[Healeys] Oil additives -- great informaton. Thanks.

[wwycoffbn7 at aol.com]

Hi, 

Thanks all.  As is usual there is a lot of good discourse and experience shared by the list.  What triggered my question on oil and oil additives was the observation of a bottle of Red Line 10W40 image that did not display the usual statement that it contains ZDDP.  For decades I have used that oil as it carries proper oil pressure, suites the climate, etc.  However, if Red Line stopped including ZDDP, I would find another oil.  I also recalled that some time back, Bob Spidell having to find a new outlet for Valvoline 20W50 as it seemed that it no longer cleared some California rule changes.  I wondered it this happened to Red Line.

 

So, I sent off an inquiry to Red Line and not getting a rapid response sent one to our Healey group.  The Healey group was much faster to respond.  While most business are slowed down by COVID-19, a Red Line response did come.  The assurance is that Red Line Motor Oil 10W40 (SKU 11404) contains good ZDDP levels, plenty for an Austin Healey's flat tappet cam and lifters; 1225ppm zinc and more importantly 1375ppm phosphorus.



As to their break in additive, their Web site indicates that a half bottle is enough to add to a conventional oil.  It also has bit of sulfur, 16.6 grams.  I have to wonder if adding it to their 10W40 could result in too much.  I am just not inclined to experiment.

 

The 3000’s owner’s manual only mentions 30 weight oil, even for tropical heat.  However, the “Work shop Manual” (the Green Book) has a much more expansive table that promotes a lot of weights depending on the manufacturer.  The aspect that modern oils are a bit different than those available when the book came out adds a bit more uncertainty.  

 

I am confident using the 10W40.  I used 10W50 in my Triumph, but it was an air-cooled engine and was REAL hard to start in freezing weather.  There were also a lot of reputable recommendations that led me to Red Line’s 10W40.  The oil pressure is proper, so I don’t see an upside for me to use a heavier oil.

 

Many thanks to the folks who responded.  

 

Bill



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