My husband and I recently acquired a 1959 Plymouth Fury. We were told to use oil with zinc in it … only we’re not sure how to acquire it. The previous owner said we should use a 10W30 zinc oil. Anyone know who makes this kind of oil and where to buy it?
Rick Clapham (Ricky Mopar) can answer this question on what current Oil’'s may contain the Zinc additives. I know there is a Zinc only additive that can be bought but which Auto parts chain who may stock them is unknown to me.
Rick are you out there? Maybe John Fowlie (Big M) could answer this question too…
Thank you! I also contacted Valvoline directly, they were able to give me some advice: “… any Valvoline Motor Oil in a 10w30 will contain enough ZDDP (zinc) to protect the engine as long as the engine is already broken in, stock, and does not have a high pressure aggressive camshaft. We would recommend the use of our Valvoline Premium Conventional or MaxLife High Mileage 10w30 engine oils. If you have a modified engine or you are still concerned about ZDDP (zinc) content we would also recommend our VR1 Racing Conventional Motor Oil 10w30 part number 822388. The VR1 has a 70% higher ZDDP content than any of our other gasoline engine oils.”
The challenge is finding the VR1 oil. We have a place that thinks they can special order it, but we’re not sure. Since we just got the car and don’t know what’s been done to this “rebuilt” engine, we figured the VR1 is the safest bet. Naturally, then, it’s going to be the hardest to find. We could always order from Valvoline direct I suppose …
Hi Christine - I use Shell Rotella T, 15W-40. It is a heavy duty diesel oil with a high Zinc content. Most auto parts store stock a zinc additive for older cars.
Dick.
Just saw this thread-
Another thing you can do is to use some engine break-in additive with each oil change, just be sure the label reads ZDDP. I have been using the Royal Purple break-in oil, and have had no problems.
I use Brad Penn{formerly Kendall Motor Oil] 20w 50w good for break in but run it all the time. It has zinc for flat tappet engines,also run it in my 55 Buick,it is semi synthetic,excellent product!! Mark M