I've been using Mobil 1 HM 5W30 in my '97 F250HD 4X4 with a 460 under the hood for quite some time. I know Mobil has changed it's rating from SL to SN. This is a bone stock 460 with 90,000 original miles. I know the 460 has a flat tappet cam, is SN rated oil safe to use in my motor?
Thanks in advance.
1997 Ford 460 oil question
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Perhaps consider a HDEO (heavy duty oil) that does NOT meet "SN"
"SN" has a somewhat reduced ZDDP to protect catalytic converters.
Diesel oils without the "SN" should still have a little higher zinc.
Then again.... that's a pretty generic response.
Mobil 1 may have all the lubricating properties your camshaft needs, REGARDLESS of the "SN" API rating or not. I don't know for certain. I can't imagine the valvesprings being too high of pressure in a stock engine, really. If you were running .650" lift I'd recommend something entirely different.
I wouldnt worry about it. The spring pressure is not particularly high, the cam can't be called aggressive be any stretch of the imagination, and the intake manifold has the engine out of breath around 4500rpm.
dnewton3
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Why not run some UOAs of your current stock, then try a few new lubes and see how they stack up?
Why guess when you can know?
Originally Posted By: Trav
Just run Mobil 1 0w40 1100 ppm zinc
Originally Posted By: dnewton3
Why not run some UOAs of your current stock, then try a few new lubes and see how they stack up?
Why guess when you can know?
Originally Posted By: Linctex
Originally Posted By: dnewton3
Why not run some UOAs of your current stock, then try a few new lubes and see how they stack up?
Why guess when you can know?
I like the 0W-40 oil as they work from below-30*f to over 100*f and are quite stought. I had a Ford F350 Service van at work with a 460 I loved the engine and the company located in the SF Bay area ran DELO 400 30 wt though the temps were approiate for running a straight 30. The van weighed 9,000 lbs with parts, compressor and tools There were times I went from south San jose to upper Lake county. The 460 is a great engine.
Since when does zinc save cams? They were toast in the 60s and 70s by 100K miles with 1700PPM ZDDP.
Problem with cams is the hardening; its been inconsistent and will likly be worse with aftermarket garbage.
Look for oil with some moly.
UOA doesnt show catastrophic failure.
Just chemical wear.
You are in UT. Up in the mountains, or in Salt lake? Does it get below 20*F where you are? If not, you can live nicely with a 15W oil. SO I'd say Chevron Delo 400 15W-30 SD (severe duty). Still has over 1,000 PPM ZDDP and is a very stout oil 
If you want something a bit thinner at cold start, Maxlife 10W-40 is still rated SN, w/o being energy conserving which means it has a higher HTHS
But, if you want the higher ZDDP, Valvoline "All Fleet" AFRE900 has a ZDDP level of 1,270 PPM 
https://sharena21.springcm.com/Public/Do...12-ac162d889bd1
But, if you want the higher ZDDP, Valvoline "All Fleet" AFRE900 has a ZDDP level of 1,270 PPM
https://sharena21.springcm.com/Public/Do...12-ac162d889bd1
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Switch to Shell Rotella T6 5W-40.
If you're worried, another safe and cost effective solution with be something like Valvoline VR-1 10w-30. It won't cripple your OCIs, will have higher phosphorus levels, and will not break the bank, either.
Another vote for the M1 0w40
Originally Posted By: Colt45ws
I wouldnt worry about it. The spring pressure is not particularly high, the cam can't be called aggressive be any stretch of the imagination, and the intake manifold has the engine out of breath around 4500rpm.
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