What oil is everyone using since zinc was removed?

[joemanheim]

What oil is everyone using since zinc was removed?

[tnestell]

Shell Rotella still has zinc. However I am not sure the Cub engine needs it, but I do use it. Here is something I just read. https://mobiloil.com/en/faq/ask-our-aut ... motor-oils

[MiCarl]

I saw an article recently that stated current additives are better than ZDDP (zinc) anyhow.

[Slim140]

I run Rotella 15w40 in everything we own with an engine. It’s less headache keeping up with what has what and I don’t buy into all that oil mumbo jumbo additive stuff anyway.

[jsfarmall]

Cubs ain't picky, 1947 tech. Keep it simple don't over think it. I use rotella 15 40 cause that's what in my other tractors. But any good oil is fine

[Frozenstate]

I use Mobil 1 10-30. If your engine has old seals I wouldn't recommend synthetic. I might leak. Motorcycle oil has zinc without the extra detergent of diesel oil, but with the cub and the very weak valve springs I think any oil will stop tappet wear.

[radioguy41]

I use 30wt low ash sold by Case/IH.

[butchs38]

I was using chevron delo 400 xsp synthetic 5w 40 since thats what I use in my diesel truck but I switch to SuperTech Full Synthetic 10W30 from walmart for the cub

[Willy]

I've pretty much ran through the Havoline 10w-30 that my father in law had stashed in the barn. I'm probably going to Rotella next and probably something a little thicker in the 15w-40 to 20w-50 range. I like the thicker stuff in older engines that when new had bigger clearances than the ones made today.

[Jim Becker]

Oh yeah, taking the zinc out of oil ruined everything. Before that, taking the lead out of gas ruined everything. Before that, putting zinc into the oil ruined everything. Before that, adding detergent to oil ruined everything. Before that, putting lead in the gas ruined everything. . . . replacing whale oil with kerosene . . .

I used Wal-Mart SuperTech for a long time. Lately I have been using Fleet-Farm's store brand, 10W30. I think the only difference is the label. I use the same thing in everything but the late model cars, where I let Mr. Goodwrench make the selection. I've gotten too lazy to change them myself.

[tim52]

I carefully researched this for my 1945 WWII Jeep and found that Valvoline VR VR1 has the highest ZDDP of currently available oils.

Zink was removed from oil so that catalytic converters were not harmed.

VR1 in various viscosities is available at most auto parts stores and Amazon.

Many also use ZDDP adaptives to their oil but I have not seen any persuasive research that proves this really helps and it’s hard to control the concentration.

[Super A]

Oh yeah, taking the zinc out of oil ruined everything. Before that, taking the lead out of gas ruined everything. Before that, putting zinc into the oil ruined everything. Before that, adding detergent to oil ruined everything. Before that, putting lead in the gas ruined everything. . . . replacing whale oil with kerosene . . .

Yes, the sky is falling! And on a side note, ethanol might just be the end of the world!

Al

[MoRedMan]

Just changed the oil in our '48, and used some 30 weight non detergent and some Lucas TB zinc plus additive.

[Jim Becker]

Just changed the oil in our '48, and used some 30 weight non detergent and some Lucas TB zinc plus additive.

Your engine would be better off with any detergent oil and forget the do-it-yourself additives.

Most non-detergent oils aren't even labeled "motor oil" but something like "general purpose oil".

[Mrblanche]

In the hot rodding world, we are well-acquainted with the the problem of low-zinc oils. Yes, we have seen any number of new camshafts and hydraulic lifters go south within minutes or hours of initial startup.

But most of those who know their metallurgy say that once a cam is broken in, it is work-hardened and will not fail with current oils. I suspect that unless you have just rebuilt your cub with a new cam and lifters, you are not going to have a problem.