Educate me on 'High Zinc Content' motor oil

[dragoneggs]

I just had a new rebuilt 5.4L V3 Triton engine put into my F150 and the warranty demands the use of a 'high zinc content' 15w40 oil. I was recommended Delo 400 or Rotella T. Upon getting home I see there are T3, T4, T5, and T6 at least. Interesting that my OEM engine called for 5w20. Apparently the redesigned engine needs thicker high zinc content oil and its very important. Looking to get an education here!

 

[George2615]

I use Valvoline racing oil in my classic car with a 454 big block. Royal Purple is another brand with high zinc content.
See the article below.

The Truth About Zinc & Motor Oil | Driven Racing Oil

If you can't find the weight oil you need that has the zinc you can buy separate bottles of ZDDP additive to add to any oil.

 

[Copperhead]

Many of Schaeffer's HDEO oils have significant levels of zinc. Here are results of levels from 1) 15w40 2) 10w30 3) 5w40 from oil samples I sent in.

 

[hawkeye08]

Needed to lubricate flat tappet (before roller cams).

 

[dragoneggs]

Interesting article... thanks for posting George. One thing I noticed is that the zinc content can have a detrimental effect on catalytic converters.

I did pull up the SDS for a few Delo 400 15w40 and it looks like the zinc content varies.

Delo 400 LE SAE 15W-40
https://cglapps.chevron.com/msdspds/SDSDetailPage.aspx?docDataId=302386&docFormat=PDF

Delo 400 MGX SAE 15W-40
https://cglapps.chevron.com/msdspds/SDSDetailPage.aspx?docDataId=415147&docFormat=PDF

Delo 400 Multigrade SAE 15W-40
https://cglapps.chevron.com/msdspds/SDSDetailPage.aspx?docDataId=327464&docFormat=PDF

 

[cqaigy2]

Interesting article.
Thanks

 

[sixdogs]

Your start-up oil should be a break-in oil that has a high level of zinc and phosphorus. Very important. Comp Cams is a good one but I think Royal Purple has one as well. Those are names I know but others would likely be OK. For your flat tappet engine after break in you can run Royal Purple or regular oil with one of the additives from the cam makers. Comp Cams again comes to mind. Search a Summit Racing or Speedway Motors for more.

As well, I did a thread on this topic (ZDDP) a couple of years ago and there should be some helpful items in there.

Know that too much phosphorus or zinc is as bad as too little.

 

[dragoneggs]

Your start-up oil should be a break-in oil that has a high level of zinc and phosphorus. Very important. Comp Cams is a good one but I think Royal Purple has one as well. Those are names I know but others would likely be OK. For your flat tappet engine after break in you can run Royal Purple or regular oil with one of the additives from the cam makers. Comp Cams again comes to mind. Search a Summit Racing or Speedway Motors for more.

As well, I did a thread on this topic (ZDDP) a couple of years ago and there should be some helpful items in there.

Know that too much phosphorus or zinc is as bad as too little.

I understand break in oil but never heard of engine warranty requiring high zinc oil for the duration. Especially an engine that the OEM says 5w20 and now that engine requires 15w40. Seems Ford messed up.

 

[murph1]

I understand break in oil but never heard of engine warranty requiring high zinc oil for the duration. Especially an engine that the OEM says 5w20 and now that engine requires 15w40. Seems Ford messed up.

I agree seems like two different worlds there.

 

[sixdogs]

I understand break in oil but never heard of engine warranty requiring high zinc oil for the duration. Especially an engine that the OEM says 5w20 and now that engine requires 15w40. Seems Ford messed up.

I agree seems like two different worlds there.

15W40 has way more ZDDP (zinc-phosphorous) than 5W20 is likely the reason. It sounds like this is a basic flat tappet engine that needs the anti-wear properties of a higher ZDDP oil. I think all flat tappet engines require a high ZDDP content oil to prevent premature camshaft wear. In my 1960's ford truck, I run 10W30 oil but add enough of a ZDDP additive to bring the level up to where older oils used to be. It would be best to get a little more info from the engine builder on oil so you know what's going on. It should be pretty simple.

Maybe low ZDDP killed your prior engine by camshaft wear?