True to form, we can always rely that Chuck Botts will investigate an issue like a pit bull running after that proverbial rabbit. Seemingly no stone will go unturned and we should give him due and look through information he presents us. Thank you Chuck, for this as I am sure more info as the smoke clears on this subject. So without further adue– I give you Chucks take on the world of oil additives:
Post written to Sam Carson of the sunshine statesmen club here in Florida:
Sam, Jim said that he asked you to write a White Paper on this oil additive situation. I have #2 Coop Motor with 13,000 miles on it. It was broken in with 10-40 oil and driven across the country. After 3,000 miles, I had it dyno-tuned here in California and it produced -19 inHg at idle. At 9,000 I went to Mobil 1. After 13,000 miles, same vacuum at idle as during tune. I have been trying to help Jim with a Coop motor that went bad here on the west coast.
I talked to Schneider Racing Cam (a couple miles away) about their additive “Formula 3”. They will no longer warrantee their cams/flat tappet combinations unless 8 oz of their additive is added and the cam is run in at 2,000 rpm for 20 to 30 minutes to break-in the tappets; and then 4 oz of Formula 3 is added for each oil change. I bought a case of 12 for cheap insurance.
Jim wrote up the addition of some additive for run-in, but some of the hot rod people on the net add them for their flat tappets at each oil change. As the standard oils remove more and more additives to meet the ecology demands of cleaner exhaust, it appears that oils will become “cleaner and cleaner” over time. As of September of this year, some diesel oils have also been cleaned up.
I have not been able to get a copy of American Engine Rebuilder’s Association (AERA) issued Technical Bulletin No. TB2333 that specifically addresses this growing problem. The net references it, but the actual bulletin must be part of the AERA membership. Maybe Jasper can get you a copy.
From the net:
“After checking with Delta Camshaft, the parts supplier learned that such failures have been more frequent since the API approved the use of the new oil formulations last year. Another company — Crane Cams � is even recommending the use of an oil additive during break-in. Comp Cam�s Technical Bulletin no. 225 recommends using both an assembly lube and an oil additive.
Engine rebuilders believe that the reduced levels of zinc, manganese and phosphate are causing very early destruction of camshafts and cam followers. The American Engine Rebuilder’s Association (AERA) issued Technical Bulletin No. TB2333 specifically to address this growing problem. Clevite, a major supplier of engine bearings, also says that it is aware of the problem.
Some automakers insist the first oil change is the only time additives are needed. However, those who service and repair older cars remain skeptical. Many recommend using new API CJ-4 diesel-rated oils — such as Delo or Rotella � in older engines. These oils are generally available at auto stores and gas stations. “
As of September 2007, some diesel rated oils are reducing their ZDDP to reduce exhaust contaminates. Chuck Botts
“Redline Oil Co. says it is well aware of the older-engine problem and still uses the old levels of anti-wear additives in its products. Redline does not produce API-approved oils, so the company doesn�t have to comply to API guidelines. Redline is telling enthusiasts to use its street-formulated synthetic oil. Valvoline also offers an �Off-Road� 20W-50 oil that doesn�t comply to the new API formulations. Castrol, on the other hand, says that only its diesel-rated oils should be used in older cars.”
The oil companies are changing their products to meet ecology exhaust standards. It appears they will be phased in over time. I don’t know the drop dead date for the removal of these additives from oils, nor their “off the shelf date”. That would paint the future with more positive information.
I think Jim needs a clear recommendation that will hold for flat tappet motors into the future. His new motors will avoid this problem because they will be built like all other new motors with roller tappets. This solution will be necessary for all the other GMC Motorhomes with flat tappet motors.
Chuck Botts, remodeled 23′