Flat Tappet Cams and synthetic oil

[lomez]

So I'm reading a piece about engine oil (from 2012) by a major engine builder....after a long piece on lubrication (he does seem to know what he's talking about, and does NOT seem to be a "bubba"), he mentions that "at this time.....we don't recommend ANY synthetic oil for use with flat tappet cams".
Why would that be? I would assume the better ones have as good or better add packs...and certainly better hths characteristics. I don't see it. ??

 

[sasha]

synthetic formulations for older cars are available like castrol edge 5w50. [censored] this whole synthetic oil is bad for your car nonsense is just silly.

 

[Clevy]

Absurd.
Most gifted mechanics I know are completely clueless about oil,excluding Trav.So what exactly did this guy recommend.
Today's oils make oils from 20 years ago look like fossils. Yes zddp is reduced however they have been replaced with high tech friction modifiers which as it turns out are better than the zddp they replaced at reducing wear.
Mobil's tri-nuclear moly for example. Under 100 ppm and wear almost non existent keeping engines in like we condition inside.
Got a link and can comments be posted.
Thanks

 

[tig1]

Mobil 1 15w50 will work.

http://www.mobiloil.com/USA-English/Moto...et_Engines.aspx

 

[P20565R16]

Originally Posted By: tig1
Mobil 1 15w50 will work.

http://www.mobiloil.com/USA-English/Moto...et_Engines.aspx


Agreed, that is a good oil. I may even use that particular exact oil myself in my new-to-me vehicle.

 

[46Harry]

I've been using Mobil 1 15W-50 in my Studebaker Avanti for years. It has a flat tappet Isky cam with high pressure valve springs. I haven't noticed any problems with lobe and lifter wear and as the cam has solid lifters, I would notice if any major wear was occuring. I have to adjust the valves every once in a while, but no more than any other engine equipped with solid lifters and using a high ZDDP oil.

 

[SwampSurvivor]

Rotella T6 is a Synthetic that has higher ZDDP levels. However, everyone says that my Jeep 4.0 doesn't have enough valve spring pressure to wear the lobes off the cam.

 

[HerrStig]

The BMW bike websites have beaten this tpopic to death. I have used Castrol 5w50 in one for many years and it currently has T6 in it.