Anthonyb

Do I need to put a zinc additive in my oil when I change it? I never new this was an issue until I read some stuff elsewhere in the forum. I used to use Mobil Clean High Mileage(already has a higher zinc content) but apparently Mobil stopped making it, so my last oil change (1/1/11) I switched over to regular Mobil Clean 5000. The PO took it to Valvoline(it had the sticker in the window when I bought it) and I can't imagine they had an additive in it. So now I am concerned that I need the additive. Can anyone give me a good answer and if it is yeas, please recommend a good additive to purchase. Thanks.

89Laredo

some people say yes, others say no... Its kind of a hard topic.
If it makes you feel better, get some. You could get a non-api rated oil, a diesel oil, etc. or just run a standard oil with an additive. ( dont know any names, dont run an add.)

I do know the additive is like 10 buck a bottle though.

Tural

i guess, it's one of those things that you will probably see no visible benefit, unless you blow your motor one day, and someone says that you should have used zinc additive.
but since most of us get well over 200k miles out of these motors, i don't see how regular oil is any different. i change mine every 3k miles on the clock, and they run very well.

Shaggimo

This has been going on for many years now, if you haven't been effected by the lack of additive by now, you have no need to worry. Even diesel oils have been stripped of their zinc (not completely, but much lower than 5 years ago). If you are worried, Valvoline VR1 racing oil still has the zinc content necessary for high performance, and older engines. It also comes in multi grade, your local napa (only place I've been able to get it) should be able to order your desired weight. This scenario mainly has to do with hp engines with flat tappet camshafts, the new oils don't have the zinc required for break the in period, so a lobe may get wiped out. In service engines for the most part will not notice the difference. I however, do spend the extra coin for the high zinc oil in all my engines, gives me that extra piece of mind, lol.

DuMan

LUCAS!!

xjrev10

yep good stuff.

Shaggimo

It's not a zinc additive though, I do agree it's great stuff, I've used it on every oil change for the past 9 years on my V8. The engine is always spotless when I remove the intake and oil pan every couple of years . Jeep gets lucas too, lol.