[Healeys] 100 lifters

[Bob Spidell]

Subject to debate. The literature I've seen from the oil companies 
stress that their products are carefully formulated, and adding anything 
to them is not a good idea. Also, ZDDP was first used as a detergent, 
with its wear surface protection a surprising side-effect (like how 
tetra-ethyl lead was added to gas to increase octane rating, and its 
cushioning and protecting of valve seats was a side-effect). But, it's 
human nature to think "If a little of this is good, a lot HAS to be 
better," but it's not necessarily true. ZDDP is corrosive in high 
concentrations; the 'sweet spot' appears to be about 1,500PPM.

Ordinarily, I'd attribute Michael's failed lifters (cam?) to improper 
break-in, but I'm sure M used proper procedures, which makes this doubly 
mysterious and concerning. I don't know how bucket lifters would change 
the outcome; their main benefit seems to be reduced wear of the block.


On 8/8/2021 6:19 PM, i erbs via Healeys wrote:
> Good practice
>
> Ira Erbs
> 1959 AH 100-6
> 1967 MGB
> Milwaukie, OR
>
> On Sun, Aug 8, 2021, 6:09 PM Alan Seigrist <healey.nut at gmail.com 
> <mailto:healey.nut at gmail.com>> wrote:
>
>     So adding zddp on top of whatever is in there is okay?  I have
>     Castrol 20W-50 in my motor... also use the Valvoline too.
>
>     On Sat, Aug 7, 2021 at 11:11 PM Michael Oritt via Healeys
>     <healeys at autox.team.net <mailto:healeys at autox.team.net>> wrote:
>
>         In about 2007 just before ZDDP content in motor oils became a
>         commonly talked-about issue in vintage racing communities, I
>         bought a new race engine for my MGA-powered Elva Courier from
>         a reputable builder who recommended I use Mobil 1.  Somewhere
>         during the first race weekend performance fell off and upon
>         disassembly it was determined that the cam lobes had been
>         damaged due to wear from the lifters.
>
>         After replacing the cam and lifters I began using RP racing
>         oil and throwing in ZDDP additive for good measure. Though the
>         Royal Purple probably contained sufficient zddp on its own and
>         some folks cautioned against too high levels of zinc I have 
>         continued this combination and have not lost a cam, etc. since.
>
>         YMMV....
>
>         On Thu, Aug 5, 2021 at 11:16 PM Michael Salter
>         <michaelsalter at gmail.com <mailto:michaelsalter at gmail.com>> wrote:
>
>             The first sign of problems was having to adjust the
>             tappets which had initially been silent after 2000 miles
>             and then again at 4500.
>             After adjusting they were still audible and had previously
>             been silent.
>             Then at the 2000 and 4000 mile oil changes there was "fir"
>             in the drain plug magnet.
>             I'm very disappointed to have destroyed a very low mileage
>             "M" cam and a set of NOS lifters that I had been saving
>             for decades.
>             I'm seriously considering having silicon nitride lifters
>             manufactured but at over $1000 a set its a serious investment.
>
>             M
>
>             On Wed., Aug. 4, 2021, 10:47 a.m. Steven Kingsbury,
>             <airtightproductions at icloud.com
>             <mailto:airtightproductions at icloud.com>> wrote:
>
>                 I just rebuilt my 100 engine and purchased my lifters
>                 from AH Spares in the UK. These were their new design
>                 for better oil flow. I now have 1000 miles or so on
>                 the new engine and once I got my problems figured out
>                 with my distributor, the car is running well and smooth.
>                    Now I'm wondering when the other shoe is going to
>                 drop! What problems did you have pointing you to the
>                 lifters as the source of those problems? When I
>                 retorqued the head, I readjusted the rockers and found
>                 no problems. They were a little off, but I expected a
>                 little.
>                    What should I be looking for? I used Driven Break
>                 In oil and then I switched to VR1 like you after 500
>                 miles. I have been driving the car to build up some
>                 trust in it and it's turning in to a joy to drive.
>                 I've got M mods on this engine, cam, H6 carbs, M
>                 pistons and these new lifters. So far, so good.
>                    Thanks for your help,
>                 Steven Kingsbury
>                 BN1
>
>                 On August 3, 2021 at 5:19 PM, Michael Salter via
>                 Healeys <healeys at autox.team.net
>                 <mailto:healeys at autox.team.net>> wrote:
>
>>                 After only 6000 miles the NOS BMC lifters that I
>>                 installed in my engine with a very low mileage "M"
>>                 cam have started to deteriorate.
>>                 This engine has had a steady diet of VR1 non
>>                 synthetic and it has had 4 changes in 6K miles.
>>                 Very disappointing.
>>                 I'm  considering trying bucket type Buick lifters
>>                 with longer push rods and a new cam.
>>                 Does anyone have experience with the durability of
>>                 the old Buick lifters ... getting a little desperate
>>                 here.
>>                 Fortunately I caught this issue before it ruined the
>>                 engine.
>>
>>                 M
>>

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