I have about ten quarts of Havoline 20w-50 API SJ, SH, SG. It must be ten plus years old. Any reason why I can't still use it? Is there such a thing as shelf life on motor oil? AND does it have sufficient levels of ZDDP for my flat tappet cam in my 1970 SS 396? Thanks experts! Jeff.
Old 20-50 oil
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That 10 year old Havoline oil will be fine. Won't go bad just sitting sealed in a container.
The ZDDP level on SJ oils was a little higher than the later formulations like SM, but even with that lowered level on the latest shouldn't really be an issue (there are other anti-wear additives) for the vast majority of factory engines (unless it's radical cam).
What type of oil do you normally use?
The ZDDP level on SJ oils was a little higher than the later formulations like SM, but even with that lowered level on the latest shouldn't really be an issue (there are other anti-wear additives) for the vast majority of factory engines (unless it's radical cam).
What type of oil do you normally use?
For a nice car like that, I would be inclined to get some fresh oil. Use the 10-year-old stuff in a beater or the lawnmower.
I'd look into Valvoline VR1 Racing Oil , which is good for street use or track and, according to their Product Info link, it has 1300 ppm zinc and 1200 ppm phosphorus. That should do it for the flat tappet cam.
In comparison, SJ was about the same as SL, typically 1000 ppm zinc and phos, although some brands would put higher levels.
I'd look into Valvoline VR1 Racing Oil , which is good for street use or track and, according to their Product Info link, it has 1300 ppm zinc and 1200 ppm phosphorus. That should do it for the flat tappet cam.
In comparison, SJ was about the same as SL, typically 1000 ppm zinc and phos, although some brands would put higher levels.
Drivebelt. Using Delo 400 LE 15-40 right now. Diesel oil is said to contain 1200 ppm zine and phos.
SJ was 1000 ppm ZDDP/phosphorus, but grades > 30 like 15w40 didn't have to meet that limit. That probably also applies to the 20W-50.
So, while that 20W-50 may have a good amount of ZDDP, I would be inclined to stick with the Delo 15w40. For one thing, the Havoline 20W-50 SJ is more than likely a Group I based motor oil. It won't have near the thermal/oxidative stability and overall performance that a modern Group II based oil like the Delo 15w40 will have.
You could use the Havoline, but I would keep the oil change quite short ~ 2000-2500 miles max. I think the Delo is better.
So, while that 20W-50 may have a good amount of ZDDP, I would be inclined to stick with the Delo 15w40. For one thing, the Havoline 20W-50 SJ is more than likely a Group I based motor oil. It won't have near the thermal/oxidative stability and overall performance that a modern Group II based oil like the Delo 15w40 will have.
You could use the Havoline, but I would keep the oil change quite short ~ 2000-2500 miles max. I think the Delo is better.
Originally Posted By: TallPaul
For a nice car like that, I would be inclined to get some fresh oil. Use the 10-year-old stuff in a beater or the lawnmower.
I'd look into Valvoline VR1 Racing Oil , which is good for street use or track and, according to their Product Info link, it has 1300 ppm zinc and 1200 ppm phosphorus. That should do it for the flat tappet cam.
In comparison, SJ was about the same as SL, typically 1000 ppm zinc and phos, although some brands would put higher levels.
^ What TallPaul said...There are other options besides VR1, run VR1 or explore your options....just please don't put that old stuff in your 396!
For a nice car like that, I would be inclined to get some fresh oil. Use the 10-year-old stuff in a beater or the lawnmower.
I'd look into Valvoline VR1 Racing Oil , which is good for street use or track and, according to their Product Info link, it has 1300 ppm zinc and 1200 ppm phosphorus. That should do it for the flat tappet cam.
In comparison, SJ was about the same as SL, typically 1000 ppm zinc and phos, although some brands would put higher levels.
^ What TallPaul said...There are other options besides VR1, run VR1 or explore your options....just please don't put that old stuff in your 396!
Why not use the Mobil 1 15w50? It is easy to get and has plently of Zinc and should fit your needs nicely.
Originally Posted By: jeff'scamaro
I have about ten quarts of Havoline 20w-50 API SJ, SH, SG. It must be ten plus years old. Any reason why I can't still use it? Is there such a thing as shelf life on motor oil? AND does it have sufficient levels of ZDDP for my flat tappet cam in my 1970 SS 396? Thanks experts! Jeff.
Shoot just pour it in and use it! As long as the containers have been sealed the oil is fine.
I have about ten quarts of Havoline 20w-50 API SJ, SH, SG. It must be ten plus years old. Any reason why I can't still use it? Is there such a thing as shelf life on motor oil? AND does it have sufficient levels of ZDDP for my flat tappet cam in my 1970 SS 396? Thanks experts! Jeff.
Shoot just pour it in and use it! As long as the containers have been sealed the oil is fine.
Mix it up with something else and use it up.
Maybe a 5w30 or 5w20 Havoline/Chevron???
Maybe a 5w30 or 5w20 Havoline/Chevron???
Has the Havoline been exposed to temperature extremes? If it was sitting in an unheated garage or a shed, I'd be wary of using it. On the other hand, if it was sealed and in a fairly climate controlled environment, it's probably fine.
I don't know if it would still be any good or not. If you want to make sure that you have enough zinc and phosphorous then buy a real race oil such as Brad Penn Penn Grade 1 or Redline. Diesel oil MAY work but the manufacturers are in the process of lowering the zinc and phosphorous. Many people on this board worship the stuff but it wont be the answer much longer.
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Originally Posted By: coffee
Why not use the Mobil 1 15w50? It is easy to get and has plently of Zinc and should fit your needs nicely.
That`s what I was thinking. Some good ole Mobil 1 15W50 silver cap.
Why not use the Mobil 1 15w50? It is easy to get and has plently of Zinc and should fit your needs nicely.
That`s what I was thinking. Some good ole Mobil 1 15W50 silver cap.
Thanks everyone. I think I'll keep using the Delo 400 for now and use the 20/50 in my edger for the next ten years!
Mix it 50/50 with some new stuff.
This Havoline is not so old that it's in a can is it? I mean, it's in a black plastic bottle isn't it?
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