[GreenKeys] OT: ZDDP (OT)

[DR HOUSE]

A couple of you asked.  Hopefully the rest of you will not mind...

Don K9TTY



THIS IS AN INFORMATION BULLETIN FROM THE VALVOLINE DIVISION OF THE  
ASHLAND OIL CO.

The level of "zinc" in today's engine oil is a hot topic among hands- 
on car enthusiasts. Whether in online chat rooms, blogs or message  
boards, or in the retail store, customers are seeking answers to make  
sure they are protecting their investment.

What is zinc?

The anti-wear additive commonly referred to as "zinc" by most  
automobile enthusiasts, is actually short for Zinc/ 
DialkylDithioPhosphates or ZDDP. As an anti-wear additive, its primary  
role is to prevent metal-to-metal contact between engine parts by  
forming a protective film. Despite being referred to as "zinc," this  
additive actually contains zinc and phosphorus, with phosphorus  
performing the anti-wear function.

How zinc/phosphorus works

The zinc/phosphorus molecules react in the oil and release phosphorus- 
containing compounds that make a wear-resisting phosphate glass film  
on the critical surfaces of contacting engine parts. With most brands,  
this process also results in phosphorus being released with engine  
emissions into the catalytic converter, where it can poison the  
emissions system over time.

Why zinc/phosphorus level in engine oil has changed

With ever increasing limits on emissions, automobile manufacturers  
have tightened emission control systems on newer vehicles. This is one  
of several factors considered when the American Petroleum Institute  
(API) sets standards for engine oil. The current API standard is "SM,"  
which replaced the previous "SL" classification. Because phosphorus  
can poison a vehicle's emission system, the level of zinc is lower for  
current engine oil.

Many hands-on car enthusiasts and engine experts believe the lower  
levels of zinc in "SM" rated engine oil is causing excessive wear in  
older style push-rod and flat tappet engines. This is despite the fact  
that all new engine oil classifications are intended to be backward  
compatible. This has resulted in the widely accepted belief that  
modern engine oil is not adequate to protect older engines.

Consumer Solutions

There are high-zinc engine oils available to meet this need. It is  
important to note, however, that the entire additive package still  
needs to be balanced for best performance. For example, engine oil  
with a high zinc level but low detergent may not perform over a drain  
interval of 3,000 miles or longer.

Valvoline offers two solutions to the zinc issue

Valvoline Racing VR1: 75% higher zinc than SM engine oil with a  
balanced additive package designed to work in both racing and street- 
legal applications. This product will protect older style push-rod and  
flat tappet engines. Valvoline provides this product in both multi and  
mono viscosity grades: SAE 20W-50 (part vv211), straight SAE 50 (part  
vv235), SAE 10W-30 (part vv205), SAE 30(part vv223), SAE 40 (part  
vv229), and SAE 60 (part vv241)

Longer-Lasting Zinc/Phosphorus: Valvoline uses an advanced zinc/ 
phosphorus additive that keeps higher levels of phosphorus in the  
engine oil where it protects the engine, instead of poisoning the  
catalytic converter. Valvoline is the only brand offering this unique  
additive across its entire line of passenger car engine oils,  
including SynPower, which is the only synthetic offering this  
additive. www.valvoline.com

Additional resource information is available by calling the Valvoline  
Technical hotline at 1-800-832-6825.