Re: Automotive oil?
You can use a auto oil if you can find one that meet the API SJ/CF-2/CH-4/FC-W spec's. The newer auto oils has reduced zinc due to emission/sensors on the autos. The only oils I know of that meets this are the diesel oils such as Rotella T or the Sierra or Starbrite brand for 4 strokes. I use Starbrite super premium synthetic blend 4 stroke oil in my 05 Tahoe, 95 Z71, 05 Trailerblazer,78 Blazer and 165 chevy I-6 on houseboat. Below is post from HPP on the zinc reduction and flat tappet cams which the 30 uses a "rocker arm" directly riding on cam so the effects are very similar...I suggest you use what manual tells you to use..
Beginning with all 2004 model year vehicles, auto manufacturers were required by federal law to warrant emissions system performance for 120,000 miles, and one system critical to emissions performance is the catalytic converter.
Part of the phosphorus was removed from motor oil because it had been linked to catalytic converter failure, and it's a key component in the high-pressure anti-wear additive, zinc dialkyl dithio phosphate (ZDDP). Since auto manufacturers must maintain catalytic converter system integrity for 120,000 miles, they began pushing oil companies to modify formulations, and those gasoline-engine oils that meet API SM, ILSAC GF-4, and API CJ-4 standards for commercial specifications to reduce ZDDP levels.
HPP: Can you explain how the reformulation directly affects flat-tappet camshafts?
EN: We've recently released an entire Technical Service Bulletin (No. MO-2007-08-08) discussing just that. Simply stated, engines with flat-tappet camshafts typically have an extremely high pressure-point between the lifter crown and the camshaft lobe, and ZDDP acts as a sacrificial chemical barrier that prevents the two from actually contacting one another. The concern is that the lower levels of zinc may not provide sufficient anti-wear protection in flat-tappet camshaft engines, and, in particular, those with high-tension valvesprings.
HPP: Does your company offer any products intended for use with flat-tappet camshafts?
EN: Extra protection is available with our Premium Protection chemistry, and consumers need to look carefully to find products formulated for flat-tappet camshaft engines. We offer a full line that contains this additive package and has a proven history. Products like our (AMO) 10W-40 and (ARO) 20W-50 gasoline-engine oils contain high ZDDP levels, and are perfectly suitable for flat-tappet cams.
HPP: Is there any chance your company could discontinue or reformulate these products in the future?
EN: As opposed to discontinuing these types of products, we're actually looking to expand the line as required, and are working with flat-tappet camshaft manufacturers to promote its value to this particular market. We're very committed to solving this problem, and are actively pursuing ways to specifically market these lubricants to classic car hobbyists.
Shell Rotella T
Designed for the harsh environment within a diesel engine, Shell ROTELLA T has aptly earned the reputation as a high-quality, maximum-protection lubricant. With the reformulation of gasoline-engine oil a few years ago, many hobbyists with flat-tappet camshaft engines have found salvation in commercial-grade oils like ROTELLA T, which have typically maintained high levels of the desirable anti-wear additives.
The '07 model year brought on many changes for diesel engines. Among them was an exhaust system catalyst, and another oil classification standard-CJ-4. One would assume from past events that the addition of said exhaust catalyst would ultimately lead to ZDDP reduction, but Shell's OEM Technical Service Manager, Stede Granger, says otherwise.
