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MG TD TF 1500 - Valvoline VR-1 Racing oil

Gordon: I don't want to take the oil leak thread in a new direction, so I'll ask here as it's likely to spur some more debate.

I believe there was a thread that addressed the racing oil not too long ago, but I can't find it. We had a tech session today, and a well known local engine rebuilder gave a talk on oils and ZDDP, etc. The common additives were discussed (Straight ZDDP, STP Oil Treatment (red bottle), GM EOS). Also disussed the Valvoline VR-1 Racing Oil. His opinion was, although the ZDDP content was fine, but as racing oil is not kept in the car very long, it does not have the detergent capabilities of other oils(no real need for it), if used in our non-racing LBCs the lack of detergent could allow sludge build up between oil changes.

Opinions?

Larry
Larry Karpman

If it were my day to day car, racing oil might not be the best choice, but for the TD and my MGB, the oil is changed much more frequently.

This is probably a discussion we are not going to know for some time. All car and motorcycle clubs are discussing this topic.

I am just going with as close as I can to what we used to get. Valvoline is one choice. I like it because it is easily available, but there are other manufacturers that are producing old formula oils.
Bruce-C

There are still some "store brand" SF oils out there I understand. I think it's just easier to use whatever your favorite quality non SF oil is, and throw in the ZDDP, with STP or GM EOS. 1 bottle of EOS should be good for 4 oil changes.

Cheers

Larry
Larry Karpman

Larry.
The problem is the STP Red and the GM EOS have been removed from the market. GM recalled it from the dealers.

A new product ZDDP Plus has appeared designed to allow you to use the current API oils and give you the right amount of ZDDP fpr our cars.

Go to www.zddplus.com

A good write up on ZDDP and oyher solutions, their product, etc.

and you can order from the Web site

Just add a bottle at oil change to your current 20W-50.

Folks if the oil is API SM the ZDDP level is too low for our engines,
regardless of what the oil sales people say.

Shell Rotella no longer has 0.12% zddp also

If your car was well broken in with adaquate ZDDP levels, it will be a while before the problem rears its ugly head. So if you only go for short drives in the summer don't worry about it. Your cam will out last you.
But if you put hard, high speed miles for hours at a time..the youu need ZDDP.
Don Harmer

Thanks Don. I did mention the ZDDP additive. The one from Moss at $9.95 comes in a 4 oz. bottle, and would be good for one oil change. I did go to STP's web site last night, and they are still advertising the 4 cyl. Oil Treatment in the red bottle. Perhaps they haven't got around to updating the site. I DO know, it's hard to find on the shelves. I've also have 1 16 oz. bottle of GM EOS on hand, so I should be good for a bit.

In any case, the debate goes on, and I'm sure we will be talking about this for a while.

Cheers

Larry
Larry Karpman

EOS was rereleased in Dec 07. The new part is #88862586 .
Tony
Tony Shoviak

Since I was a new TD owner a few years ago I asked some of my experienced club members what to use and they recommended Mobil 1 Full Synthetic Super Syn-Extended Performance 15w50 SL. I did and was pleased to see better engine performance and, as a bonus, almost no drips.
When this issue came up I contacted Mobil and was told they have not reduced the P content (1343) or the ZN (1390) and were not planning on doing so.
It is not only available at Mobile stations but also at some auto parts stores and places like Walmart.
Anyone else out there have any experience with this oil?

Keep 'em rolling,
George
GF Metz

I have been using (Conoco-Phillips) Kendall GT-1 20W-50. This oil has 11.8% ZDDP and is API Service SL.
If you go to the Kendall website and open up the specifictions and MSDS info. you will see that this oil is formulated for "flat tappet" type engines.
Colin Stafford

This thread was discussed between 27/04/2008 and 28/04/2008

MG TD TF 1500 index

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