[Fot] Fw: Tech Question/re ZDDP levels

[Ed & Judy Winters]

Morris is a retired Castrol rep and made some enquiries on my behalf .
Ed
64 TR4
----- Original Message -----
From: Morris Calvert
To: mymully at abnet.ca
Sent: Friday, December 15, 2006 6:38 PM
Subject: Fwd: Tech Question


hi ed,got you castrol answer to your question..cheers..morris

--------------- Original Message Follows ------------------
From: SChursinoff at wakefieldcanada.ca (Chursinoff, Shawn)
Date: 12/15/2006 01:18 PM (Mountain Standard Time)
To: morris at mgsource.com
Subject: Tech Question


Morris:

Let me know if this response is sufficient.

Thanks.







bIf a consumer has a modern car or is simply mentioning the article and has
questions about the lowered ZDDP levelsb:



Thank you for contacting Castrol North America.



As indicated on our product packaging, the current engine oil category API
SM/ILSAC GF-4 is fully backwards compatible or bback serviceableb and has
been extensively tested. Valve train issues are not anticipated with the use
of modern engine oil in older cars of OEM stock configuration. In fact,
current SM/GF-4 engine oils are subjected to testing that is far more
intensive than engine oils of previous API/ILSAC categories.



To clarify, in general, ZDDP levels have been reduced a small amount in the
current category engine oils (API SM/ILSAC GF-4) in compliance with industry
regulations that set maximum levels of Sulphur and Phosphorus, but are still
at levels that provide ample engine protection.



Special procedures have always been recommended for the proper initial
break-in of a new, matched, cam and lifter set; which include the use of a
properly formulated cam break-in lubricant paste which typically contains a
healthy dose of molybdenum. Engine oil alone is typically insufficient for
break-in of a new cam and lifter set, particularly in a vintage engine type
built to historic specifications.



In regards to camshaft failure, Camshaft failure can be attributed to numerous
possible causes. Only a thorough analysis of each case can identify the root
cause(s) of any failure.



We trust this information addresses your concerns.



Thank you again for your interest in Castrol, The Technology Leader!



Castrol Consumer Relations



bResponse for consumers who have an older performance car with flat-tappet
cams, are angry with Castrol and who believe wholeheartedly in the truth of
these articles, and want alternate oil recommendationsb:



Thank you for contacting Castrol North America.



Castrol is aware of articles in enthusiast magazines and web-sites, as well as
after-market parts manufacturer discussions concerning GF-4 engine oils and
cam-shaft durability issues in older performance vehicles, and we sincerely
regret that this has caused you concern.



Some consumers suspect the lower level of ZDDP in GF-4 oils may be causing
these failures.  Castrol is currently investigating this issue.



If you do not wish to use a GF-4/SM rated oil in these vehicles, Castrol does
offer the following products that contain Zinc at a level that is higher than
the Zinc level found in oils (API SG) marketed during the "muscle car" era of
time:



* Castrol GTX 20W-50 (SL,SM)

* Castrol GTX Diesel 15W-40 (CI4,CH4,CG4,CF4,CF,SL)

* Castrol GTX High Mileage 20W-50 (SL,SM)

* Castrol HD 30 (SL,SM)

* Castrol HD 40 (SL,SM)

* Castrol Syntec Blend Truck 15W-40 (CI4,CH4,CG4,CF4,CF,SL)(Semi-synthetic)

* Castrol Tection Extra 15W-40 (CI4 Plus, CI4,CH4,CG4,CF4,SL)

* Castrol Hypuron S 15W-40 (CI4 Plus,CH4,CG4,SL)(Semi-synthetic)



The following Castrol products have Zinc levels that are typical of API SG
oil:



* Castrol Syntec 5W-40 (SL,CF)(Synthetic)

* Castrol GO! 10W-40 Motorcycle Oil (SG)

* Castrol GO! 20W-50 Motorcycle Oil (SG)

* Castrol Grand Prix 4-Stroke Motorcycle Oil 10W-40 (SG)

* Castrol Grand Prix 4-Stroke Motorcycle Oil 20W-50 (SG)

* Castrol TWS Motorsport 10W-60 (SJ)(Synthetic)



Please remember that if you are installing a new performance cam in an older
performance vehicle, it is important to:



    * follow the installation recommendations provided by the cam
manufacturer

    * use the recommended cam break-in lube

    * prime the engine oil circuits

    * use the recommended engine oil

* confirm valvetrain geometries prior to starting the engine with the new cam



We trust this information addresses your concerns.



Thank you again for your interest in Castrol, The Technology Leader!



Castrol Consumer Relations