Need for zinc in flat tappet engines

[kotzy]

I may be back in the dark ages but reading thr views on this subject I think perhaps somethig is being overlooked.
I think all tappets are ground with a slight radius on them, to provide rotation and the addition of lubricant to their wear surface. Also the load on that surface is not near as great on solid lifter engines as on hydaulic tappets. Years ago engines were run with oils without additives of any type and camshaft and tappet wear was minimal, it was with the coming of the zero lash lifters that the wear became a problem.
Kotzy

 

[TimVipond]

You might find this tech service bulletin interesting. https://www.amsoil.com/dealer/techservicesbulletin/TSB_flat_tappet_and_camshaft_lube.pdf .