Although it may not be considered “technology” in the same sense as braking, suspension, or engine management systems, motor oil is one crucial automotive technology that has undergone significant modification throughout time. According to motor expert, Derek Bieri, motor oil used to include all the vitamins and minerals that old engines require. However, as old engines and pollution regulations evolved throughout time, so did motor oils. These days, both synthetic and organic motor oils are designed to work best in new engines that are packed with cutting-edge technologies and tolerances expressed in Plancks.
Motor oil containing zinc dialkyldithiophosphate (ZDDP) is necessary for vehicles with old engines manufactured in the mid-1980s, such as classic cars. Some contend that ZDDP is necessary in motor oil nowadays, while others maintain that contemporary lubricants are adequate. Do old engines require a zinc additive, or is it merely an extra cost that may be avoided? Absolutely! It’s not crucial if your engine has a roller camshaft, but zinc is necessary if it has a flat tappet camshaft.
A mechanic has recently shared the reason why old engines are failing
Zinc and phosphorus combine to form ZDDP, an anti-wear ingredient for motor oil. It helps to lessen friction and stop premature wear by creating a protective barrier between metal parts, which are subjected to intense pressure all the time. Because lifters and cam lobes rub against one another in older engines, particularly those with flat tappet camshafts, metal components are frequently in high-pressure contact. Without protection, these parts could deteriorate quickly, resulting in subpar operation or even failure. For many years, ZDDP was a common component of motor lubricants, which helped engines endure for a long time. However, as automotive technology developed, this changed.
Due to emission restrictions, motor oils no longer include zinc. Additionally, it was discovered that modern cars’ catalytic converters were harmed by high zinc levels in motor lubricants. Oil makers had to lower the zinc concentration of their lubricants to comply with pollution rules since the majority of engines shifted to roller camshafts, which require less ZDDP. Because of the evolution of modern engines, zinc is also absent from modern lubricants. Thus, zinc has been removed to accommodate these evolving engine designs. However, contemporary lubricants no longer protect old engines due to the decline in ZDDP levels.
At high speeds, friction between the lobes and followers generates pressure, which causes motor oil to be squeezed out of an engine with a flat tappet camshaft. The requirement for anti-wear additives arises because harm might result from oil loss. There is no need for additional zinc if your engine uses a roller camshaft, which is typical of old engines built after the late 1980s. To prevent wear on your high-performance vintage engine, it would be wise to add ZDDP, regardless of whether it has a roller camshaft or a flat tappet.
Where can people find zinc for their old engines?
During an oil change, the first option is to mix a bottle of ZDDP into your oil. Another choice is to purchase high-zinc motor oil, particularly the specialist lubricants used in vintage and race cars. Finally, utilize diesel oil, but always make sure it’s compatible with gasoline engines before using it. For long-term protection and performance, it would be prudent to add zinc additives to your engine, which are readily available and reasonably priced at auto parts stores. Lastly, it’s critical to remember that high-zinc oils are only advised for high-performance and old engines. As a result, using these oils in a modern car may damage the catalytic converters, which lower air pollutants released by the engine.