[Roadsters] Another Thread on Synthetic Oils

[Gary Boone]

Michael,
I've used Mobil 1 5W-30 for years in my U20 engine with no problem, but that rear main rope seal is an antiquated design and very difficult to make it seal 100%.  However, within the last few years, most motor oils have reduced or eliminated the zinc/phosphorous additive, ZDDP (necessary for good lubrication for the U20 and R16 engines' cams due to there flat tappet design).  Most modern oils have reduced or eliminated this additive to prevent contamination/poisoning  of the catalytic converter (not a concern for a roadster unless you've added a cat).  See this article:
http://www.aa1car.com/library/motor_oil_additives.htm
There are plenty of other articles on the web if you google "flat tappet ZDDP".  Mobil has a web page on it too, and Mobil 1 5W-30 has reduced or eliminated the ZDDP.  There are other Mobil 1 oils that still have the ZDDP, but they're heavier viscosity oils.  There are oils and additives out there that still have ZDDP additive, such as the synthetic Redline 5W-30 High Performance Oil, which is what I'm using now.   
Gary


From: Michael Knorr <mhknorr at msn.com>
To: Datsun Roadster Listserver <datsun-roadsters at autox.team.net>
Sent: Friday, September 11, 2009 3:23:33 PM
Subject: [Roadsters] Another Thread on Synthetic Oils


What are the problems with Mobil 1? What are listers' recommendations for
synthetics, and where does one buy them? I originally bought Mobil 1 because
my parts store had gallons of the stuff, it's been around for years, and I
don't worry about it losing viscosity when my car sits in storage all winter
-- yeah, I can't wait to move back to the West Coast. Any and all help is
appreciated.



Regards, Michael Knorr

1966 SPL311-03639
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