What type engine oil

[Gerry]

I have a 280 sl that has 125,000 miles on it. I have used Pennzoil Gold 10/30 conventional motor oil in the past that was recomended for diesel engines and had a zinc addative which lent itself to the older engines, however it seems to have dissapered from the shelves at the auto parts stores. I tried to look it up on the Pennzoil web site and it is now a synthetic. Any ideas on what would be a good replacement for the Pennzoil Gold or should I just use a regular oil with a seperate addative like a cam break-in oil? Thanks for your help.  Gerry

[Benz Dr.]

I guess the zinc additive is hard on cat converters. Some diesel oils have this addditive. I would ask your dealer about which to use.  I prefer a 10W40 for older engines.

[69280sl]

You may want to look into Shell Rotella T. It is recommended for diesels and has a zinc additive. Believe it comes in 15W40 wt.

Gus

[bogeyman]

I can also verify Shell Rotella T.  I have used it for the last 3-4 years with seemingly good results.

[Gerry]

Thanks to all who replied,. I did see the Rotella T but was not sure it was right. Thanks again, Gerry

[dirtrack49]

Gerry,

I am just in the stage of resurrecting a 1966 230sl. I have been reading as much as possible about these vehicles and was also concerned as to what oil to use that still has a zinc additive.

After a little research, I found that Valvoline VR1 conventional (not synthetic) racing oil 10/30wt may meet our needs. It has zinc in it as well as additives.

I am not really a true believer in the claim that the newer oils are not good for the old engines. However, since this oil is available, I figure how can you go wrong?

I will be using this oil in my 230sl as well as several other older vehicles. Hopefully, this maybe the answer to our needs.

I found that amazon.com sells this oil for a reasonable price with free shipment. For some reason, here in California, I can not find the 10/30wt in local parts stores.

Tom L.

[georgem]

An interesting thread, but can someone explain the function of the zinc additive?

PLUS - slightly off track (and I don`t aim to hijack the thread), but what is the consensus on lube grease for the suspension. The guy who has been servicing my car has been using lithium grease but as I am now rebuilding the front end - new bushes etc - its the perfect time to change if lithium isn`t the go.

Cheers

[mdsalemi]

...but can someone explain the function of the zinc additive?

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Zinc_dithiophosphate
http://automotivemileposts.com/zddp.html

That should give you enough information to totally confuse you or get you looking in other places!

There is at least one ZDDP additive made, ZDDPlus.  There might be more.  When I changed my oil this past summer, (I use Mobil 1) the only Mobil 1 grade for older engines was quite costly--over $8 a quart, compared to other Mobil 1 products and other proper-grade synthetics and conventional oils.  It also was NOT available in bulk size, and was hard to find and not on sale like many others.  The additive(s) might make it easier to use a more conventional modern oil and dose it up for $10 a change with the ZDDP and rest easy...

[66andBlue]

ZDDP additive is easily available: http://zddplus.com/distributors.htm
But not cheap!

[waqas]

I've been using Mobil 1 Synthetic 15W50. According to their datasheet (PDF), the ZDDP level is 1200-1300 ppm.

[mdsalemi]

Waqas, that's the oil I used this season.  They seem to change the designations and formulations each year or so, so you have to watch carefully and read the current sheets and ensure you are not buying last year's oil!  I only found it at ONE auto parts store around here, and it was, at the time, about a $25 premium for the amount I needed over others, which were on sale, carried rebates, or both.  It was the most I've ever spent on motor oil.  By contrast just a couple of years ago I bought a case of 6 quarts at Sam's Club of the Mobil 1 Blend du Jour for older engines, and it was about half the price as I recall, (or thereabouts).  But they changed the formulation and Sam's now only carries two grades, neither for older cars.

That $25, Alfred, MORE than pays for the $10 bottle of booster...like our tires, it is getting harder and harder to find the "right thing".

[rb6667]

Rotella Diesel oil can be used in our gasoline engines.  Chevron's Delo Diesel oil has a higher zinc rating than Shell's Rotella however.   Another alternative is to use the Zinc supplements as already mentioned.    GM makes an engine assembly additive that is one of the best.  Used to be called EOS. ( Engine Oil Supplement)  I think however it is now called an engine assembly lube.   I have many bottles of the old EOS.  I bought all I could find when the oil companies re-formulated their oil with the reduced Zinc.  

Several of my other cars have very radical cams with high spring pressures.  So far so good with Delo, and a dose of the GM  stuff.  Been using it for over 4 years now.

RB6667


Here is a picture of the GM Product. 
 

 

[perry113]

I have used 15/40 Rotella along with BG MOA Oil additive with excellent results. The stuff passes all the independent tests.

However more recently I now have a good source to buy Penn Grade 1 Racing Oil. This is the Green Oil (Penn Stock). It has a very high rating of ZDDP. It is widely used in racing Porsche and motorcycle racing.

See link here:
http://www.penngrade1.com/

It is reasonable in today's higher motor oil prices under $7.00 per quart and you are buying 100% American.
You need to hunt for it. As it is not sold in big box stores. Saratoga Auto Museum sells it. see link here : http://saratogaautomuseum.org/

[dseretakis]

I use valvoline VR1 20w50 racing oil. I learned about it on this forum. It is high in ZDDP, even says so on the bottle, and is fairly affordable at $4-5 per quart. Autozone had a sale on the stuff this past winter for $2.45/quart. I stocked up bigtime! 

[Jordan]

I haven't seen any one reference this article that was published by Hemmings earlier this year so I will post it here.  Two new engine oils for older cars requiring ZDDP additives.  I have not tried either oil so cannot provide any additional comment. http://blog.hemmings.com/index.php/2011/06/02/two-new-engine-oils-bring-relief-to-collector-car-enthusiasts/
Marcus

[mdsalemi]

The Champion product(s) sound great--but very limited distribution...and no mail order!