Oil Recommondation Needed

[cadmanof50s]

Hello all,

I am very close to completing a rebuild on an old Cadillac flathead engine. Specifically, a 1948 346 ci motor.

I have been warned that this engine (because of the bronze idler gear) must have an oil that has a high concentration of ZDDP.

I chose Valvoline VR1 Racing oil 10W30. It seems to have the highest ZDDP rating. Unfortunately this product is NOT available in Canada..not 100% sure why...something to do with packaging. Regardless....are there other oils that have the same levels of ZDDP?

Alternatively, are there additives that could be used to substitute the zinc levels? I have already tried GM cam prelube...they have discontinued it.

Any suggestions?

Vic Brincat aka cadmanof50s

 

[lipadj46]

Shell Rotella 5W-40 synthetic. You can use it all year round in Ontario. Or mobil 1 15W-50 in the summer.

 

[cadmanof50s]

Thanks for the quick response.
Couple of more things to add.

I have read many articles warning against using synthetic oil on rebuilt engines.(At least initially). Mine is a complete rebuild..with all new moving parts except the bronze idler. The articles argue that synthetic oil do not really allow new engines to break-in properly....at least ones that were not meant to have synthetic oil to begin with.

Secondly, I should have stated that this will be very occasional driver...once a week...and NEVER when there is snow (or rain for that matter) on the ground. Thus it will always be operating in summer-temperatures....60 to 90 F.


Vic

 

[Captain_Klink]

there is a zinc break-in additive available, i have to search the internet to find it, but i have seen it.

for instance if you type zddp into google, it will show many places to buy from. one of these is SDDPlus in california, they supply you with zddp assembly lube, and zddp to add to the motor oil of your choice.

http://www.zddplus.com/

 

[JustinC25]

I have heard that GM's EOS (Engine Oil Suppliment) has high amounts of ZDDP. Never seen a VOA though. We sold it at the Chevrolet dealer I worked at a couple of years ago for about 5 bucks.

 

[OVERKILL]

Just run an HDEO and you'll be fine.