Need a Quick Solution for ZDDP in Initial Oil

Status
Not open for further replies.
Joined
Apr 4, 2009
Messages
355
Location
Ontario, Canada
Bought new camshaft and lifters for my overhaul. Want to start the car on Sunday or Monday. Basically, what can I do about the break-in for the camshafts and lifters (flat tappet hydraulic type) if I have on hand, only SM rated 5W-30. Will adding 1 bottle of AC Delco Engine Oil Supplement to the valve train be sufficient?

On assembly I already coated the tappets and lobes with the EOS but I can imagine it will be thrown off once it starts.

Note that on the bottle of EOS it doesn't list SM - it says to add to SF/CC, SG/CC, SH/CD rated oils. Will this be a problem.

STP is also available cheap at Walmart but i've read that the ZDDP content is so low in this stuff it's not really worth the effort.

What's my work around.
 
Eos is great for assembly lube but for the physical oil maybe an hdeo or valvoline vr1 racing oil. It is sm rated but has adequate amounts of zddp for the older engines.
 
Last edited:
1) Dino oil with Red Line's Break In Additive; or

2) Royal Purple Break In Oil (it's a dino); but

3) Do not start with a racing oil (or any synthetic), a dino oil (not a blend) is best, with #1 above.

4) If you spent the money on a new cam and associated gaskets, don't cheap out on crud like STP and such stuff.

5) Make sure you crank over your engine 20 - 30 seconds before putting spark to it.
 
Last edited:
Bad news is, I don't think Red Line product (that specific one) is available in Toronto. I called around. I'll check the Royal Purple.

The strange thing is, this is a 1993 engine, but I think the VG30E was designed pre-1990. It definately has flat tappet lifters and overhead camshafts. Here's a picture:

DSC00907.jpg
 
The VG30 series engine most certainly was designed before 1990. The 1984 300ZX, 1985 Maxima, and 1987 V6 Hardbody truck had one.

Comp Cams sells an oil additive for flat tappet cam break in, and it contains lots of ZDDP, you might find that stuff in a speed shop.
 
The AC Delco EOS will be just fine with the SM oil. Tons of Z & P. If the valve springs are oem type (stock spring pressure) then I wouldn't even blink an eye.

Weird set up... flat tappets in a OHC engine?
 
Status
Not open for further replies.
Back
Top Bottom