Update on oils by Richard Widman

[Lane66Monza]

Richard 1 on the CCF just posted this update on engine oils. Something to think about for your oil changes in the future.

Update on oils
Unread post by richard1 » Sun Mar 16, 2025 5:51 pm
https://corvaircenter.com/forum/viewtopic.php?t=1184277

I posted this on FB a few days ago, and have now made the change:

Watching technology over the years, I figured the day would come when we should move away from the traditional dependence on ZDDP and recommendations to use diesel or specialty oils.
Specifically:
- In 2019 I started working with a company in Houston that has developed a product where you can add 3% of it to a turbine or compressor oil that is dark from the varnish deposits and solubilize all those deposits, extending the life of the oil indefinitely, leaving internals like new.
- With the developments of the SP category of engine oils, where part of the Calcium was replaced by Magnesium to eliminate LSPI in TGDI engines, the current levels of ZDDP provided much better wear protection than SM or other oils in Flat tappet engines.
- Many of the SP oils are using a significant amount of Boron and Moly. I’ve loved the Boron additives since I started working with them in 2000 with industrial oils.
I just finished replacing my 65-year-old blower bearing, after depending on regular greasing since 2013. I was surprised at the amount of varnish on the underside and what was visible of the internals. I have used CI-4 oils since I built it in 2009, changing every year. The 12,000 miles have been sporadic, depending on which home I was at, Covid, and shipping. It has also developed a lifter that takes a minute or so to quiet down.
Still studying, I came across Valvoline Restore and Protect, which claims (and some on-line people concur) to do what I was doing with Turbines and Compressors through the Houston product, but in engines, cleaning up the varnish (varnish also glues together soot & dirt). It also has a very robust Boron and Moly content.
So, this week I will deviate from tradition, and change my oil with Valvoline Restore and Protect 5W-30.

---
I was chatting with one of my friends at the Houston company this week, and he is aware of testing in engines, but not up to date on results or clear on what he can divulge yet.
https://www.widman.biz/uploads/Corvair_oil.pdf
https://www.widman.biz/uploads/Transaxle_oil.pdf
http://www.widman.biz/uploads/Polishing_Stainless.pdf
https://www.widman.biz/cars/
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[jimbrandberg]

I was converted from Valvoline Racing 20/50 to Valvoline Racing 10/30 and then converted again to Rotella T4 10/30 where I've been for several years now.
The main reason for my conversion to Rotella was it's easy for folks to find in the store. I throw an empty jug in the trunk so people have a model.
The second reason was because it's cheap, especially if you need to add some on a regular basis.
It will be difficult for me to use an even thinner 5/30 oil but I'll start thinking about it. I've usually not been a synthetic guy either. I'm an old dog and these are new tricks.
Even longer ago I was a Harley guy who converted from 50 to 20/50 so my traditions are thick.

[66vairguy]

Years ago I looked at the Vavoline racing oils. Richard W. was asked about them. To simplify --- the racing oil uses less detergent elements to improve lubricating properties (I said simple). Also the Vavoline racing oil sold in the U.S.A was NOT the same as Europe and Richard W. considered the U.S.A version inferior to the Euro mix. Because of lower detergent you were suppose to change the racing oil more frequently.

Since am not racing ---- I stayed with basic Vavoline 10W30. As for varnish --- Since I change my oil at 1,000 mile intervals the inside of the engine is very clean and so far no indication of unusually wear.

My Dad drove 1961 Chevy wagon with a 283c.i. V8 for 140,000 miles and always changed the oil every 2,000 miles. When he sold the car it still had good compression. Only work done on the engine was water pump, starter, generator, and a carburetor rebuild. At that time Chevrolet had gone to the "extended oil change interval of 4,000 miles" that required more ZDDP in oil (NOTE: First year of extended 4,000 mile oil change was 1959 models). The was a caveat that if you drove in dusty areas, or 1,000 or less miles per month to change oil at 2,000 miles (the interval prior to 1959 models)!!!