hard working Diesel engines still needed the benfits of zinc.

STP oil treatment (and its many knockoffs) has a lot of zinc in it.

 

[Black dawg]

I am almost positive that diesel rated oils are now very low zinc/phosphorous also.

 

[chris142]

The newer Diesel oils still have a enough ZDDP. ZDDP is mainly for flat tappit cams.


Even a stock gasser flat tappit engine is fine on the SM or SN oils. A BB Chevy with 500lbs of spring pressure may eat a cam though. Our engine as well as "most" made after the late 80's have roller lifters so the lowered ZDDP ain't no big thing. Plus reciently they have started adding Titanium and Boron to replace the lowered ZDDP.


http://www.bobistheoilguy.com/forum...in=187451&Words=15w40&Search=true#Post2825596

http://www.bobistheoilguy.com/forum...in=186539&Words=15w40&Search=true#Post2814966

http://www.bobistheoilguy.com/forums/ubbthreads.php?ubb=showflat&Number=2779194&page=1

http://www.bobistheoilguy.com/forum...in=175989&Words=15w40&Search=true#Post2750559

 

[PwrSmoke]

That's right. All the diesel rated oils have more than enough ZDDP for our engines, though it has been reduced a little. Lack of ZDDP is really only an issue for flat tappet engines, especially those that have heavy valve springs and high lift. Especially on break-in of a new cam. There are other additives that have similar benefits but ZDDP has been less expensive historically. More ZDDP than necessary is counter productive (long explanation) and nothing extra is need for us. Save you money for something else!