From:Dave Hennessey e-mail:dave@toyhouse.org
Subject:RE: RE: ZDDP and Engine Oil (+ Pep Boys) Date:Fri Sep 14 12:57:26 2007
Response to:1676
I found an old book of Pep Boys matches and attached a scan. Many of us did some "custom reconfiguration" of these back in our juvenile days.

To make matters confusing, Shell makes Rotella T in mineral oil, synthetic, and synthetic blend. Of course, in the U.K., it's Shell Helix - in a variety of formulations.

I wrote to the guy who wrote the article you mentioned. First, my email. Second, his response.


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David Hennessey wrote:
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> Hi Mark,
>
> Enjoyed your article on "All about Motor Oil"
>
> Over here at www.HendersonKJ.com, we're having a discussion on "What's the best oil to use for my 1930 Henderson motorcycle?"
>
> These bikes were built in the 1920's and 1930's, and have several unique requirements - as do our riding habits. Since you are particularly well-versed in oil, perhaps you could comment?
>
> 1) Babbitt bearings
> These motors, like Model A Fords and other motors of the era have babbitt bearings in the mains and rods. The Hens actually have bronze bearing shells that are then covered with babbitt and finished to size. Some motors have been redone with aluminum-alloy bearings, but most still use the original configuration.
>
> 2) Flat tappets
> I read that flat tappet engines are particularly hard-hit by the recent reduction of ZDDP and other additives - with reported premature camshaft failures.
>
> 3) High oil consumption
> These engines use a lot of oil. Adding a quart every 500-1000 miles is not unusual. So, the ability to add a quart of regular 10W-30 when you find yourself a quart low in the middle of nowhere is very important.
>
> 4) No Oil Filter (yes)
> The Hens did not come with an oil filter - like most other bikes of the era. Many of us are now retrofitting aftermarket oil filters on our bikes, but many bikes don't have them.
>
> 5) Riding habits - small towns and backroads
> Most of us live and/or ride in small towns or rural areas. Even if we live in the city, we drive mostly on backroads at 50 mph. These are not daily-riders - they are more "sunny-Sunday" riders. Small towns and backroads mean that fancy synthetic oil may not be readily available when you need a quart (see #3).
>
> 6) Riding habits - oil changes
> Most of us change our oil pretty regularly. It's cheap maintenance, and high oil consumption makes it more attractive to change the oil rather than adding a quart. High mileage and expense are not factors
>
> What's your opinion for the "best" oils to use on these antiques?
>
> Dave

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Mark Lawrence wrote:
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Hi David,

I have not paid attention to the zinc content of oils, as most modern engines don't require much. I agree you're likely better off with a high zinc content oil.

You can mix oils, so it's no big deal if you're running one brand, but occasionally add a different brand.

I would run Chevron Delo-400 15w-40 commercial oil, were I you. It's only a little more expensive than cheap car oil, and a lot better for keeping your engine clean.

Frankly, if you're effectively changing your oil every 1000 miles, I'm not certain that you need an oil filter. I'd be more worried about getting a good air cleaner. You can get foam air cleaner covers at a good dirt bike shop, if you're going to ride on dirt roads at all I should think that would be a good idea.

Mark