Zinc additive

TheDirty06

New member
Sep 28, 2014
115
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0
Horton, KS
I'm ready for my 500 mile oil change on my built motor. So do I need to put zinc additive in it? If so do I need to do it every change since all this new oil has less zinc in it?
 

PureHybrid

Isuzu Shakes IT
Feb 15, 2012
3,492
472
83
Central OH
There's no reason to on a Duramax. Guys usually run a zddp additive on flat tappet cams with higher spring pressures, but the Duramax is a roller cam. And even with aftermarket springs the seat pressure still isn't very high.

Depending on the OP's engine build and application, he should just run a high quality racing oil and not bother with additives. If it's a daily driver just put straight oil in it.
 

TheDirty06

New member
Sep 28, 2014
115
0
0
Horton, KS
There's no reason to on a Duramax. Guys usually run a zddp additive on flat tappet cams with higher spring pressures, but the Duramax is a roller cam. And even with aftermarket springs the seat pressure still isn't very high.

Depending on the OP's engine build and application, he should just run a high quality racing oil and not bother with additives. If it's a daily driver just put straight oil in it.

The motor should be around 1000hp and it's not really a daily driver. Lucky to see 5000 miles a year on it
 

THEFERMANATOR

LEGALLY INSANE
Feb 16, 2009
3,890
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ZEPHYRHILLS, FL
Fyi, the motorcraft oils still have high levels of zddp because Ford found the new oils didn't have enough to prevent valvetrain wear in the new powerstroke.
 

PureHybrid

Isuzu Shakes IT
Feb 15, 2012
3,492
472
83
Central OH
I run delo. But can only get the new stuff now

For the miles you drive, I'd run a good race oil like Brad Penn or Schaeffer's. Maybe even look into the Lucas Magnum HD oil, zinc is up around 1200ppm.

For people wanting high zinc for wider clearances you should look into running a 20/50 instead of 15/40 anyway.
 

Bdsankey

Vendor
Vendor/Sponsor
Feb 1, 2018
4,152
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Larsen, Wisconsin
For the miles you drive, I'd run a good race oil like Brad Penn or Schaeffer's. Maybe even look into the Lucas Magnum HD oil, zinc is up around 1200ppm.

For people wanting high zinc for wider clearances you should look into running a 20/50 instead of 15/40 anyway.

How about Cen-Pe-Co? My new built motor is going to be assembled and ran on 20w50 Cen-Pe-Co.
 

Yngdmax92

Active member
Sep 26, 2013
962
44
28
James,

I have a local distributor here up in NY, that's all we run for oil in the big machines here at the junk yard, haven't had a engine failure yet and the conditions of these machines are not good and maintenance is not on a good schedule. I'm definitely a believer in there product and run the standard 15w-40 in my truck. That's all I do is call him up and he ships direct to us or for person stuff ships to my own home. Pm me if you'd like me to look into it for you. I can get you some prices on the stuff. Or for anyone for that matter.
 

Bdsankey

Vendor
Vendor/Sponsor
Feb 1, 2018
4,152
1,262
113
Larsen, Wisconsin
very good oil, i would run it more if it could get it easier.

Just call Cenpeco or go to cenpecosales.com (mods, if this isn't allowed please delete). At Cenpeco Sales it will direct you to a distributor in your area.

If that doesn't work let me know, I also just became a dealer for it myself (decided the new built motor should get the good stuff) and we could possibly work something out on shipping.

How hard is it to become a vendor on here? I may just go that route to help everyone out but I guarantee finding your local sales rep is cheaper.
 

KRODMAX/KS

It'll be alright
Jul 27, 2017
174
21
18
Oz
I call this number during central time zone hours, they (Cen-Pe-Co) deliver it UPS right to my door. 1-800-553-1891. I purchase it a case at a time (4-2 gallon jugs). In the same boat, no dealers near me either.
 

diesel-max

Haisley Never heard of her
Oct 20, 2011
172
16
18
IN
A good oil you shouldn't have to run additives with, like Schaeffer's. The reason they do what they do, is to make a oil to run. Not a product you have to add 50 of their other products into just to make it "worth something".

BUT on the other hand, If you read the card that comes with a Compcam - i.e. Waglers old cam's it does say it should be broke in with a zinc additive. I suspect that it is because its a general card they toss in with everything, as it is needed on old flat tappet stuff as stated previous.
 

Bdsankey

Vendor
Vendor/Sponsor
Feb 1, 2018
4,152
1,262
113
Larsen, Wisconsin
For the miles you drive, I'd run a good race oil like Brad Penn or Schaeffer's. Maybe even look into the Lucas Magnum HD oil, zinc is up around 1200ppm.

For people wanting high zinc for wider clearances you should look into running a 20/50 instead of 15/40 anyway.

1200ppm isn't much. Cenpeco oils have more than that (approx .1% zinc=1000ppm). Cenpeco's S3 oil has ~1600ppm (0.16%) and their Super Racing Oil has ~2400ppm (0.24%).

It has been seen on UOAs that confirm those levels. For example, on BITOG (Bob Is The Oil Guy) a guy with a 6.7 powerstroke did a 5k interval on S3 oil and still had ~1400ppm of zinc from a certified lab. Pretty hard to complain there.

When it comes to high zinc/high performance based oils a synthetic can't compete IMO. Brad Penn and Cenpeco are a non-synthetic when it comes to racing oils and use a different base stock. They all start from a paraffin base for higher film strength and better lubricity.