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[Shop-talk] Fw: [mg-tabc] More on ZDDP

To: <shop-talk@autox.team.net>
Subject: [Shop-talk] Fw: [mg-tabc] More on ZDDP
From: "Karl Vacek" <kvacek@ameritech.net>
Date: Tue, 10 Nov 2009 10:24:56 -0600
More ZDDP data from the MG-TABC list




3000 SW 4th Avenue, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33315  Phone 954-779-3600, Fax 
954-779-3029

www.scorpionracingproducts.com



Scorpion Racing Products

ZDDP Guidelines for Motor Oil Selection

The most commonly used anti-wear additive in motor oils is zinc 
dialkyldithiophosphate (ZDDP).  ZDDP contains both zinc and phosphorus 
components working together to provide anti-wear protection and is most 
important during cam break-in procedures.  The American Petroleum 
Institute (API) in recent years has mandated the reduction of phosphorus to 
extend catalytic converter life, however reducing the parts per million 
(ppm) of phosphorus in ZDDP also reduces the ppm of zinc in motor oil which 
can cause increased wear in engines.



Gasoline motor oil history:

API service classification SH motor oils were the last gasoline motor oils 
without minimum phosphorus level regulation.  Phosphorus/Zinc levels in 
these old oils ranged from 1400 to 1600 ppm and provided good anti-wear 
protection.

In 1997, the API first regulated Phosphorus levels in gasoline engine oils 
to a maximum 1000 ppm for API service classification SJ.

The most current API service classification for gasoline oil is SM, and was 
implemented in 2004.  The API requires a minimum phosphorus level for SM 
motor oils of 600 ppm and a maximum of 800 ppm. Again, these lower 
phosphorus levels bring with it lower zinc levels, increased wear and are 
not recommended for Scorpion Racing Products break-in procedures.



Diesel motor oil history:

Prior to 2007, unlike gasoline motor oils, diesel motor oil phosphorus 
levels were not regulated by the API.  The higher level of phosphorus and 
associated zinc level of diesel oils over gasoline oils provided a good 
alternative for engine builders and racers. However, in 2007, the API 
implemented a new diesel classification called CJ-4, which regulates the 
amount of phosphorus to 1200 ppm maximum and reduces the amount of anti-wear 
performance from previous oils.

One commonly used diesel motor oil used for high performance engines and cam 
break-in was Shell Rotella. However, like most other modern diesel motor 
oils, Rotellas zinc level had to decrease in accordance with the new CJ-4 
API specification and is now only 1016 ppm.

Any motor oil with the API Starburst on the label should not be used for 
cam break-in.  After break-in, these oils should be used with an additive 
such as Scorpion Racing Products Xtreme Break-In Lube & Oil Additive (part # 
SRPXL8-1) at every oil change.

Eight fluid ounces of Scorpion Racing Products Xtreme Break-In Lube & Oil 
Additive (part # SRPXL8-1) will add 400 ppm of Phosphorus to 5 quarts of 
motor oil. It is okay to use as an additive after cam break-in and it is 
compatible with most current synthetics.



Caution: For good catalytic converter life, vehicles produced from 1992 
through 1996 (API SH) can use oil with phosphorus levels of 1200 ppm 
maximum. Vehicles produced from 1997 through 2003 (API SJ and SL) can use 
oil with phosphorus levels of 1000 ppm maximum.  Vehicles produced from 2004 
and newer (API SM) are limited to 800 ppm phosphorus.



For vehicles NOT equipped with catalytic converters, phosphorus levels are 
not limited.  This allows for high performance oils such as race oils to 
contain a higher level of phosphorus/zinc anti-wear additive.   Scorpion 
Racing Products recommends phosphorus/zinc (ZDDP) levels of 1200 to 1600 for 
good wear protection.



Below are some common oils with zinc and phosphorus levels.



      Manufacturer
     Zinc (ppm)
     Phosphorus (ppm)

      AMSOIL RD-20
     1575
     1424

      AMSOIL RD-30
     1575
     1424

      AMSOIL RD-50
     1575
     1424

      Brad Penn race oil 20W-50
     1500
     1400

      Joe Gibbs XP-5 20W-50
     1215
     1064

      Kendall GT-1 SAE 50
     1131
     940

      Shell Rotella T
     1016
     958
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