![]() |
Register or Log In To remove these advertisements. |
|
|
![]() |
|
Thread Tools | Display Modes |
|
![]() |
#1 |
Registered User
Join Date: Sep 2016
Location: Cleburne, Texas
Posts: 79
|
What oil are you using in an older flat tappet motor?
I have an 86 GMC with the original flat tappet motor. Should I be using an oil such as Rotella made for diesel motors or can I use a synthetic oil? I have also read once a flat tappet motor has been broken in correctly a synthetic oil can be used! So I would like to hear what you have been using successfully in your older motor for a long period of time?
My owners manual lists multi grade oils so I am thinking it is alright to be using any brand quality oil. Thanks for your input in advance! |
![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
#2 |
Registered User
Join Date: Dec 2014
Location: Euless, Texas
Posts: 511
|
Re: What oil are you using in an older flat tappet motor?
I had a cam/heads rebuild last April. Did some research and found recommendations to use oil that has zinc and phosphorus. Started using Valvoline VR1. Haven't noticed a difference but hopefully it is good for flat tappet cams. Do some research and decide the oil you would like to use.
__________________
1974 Cheyenne 10 LWB Stock 350 W/HEI /TH350/AC/4 BBL Quadrajet Mopar by Birth Chevy by Choice |
![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
#3 |
Senior Member
![]() Join Date: Dec 2009
Location: TN.
Posts: 8,069
|
Re: What oil are you using in an older flat tappet motor?
I have started using Amsoil in my stuff.
I really like it. Its a little higher than normal oil is currently. So the liitle bit extra money is worth it too me for Better Oil. Link: https://www.amsoil.com/lookup/auto-a...lume=us-volume
__________________
________________________________________________________________________________________ ____________________________________________ 84 Chevy K-20 63 Impala (my high school car) http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...Crew Cab Build |
![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
#4 |
Registered User
Join Date: Dec 2012
Location: Pendleton, Indiana
Posts: 235
|
Re: What oil are you using in an older flat tappet motor?
I use "Brad Penns" oil, recommended by machine shop.
Rick |
![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
#5 |
Registered User
![]() Join Date: Feb 2000
Location: Maquoketa, Ia/ Orr, Mn
Posts: 3,008
|
Re: What oil are you using in an older flat tappet motor?
I run AMSOIL Z-Rod 10w30 in my '74. I also used AMSOIL Break-in oil when I rebuilt the engine, no issues, no leaks and no consumption. Everything AMSOIL makes is full synthetic.
https://www.amsoil.com/p/z-rod-10w-3...motor-oil-zrt/ Another alternative to Z-Rod that also has higher levels of zinc would be AMSOIL Premium Protection 10w40. https://www.amsoil.com/p/premium-pro...motor-oil-amo/ Also- here is a good write-up about the differences between racing oil and regular motor oil. https://blog.amsoil.com/racing-oil-v...he-difference/ AMSOIL offers a Preferred Customer program that saves you 25% off MSRP and you get free shipping with orders over $100 along with other benefits too. https://www.amsoil.com/offers/pc/ Another thing about pricing- Amsoil adjusted their prices three times in 2021 whereas their competitors did six or more times and usually by 10% or more. This is a great website to learn more about whats happening within the lubricant industry; https://jobbersworld.com/category/lubricant-news/
__________________
'51 South Bend Model "9A" '56 Chevy 3600 NAPCO '74 Chevy Cheyenne Super K20-restored on 37's '72 GMC Sierra Custom K2500- in progress '08 GMC Envoy Denali '12 GMC Sierra 2500HD Denali '17 GMC Yukon XL VCCA member #58596 http://www.nohrco.com |
![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
#6 |
Registered User
Join Date: Apr 2001
Location: DALLAS,TX
Posts: 21,963
|
Re: What oil are you using in an older flat tappet motor?
I use 'Driven' racing oil w/the ZDDP additive.
__________________
67SWB-B.B.RetroRod 64SWB-Recycle 89CCDually-Driver/Tow Truck 99CCSWB Driver All Fleetsides @rattlecankustoms in IG Building a small, high rpm engine with the perfect bore, stroke and rod ratio is very impressive. It's like a highly skilled Morrocan sword fighter with a Damascus Steel Scimitar..... Cubic inches is like Indiana Jones with a cheap pistol. |
![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
#7 | |
Senior Member
![]() Join Date: Jul 2000
Location: North Texas
Posts: 3,484
|
Re: What oil are you using in an older flat tappet motor?
Quote:
Info on Driven BR-30: The same high Zinc and Phosphorus formula as our original break-in oil, now in an SAE 5W-30 viscosity for modern OEM rebuilds and hydraulic lifter engines. Provides excellent ring sealing. Does not require additional ZDDP additives. Good for full power pulls on the dyno, one night of racing or up to 400 miles on the street. Viscosity typical of 5W-30.
__________________
Mike 1969 C10 LWB -- owned for 35 years. 350/TH350, 3.08 posi, 1st Gen Vintage Air, AAW wiring harness, 5-lug conversion, 1985 spindles and brakes. 1982 C10 SWB -- sold 1981 C10 Silverado LWB -- sold, but wish I still had it! 1969 C10 (not the current one) that I bought in the early 1980s. Paid $1200; sold for $1500 a few years later. Just a hint at the appreciation that was coming. Retired as a factory automation products salesman. Worked part-time over the years for an engine builder and a classic car repair shop. Member here for 24 years! This is the very first car/truck Internet forum I joined. I still used a dial-up modem back then! |
|
![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
#8 |
Registered User
Join Date: Jul 2015
Location: Sedalia Mo.
Posts: 1,131
|
Re: What oil are you using in an older flat tappet motor?
I've been using the Rotella 15w-40 in my older V8 vehicles ('67 to '85) for several years now. 13k miles on one, 2k on another, and 20K on a well used 350 which has recently been rebuilt with 2k on it currently...so, not a lot of miles on any of them and no oil expertise on my part. It is said to have more zinc than most AND I like the way it smells, lol.
__________________
He who is without oil shall throw the first rod. Compressions 8.7:1 1972 C10 1976 C10 (parts truck) 1985 K20 |
![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
#9 | |
Registered User
Join Date: Feb 2017
Location: Ontario Canada
Posts: 136
|
Re: What oil are you using in an older flat tappet motor?
Quote:
|
|
![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
#10 |
Registered User
Join Date: Feb 2018
Location: Montclair, CA
Posts: 149
|
Re: What oil are you using in an older flat tappet motor?
Mobil 1 w/ZDDP. Goodwrench "base" 350.
__________________
A few Fords and a couple of Chevys ![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
#11 |
Registered User
Join Date: Jul 2018
Location: Catskill Mountains,NY
Posts: 8,461
|
Re: What oil are you using in an older flat tappet motor?
GTX classic high zinc it’s on the shelf at Walmart and my autozone
__________________
Mark 72 c20 custom camper Husky edition, 66 SS396 Chevelle 1964 Hawk, 63 Avanti,62 lark 1969 AMX , 1968 c20 stepside ,85 K20 1977 Suburban sold 68 anniversary. |
![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
#12 |
Registered User
Join Date: Jun 2014
Location: CO
Posts: 738
|
Re: What oil are you using in an older flat tappet motor?
I use 10w-30 Walmart high mileage synthetic oil with a mobile-1 filter. I feel like the synthetic helps with less oil leaks and my engine has at least 164,000. I just use it as my junk yard hauler but have put a lot of miles to WY and Denver.
__________________
79 Chevy 2wd BIG10 350 TH400 |
![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
#13 |
Registered User
Join Date: Jul 2011
Location: SW Ontario
Posts: 1,204
|
Re: What oil are you using in an older flat tappet motor?
Got my interest, until I looked it up and they do not offer it in a 10w30. I drive my truck in the winter, 20w50 and 15w40 isn't an option. Secondary rant; even here in the cold north seems nobody carries anything but 15w40 diesel oil.
|
![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
#14 | |
Moderator
![]() Join Date: Oct 2008
Location: Wentworth, NH
Posts: 4,950
|
Re: What oil are you using in an older flat tappet motor?
Quote:
Canadian Tire has 0W40 Shell Rotella T6 on their web page. I'd love to be able to buy that for my sled. Not sure if they stock it in the stores but you should be able to find it North of the border. https://www.canadiantire.ca/en/pdp/s...-0287935p.html
__________________
1959 M35A2 LDT465-1D SOLD 1967 Dodge W200 B383, NP420/NP201 SOLD 1969 Dodge Polara 500 B383, A833 SOLD 1972 Ford F250 FE390, NP435/NP205 SOLD 1976 Chevy K20, 6.5L, NV4500/NP208 SOLD 1986 M1008 CUCV SOLD 2000 GMC C2500, TD6.5L, NV4500 2005 Chevy Silverado LS 2500HD 6.0L 4L80E/NP263 2009 Impala SS LS4 V8 RTFM... GM Parts Books, GM Schematics, GM service manuals, and GM training materials...
And please let us know if and how your repairs were successful. |
|
![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
#15 |
Registered User
Join Date: Nov 2005
Location: Marietta Ga.
Posts: 32
|
Re: What oil are you using in an older flat tappet motor?
Mobil1 15w50 has 1300ppm Zinc and is available at Wally World.
|
![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
#16 |
Moderator
![]() Join Date: Oct 2008
Location: Wentworth, NH
Posts: 4,950
|
Re: What oil are you using in an older flat tappet motor?
Any of the diesel oils with higher Zinc and Phosphorous content like Rotella T5 & T6, Mobile 1 TurboDiesel Truck, Chevron Delo, Mobil Delvac, and several others.
I run the higher zinc/phosphorus witches brews in my Aircooled engines. Here's a ZDDP oil list. https://www.autorestomod.com/oil-zddp-list.html I would look up some recent virgin oil analysis sheets on BobIsTheOilGuy if you're really worried. Over 1200ppm are good numbers but over 1100 is pretty good. A lot of gasoline engine oils average 600-800ppm.
__________________
1959 M35A2 LDT465-1D SOLD 1967 Dodge W200 B383, NP420/NP201 SOLD 1969 Dodge Polara 500 B383, A833 SOLD 1972 Ford F250 FE390, NP435/NP205 SOLD 1976 Chevy K20, 6.5L, NV4500/NP208 SOLD 1986 M1008 CUCV SOLD 2000 GMC C2500, TD6.5L, NV4500 2005 Chevy Silverado LS 2500HD 6.0L 4L80E/NP263 2009 Impala SS LS4 V8 RTFM... GM Parts Books, GM Schematics, GM service manuals, and GM training materials...
And please let us know if and how your repairs were successful. |
![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
#17 |
Registered User
Join Date: Jul 2005
Location: CT
Posts: 277
|
Re: What oil are you using in an older flat tappet motor?
Just buy a case of this and drop one in at each oil change.
https://www.stp.com/products/oil-add.../oil-treatment |
![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
#18 | |
Senior Member
![]() Join Date: Jul 2000
Location: North Texas
Posts: 3,484
|
Re: What oil are you using in an older flat tappet motor?
Quote:
From Driven Oil: If you have too much ZDDP, you start to see corrosive wear and cause another problem. Adding an excess causes the oil to become acidic, and before you know, you’re wearing cams, bearings and bushings because of too much ZDDP. The problem is you're flying blind if you don't know how much ZDDP is in the oil's additive package. I even recall an article by the makers of a ZDDP additive that describes how to calculate the proper amount of their product to add to a motor oil. That amount depends on how much ZDDP the oil already has. By the way, STP is a "viscosity index modifier", in other words it thickens oil, which your engine may not need or even like. However, if you have an old engine with blow-by, low oil pressure, etc., then go for it! But I'd probably just start using 20W50 oil instead.
__________________
Mike 1969 C10 LWB -- owned for 35 years. 350/TH350, 3.08 posi, 1st Gen Vintage Air, AAW wiring harness, 5-lug conversion, 1985 spindles and brakes. 1982 C10 SWB -- sold 1981 C10 Silverado LWB -- sold, but wish I still had it! 1969 C10 (not the current one) that I bought in the early 1980s. Paid $1200; sold for $1500 a few years later. Just a hint at the appreciation that was coming. Retired as a factory automation products salesman. Worked part-time over the years for an engine builder and a classic car repair shop. Member here for 24 years! This is the very first car/truck Internet forum I joined. I still used a dial-up modem back then! |
|
![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
#19 |
Registered User
Join Date: Nov 2018
Location: Cali
Posts: 295
|
Re: What oil are you using in an older flat tappet motor?
Been running Pennzoil 10w30 since forever and Fram/STP filters,no need for boutique high price oils, just change your oil regularly. 5K for me.
![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
#20 |
Registered User
![]() Join Date: Nov 2017
Location: Richmond va
Posts: 179
|
Re: What oil are you using in an older flat tappet motor?
I use vr1, in all of my flat tappet engines, and on a new cam, a bottle of comp high zinc oil additive for the first 500 miles..and have seen good results with rotella too, at the shop where I work
![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
#21 |
Registered User
Join Date: Jan 2014
Location: Indpls. , IN
Posts: 795
|
Re: What oil are you using in an older flat tappet motor?
I use HyperLube Zinc replacement additive.
It is a synthetic polymer ester that provides better protection than zddp, doesn't change the base oil's chemistry (won't harm catalytic converters either), and will even provide enough wear protection that you can drop to a lower weight grade. I've stocked-up several 12oz bottles @ $9.62 ea and you only need 1 oz per oil qt.
__________________
Tim K. 84 K30 srw Silverado 454 auto 85 C20 350 C6P auto flatbed 94 K1500 lifted shortbed 350 4 bbl NV4500 Last edited by 68post; 01-20-2022 at 01:52 PM. Reason: more |
![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
#22 |
Registered User
Join Date: Dec 2012
Location: Temple City
Posts: 3,586
|
Re: What oil are you using in an older flat tappet motor?
1/2 a bottle of break in additive is a good option when proper oils are hard to come by.
|
![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
#23 |
Robert Olson Transport
![]() Join Date: Oct 2002
Location: recent transplant to NC USA
Posts: 20,287
|
Re: What oil are you using in an older flat tappet motor?
i tend to use the semi synthetic high mileage Castrol oil
__________________
Bob 1951 International running on a squarebody chassis "If a man's worth is judged by the people he associates himself with, then i am the richest man in the world knowing some of the fine people of this board" http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/a...t.php?f=25&a=9 (you can review the site rules here!) PM Me for your vehicle/parts hauling needs in the North East US or see my Facebook page Robert Olson Transport Live each day to the fullest.. you never know when fate is going to pull the rug out from under you... I hate cancer!! |
![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
#24 |
Registered User
Join Date: Dec 2011
Location: Boise, Idaho
Posts: 572
|
Re: What oil are you using in an older flat tappet motor?
|
![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
#25 |
Senior Member
![]() Join Date: Jul 2000
Location: North Texas
Posts: 3,484
|
Re: What oil are you using in an older flat tappet motor?
I don't see a good reason to NOT use the reasonably-priced oils mentioned above that have known (and safe) amounts of zinc and phosphorus that's actually part of the additive package.
__________________
Mike 1969 C10 LWB -- owned for 35 years. 350/TH350, 3.08 posi, 1st Gen Vintage Air, AAW wiring harness, 5-lug conversion, 1985 spindles and brakes. 1982 C10 SWB -- sold 1981 C10 Silverado LWB -- sold, but wish I still had it! 1969 C10 (not the current one) that I bought in the early 1980s. Paid $1200; sold for $1500 a few years later. Just a hint at the appreciation that was coming. Retired as a factory automation products salesman. Worked part-time over the years for an engine builder and a classic car repair shop. Member here for 24 years! This is the very first car/truck Internet forum I joined. I still used a dial-up modem back then! |
![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
Bookmarks |
|
|