Oil/ZDDP question

[jtmarten]

Seems like most of us here are running engines with iron cams and flat-tappet lifters.

I've been searching the web to find any info about ZDDP levels in Mercruiser oil. Haven't been able to find much. I'm prob just going to use a decent 10W30 synth blend, and GM EOS additive to get the zinc/phosphorus the cam/lifters need.

Anyone know of an off the shelf oil that contains enough ZDDP? Even Rotella and the other diesel oils no longer contain enough.

 

[OldNBold51]

Re: Oil/ZDDP question

Check Valvoline VR1. That oil usually has much zinc, especially the higher viscosity straight weights.

Personally, I run the Rotella Shell.

 

[HT32BSX115]

Re: Oil/ZDDP question

Another "oil thread"


This issue is argued all over the net. It NEVER stops.....

There are countless oil threads here which ALWAYS boil down to "I use XXX oil and have not had a problem"


Since marine engines almost ALWAYS fail from issues not related to oil, (unless you just don't bother to put any in at all) you're probably worrying "Much Ado about Nothing".


If you don't want to use what Mercury recommends, then use what I use......


XXX oil!



Cheers,


Rick

 

[OldNBold51]

Re: Oil/ZDDP question

Another "oil thread"


This issue is argued all over the net. It NEVER stops.....

There are countless oil threads here which ALWAYS boil down to "I use XXX oil and have not had a problem"


Since marine engines almost ALWAYS fail from issues not related to oil, (unless you just don't bother to put any in at all) you're probably worrying "Much Ado about Nothing".


If you don't want to use what Mercury recommends, then use what I use......


XXX oil!



Cheers,


Rick

Ain't it the truth!!!

While I'm a newbie on this site (had an outboard all my previous 30 years) I'm not new to the "which Oil is best" conundrum.

I ride and race 4 stroke dirt bikes and this same topic is the #1 question asked over and over in that forum. The best answer given is " run the best oil you can afford and change it very often". Through used oil analysis data on the dirt bikes, it was determined that even the most expensive oils have a given lifespan and that lifespan is not that much longer than the cheaper oils. So we run good quality oil and change it very very often.

 

[jtmarten]

Re: Oil/ZDDP question

Ain't it the truth!!!

While I'm a newbie on this site (had an outboard all my previous 30 years) I'm not new to the "which Oil is best" conundrum.

I ride and race 4 stroke dirt bikes and this same topic is the #1 question asked over and over in that forum. The best answer given is " run the best oil you can afford and change it very often". Through used oil analysis data on the dirt bikes, it was determined that even the most expensive oils have a given lifespan and that lifespan is not that much longer than the cheaper oils. So we run good quality oil and change it very very often.

BMW calls for a 15K mile OCI for my 540i. Even though the LL-01 and A3/B3 rated oils usually claim a 15K life, I still change the oil every 7500-8000 miles.

Changing too often can actually damage internal components if repeatedly changing too early. The detergent additives break down after several thousand miles. Changing too often means more detergent wear on internals.

 

[45Auto]

Re: Oil/ZDDP question

Changing too often can actually damage internal components if repeatedly changing too early. The detergent additives break down after several thousand miles. Changing too often means more detergent wear on internals.

Is this like an early April Fool joke or something? You can't seriously believe that fresh oil will harm your engine?

I've seen some outlandish advice on this forum, but I do believe this is the new winner!

 

[Rocky_Road]

Re: Oil/ZDDP question

Happy boating!