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Cams + Synthetic

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Razor

Forum tech Advisor
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Jul 31, 2001
Messages
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Just got off the phone with a camshaft manufacturer and the tech stated not to use synthetic oil with their camshaft.

He says synthetic is so slippery it doesnt let the lifter spin, and a no spin lifter will cuase lobes to get wiped on the cam.

Hows this for a case against synthetic oil in our motors :eek:
 
"Under pressure from the major Detroit automakers, the engine oil manufacturers have removed the zinc additive from engine oil. The really bad news is that this increases camshaft and follower failure rates enormously during the break-in time. If you can find a zinc additive for engine oil, that helps greatly. GM's EOS break=in lube has been a faithful option, too. I have heard that the Valvoline racing oil that's labled "not for highway use" may still have the zinc in it. Napa has made a commitment to keep this oil in stock.

There have been no changes in camshaft or follower materials or heat treatment from ANY of us in the racing aftermarket. The increased failure rates are due to the missing zinc in addition to the usual assembly related problems we've been discussing the last thirty years or so. Keeping open spring pressures as low as possible is now more important than ever."



The above is what I recieved from a custom cam grinder .:)
 
Wow. Good find! I think I will be using non-synthetic motor oil for now on. :eek: :cool:

However, what I am wondering is this more of a concern when you are breaking in a cam and after break in? Or just during break in?
 
Valvoline 50W racing.

I had it in one of the cars during the cast cam debockle, and while other guys were killing cams, I went 5K miles before noticing ANY detectable wear. While others were rebuilcing engines since they were full of trash. I changed cams, and was back on the road.

Started using it in 1970, and have continually since. About the only other oil I might try is Shell Rotella.
 
Valvoline Racing Oil contains added zinc and friction modifiers, balanced with reduced detergent levels. The result is an oil that helps increase horsepower and engine wear protection. Engine dyno testing at Valvoline's state-of-the-art testing lab proves that the new Valvoline Racing formulations outperform the most widely used engine oils in grassroots racing for horsepower output.

Because Valvoline Racing Oil is optimized for racing conditions, it should not be used in passenger vehicles or in wet clutch applications. Using this oil in a passenger car may damage the catalytic converter over time. Wet clutches may not operate properly due to the low friction characteristics of this engine oil.




Sizes and Grades


Name 20W-50 Motor Oil
Size Quart
Part VV851
UPC 74310-00851

Name 10W-30 Motor Oil
Size Quart
Part VV850
UPC 74310-00850

Name SAE 50 Motor Oil
Size Quart
Part VV852
UPC 74310-00852


from the Valvoline site .note the added zinc remark .:) trying to find a data sheet on it to compare it's zinc levels to other conventional dino oils .please stand by :) .

Data Sheet - https://www.valvoline-technology.co...85256ae300727d2b852567e600571f48?OpenDocument


you can go to http://heartlandsynthetics.com/compare_all_oils/compare_all_oils.html to compare the different zinc levels in oils . note Kendal GT-1 is the highest next to the Valvoline Racing Oil .
 
Synthetic question

Hi guys,
Just curious about synthetic oils. I use Amsoil synthetic 10w30. What do you guys think??
Thanks
 
Originally posted by Razor
Just got off the phone with a camshaft manufacturer and the tech stated not to use synthetic oil with their camshaft.

Let me guess who told you that...... Reed cams? :D


Sully
 
Originally posted by KWIKR 1
Using this oil in a passenger car may damage the catalytic converter over time. Wet clutches may not operate properly due to the low friction characteristics of this engine oil.

*********************
may damage the catalytic converter over time
*********************

Let's see catalytic converters went into use in 1975.
It's taken until 2003 for then to notice this **MAY**.

Not that the EPA keeps lowering the standards of acceptable emissions did zinc become a problem.

Yep, OK.

We're taking about the zinc that gets seperated out of the oil and then travels thru the PCV system. I haven't seen anything in print other then at elevated oil temps, can this possibly happen.

But, I'm no petro engineer.
Also, chewing on a lead pencil as a kid may have induced this trait of not always accepting things at face value.
 
Re: Re: Cams + Synthetic

Originally posted by V6 Beast
Let me guess who told you that...... Reed cams? :D


Sully

Actually a little dancing sheep.. And the Sheep said other companies like Crane Cams are following suit.. so the zinc issue may have real teeth :)

Boy I love stirring the pot :D
 
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