Re: Motor oil for older engines

["Jim Blair" <carnuck@xxxxxxxxxxx>]

A: You have to check the oil's ratings to see if it qualifies for gas and 
diesel. I run Chevron Delo 400 15W40 in my Jeeps and haven't had a wear 
related failure yet. (unless the motor was run OUT of oil, like my '83 
Cherokee when the oil sender blew off and I drove 30 miles w/o oil)


From: "Jay" <jciampi@xxxxxxxx>
To: "AMC LIST" <mail@xxxxxxxxxxxx>
Subject: Motor oil for older engines
Date: Sat, 6 Nov 2004 07:03:21 -0500

I was reading a "tech Tip" in a Nash Club regional newsletter the other day
stating that we, who own cars with pre-cat.converter engines, should use
Diesel motor oil as it still contains ZINC for lubricating cam lobes,
valves,etc.
Modern engine with Cats don't need  Zinc as they use hardened parts and Zinc
will totally ruin a Cat.  Modern gasoline engine motor oils do NOT contain
any Zinc for that reason.

Anyone out there that confirms that we need Zinc or  can refute the
statement that Zinc isn't  necessary?  I have never looked at a bottle/can
of diesel motor oil to what it contains, so I have no idea if this is a
genuine concern for older engines or not.  if your engine has been
overhauled with modern components, Zinc would not be necessary for your
engine lubrication.


Jay in FL.