The problem with too much Zinc

[LouDawg]

There's been lots of talk on whether or not there is too much or not enough Zinc in SM oils now. Lots of people advocate using aftermarket additives to increase these levels. Based on these observations, evaluate this statement:

"A lot of aftermarket additives use zinc and phosphorus for extra protection. The problem is, when you overload an oil with this type of additive, your oxidation levels tend to increase, causing an attack on the base oil, which in turn can cause an increase of viscosity (thicken the oil). This is why it is important not to play home chemist and blend in aftermarket additives that are not designed to be in the oil to start with."

Do you know where I read this? Anyone disagree or have an alternate viewpoint?

 

[toocrazy2yoo]

I give up. Where DID you read this?

 

[surfstar]

http://www.bobistheoilguy.com/states of lubrication.html

 

[BillionPa]

in a properly designed oil, you should not need more than the SM specs allow. the problem is most SM oils are resigned to just meed the spec and not exceed it.

ZDDP burns to an ash, and metallic ash is bad.

there are quite a few chemicals that do just a good a job as ZDDP, some even better, and if you combine them with ZDDP levels that generate a 500ppm zinc level, the result is even greater.

the thing about ZDDP is it does a very good job protecting metal from wear, and its dirt cheap, so its the preferred antiwear agent. the best oils are the ones that can provide very low wear rates before the additive pack is even introduced, however they tend to be expensive.

the "i want my oil change for $9.99" mentality has ruled such oils out of the market place, but they do exist, and they are indeed expensive.

 

[hominid7]

Quote:

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This is why it is important not to play home chemist and blend in aftermarket additives that are not designed to be in the oil to start with."

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I believe this 100%. While i can not speak to the zinc levels in anything other than my own blood (Zinc is a great cure all for colds, flu, and infection) I do not see the sense is contaminating my nice clean oil with any additives, or other brands of oil for that matter, that will have an unknown effect on my oil and thus engine performance and cleanliness.