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MG TD TF 1500 - Shell Rotella oil really needed?

When in Denver recently at a genuine mg specialist (Sports Car Craftsman - an awsome place if you ever ge the chance!) it was recommended I use Shell Rotella motor oil in my '50 TD. Unfortunately, I used up quite a bit so far in my attempts to install new oil filter assembly (see other thread). They indicated Rotella has some "stuff" in it that is "good for older British motors". They also said Rotella is being phased out this year. What brand of oil do you guys recommend or use?
Thanks!
Ed
efh Ed

This is the old argument about modern oils eliminating zinc / ZDDP in order to prevent damage to catalytic converters. The lack of ZDDP is reported to cause damage to flat tappets. There is a lot of discussion on this in the archives.

The bottom line, from my research, is that the new oils are fine for an engine that is already broken in. Additional zinc is only needed for the break-in period.

Additionally, switching a high mileage engine from dino oil to diesel oil can be dangerous. Diesel oil contains far more detergents and can knock loose grunge within the engine. These chunks can clog oil passages and cause various other problems. The same goes for switching from dino to synthetic oil. I'd stay with what you were using before, or at most switch to a semi-synthetic.
Steve Simmons

Ed, I've personally switched to Valvoline VR-1 20W-50 Racing Oil after many years with Castrol.
Bud Krueger

The reason they suggested the Rotella Ed, is because it has traditionally had the higher concentrations of zinc that flat tappet cams are in need of. That is now changed as the diesel engines must meet new tailpipe laws and the zinc has to go. I agree with Steve about swaping oils but disagree about not needing zinc oil on engines already broken in. Most ( but certainly not all) of the TD's and TF's here are not daily drivers and frequently set for long spells. This can leave the lifters with a less than optimal oil film during start up, which in theory the zinc would provide the needed protection. Many here have switched to Vavoline racing oil for protection. I understand that the standard bearer for most of us for the last 50 years ( Castrol) has introduced a new 20w 50 with our needs in mind although I haven't seen it on the shelf yet.

LaVerne
LaVerne

the zinc thing has been hashed out here. i am in "the this is probably going to fall in the same category as all of the horror stories about lead removal from gas" group..but regardless of your thoughts there is another story in old cars weekly that independent studies show you can get too much of a good thing. too much zinc causes a whole raft of problems. there is a pretty narrow per cent content of zinc that is not harmful. as always do your home work. regards, tom
tm peterson

This thread was discussed between 17/10/2007 and 20/10/2007

MG TD TF 1500 index

This thread is from the archive. The Live MG TD TF 1500 BBS is active now.