[Tigers] Motor Oil

[Tod Brown]

My understanding is that the most important issue with flat-tappet 
engines and lubrication is that
the initial break-in is crucial to longevity. For the first 1500-2000 
miles of operation it is extremely
important that the proper level of zinc additive (i.e. zddp) beprovided 
so that cam surfaces, rings
and cylinder bores be allowed to seat themselves. Newer oils are too 
slick to allow the necessary
scuffing to take place, whereas the presence of zddp provides enough 
friction for the seating to
take place. Once past the initial break-in, zddp is no longer as 
necessary. I have not seen a definitive
statement as to whether zddp is necessary after break-in but many 
sources recommend that an
oil with higher levels of zddp be used.

I found the discussion at 
http://www.hotrod.com/how-to/engine/ccrp-0702-break-in-new-cam/
to be helpful. Note that, at the end of the article, there are some 
recommendations for oils with
higher levels of zddp, usually used in diesel engines.

Cheers,

Tod Brown
B382002384LRXFE
TAC #864
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