Mysterious death of older performance engies

[MI_Roger]

An unusual source for this information, but the Economist magazine has a piece regarding growing evidence of mysterious deaths of well maintained older engines, particularly higher performance engines. Is this caused by the abolition of ZDDP in many passenger car motor oils?

Economist article on Tribology

 

[eljefino]

There has been no abolition; even that article lists 800 ppm as the new standard.

This has been covered quite well already.

 

[chubbs1]

Great article (although my oil anality came out when I saw his reference to the new specification of "SM,GF-5"
Overall a great article, I wonder if these new oils will have an effect on our newer cars and trucks. Between the dwindling additive packs and lighter and lighter viscosity, I guess only time will tell. I'm wondering about this new API SN stuff now.

 

[chubbs1]

Originally Posted By: eljefino
There has been no abolition; even that article lists 800 ppm as the new standard.

This has been covered quite well already.


You misread that part eljephino, it states in paraphrased terms oil Co's can use LESS THAN 800ppm of zinc and Phos.
We know and see that if they are allowed to they will cut it to save on their costs. If engines suffer they don't care.

 

[eljefino]

You are assuming ZDDP is the only AW additive out there.

There are others that are starting to take over.

 

[tinmanSC]

I love the Economist. Fantastic magazine, but it's a little expensive. But so worth it!

 

[mechtech2]

That reads like a school report by an outsider who tried to gather up some facts.

This person does not realize that modern engines often have flat tappets/buckets/lifters. They are not all roller systems.
And the ZDDP reductions were by law, not because the carmakers pressured the oil companies. Cats lasted with high ZDDP, and still do. The potential for problems always existed.

 

[HangerHarley]

Originally Posted By: mechtech2
That reads like a school report by an outsider who tried to gather up some facts.

This person does not realize that modern engines often have flat tappets/buckets/lifters. They are not all roller systems.
And the ZDDP reductions were by law, not because the carmakers pressured the oil companies. Cats lasted with high ZDDP, and still do. The potential for problems always existed.


I would just put 1/8th a quart of Rislone ZDDP in an older car made 1987 or before and be done with it. Or, larger engine.........

Problem solved? Even to SM/SN oil?

RP 20W-50 is still SJ.

 

[Ken2]

SN/GF-5 has the same ZDDP amount as SM/GF-4. The new oil must be less volatile so less phosphate goes to the catcon.

 

[Rickey]

Originally Posted By: eljefino
You are assuming ZDDP is the only AW additive out there.

There are others that are starting to take over.


I realize that your comment was not directed at me.

However I have to wonder:

Are the new AW additives as effective at mitigating the effects of EP as ZDDP was in it's original concentrations?
Documentation?

Rickey.