Dr. Lee

[tpitt]

Hello Lee

I'm hearing all sorts of stories about the new emission oils, especially those headed for California. One such story is that all the zinc is removed and people are losing camshafts. I wanted to talk to an expert and your the only one I know. I'm told that the old Delo 400 is still good, but stay away from the Delo LE 400. Appreciate your advice. Thanks, Terry

[CleviteKid]

Zinc dithiophosphate is almost mandatory for engines with flat tappets. Many gas engines as well as all the light truck diesel engines have roller tappets, so they can get away with less help from the additive package. There are some new over-the-counter oil helpers that add back the zinc dithiophosphate that is minimized or missing from new oils - I will explore them and post my opinions back here soon.

You are at some risk of spoiling an expensive catalyst on a 2007 or 2008 truck if you add too much zinc to the engine oil, so be advised there is some risk to being your own oil chemist.


You could always move out of Kalifornia . . . . .

- Lee