I've often seen it stated not to use synthetic oil when running-in an engine, but to use running-in oil.

If it's not a stupid question - what is running-in oil?

Running in oil is specially formulated to aid in bedding in of new rubbing components such as bearing, journals, pistons, rimgs, cams and buckets. It typically contains high levels of anti scuff agents ( such as ZDDP) and low levels of friction modifiers in its formulation package to give optimum friction ;levels for bedding in components rapidly and good protection so they bed in properly.

it is only intended to be used for the first 1000km,s or so during the running in and should not be used for extended periods.

cheers
Rohan

From my experience Brian,which is until my plus 2 all motorbikes,i have always used mineral oil for first 500 mile then switched to syns.I believe this allows a little more friction between moving parts ,wearing down peaks and results in better bedding in.Always worked for me...


Ian.

Thanks Ian, that's what I intended to do.

But I take Rohan's point very well, a good mineral oil laced with ZDDP would be even better.

I just didn't know running-in oil existed - how ignorant can someone my age be.

Now I look, all the relevant websites sell it.

Hi

Saw this on Burton Power Products website:

https://www.burtonpower.com/product_mai ... /zddp.html

It seems to be saying all non-cat engines should be running with this product added to the oil at all times.
What do you guys think? Is it worth adding?

Jason

Jason,

Thank's for rubbing it in.

I saw this and the Miller's running-in oil at exactly the same time as the door bell went to receive a post free delivery from Burton.

Hi

I have always used the Classic 20/50 oil from Halfords, never really thought why it was called Classic oil.

Not sure if it contains ZDDP or just that it is a mineral oil?

Jason

Thanks for the link Jason. I've always used Valvoline VR1 Racing mineral oil largely because of the ZDDP issue, but now you've pointed out the ZDDP additive I may change to a synthetic + additive. I'm in the Burtons catalogue often enough, how did I miss it?

Vernon

Running in oil is SAE30 (not multigrade). I have used it in my mower for years. Didn't know it had anything special in it.

Pete

http://www.penriteoil.com.au/products/s ... ing-in_oil

This is the running in oil i have used in Australia for a number of years with very good success in multiple twin cam rebuilds. Other major lubricant supply companies in the USA and Europe make similar products.

cheers
Rohan

Rohan,
What type/brand of oil do you use, for street use, after the running in period using the Penrite running-in oil.
Thanks,
Colin.

I have been using either Fuchs or Valvoline 10w-50 full synthetic oil recently for road use in the Plus 2 and Esprit - stocked by SuperCheap Auto at a good price.

cheers
Rohan

Are you adding ZDDP to that Rohan? Or is it not needed?
I suspect you would be one of the persons on here that would know if this product is worth adding.

Jason

I believe the levels of ZDDP in modern synthetics are adequate for a properly built and run in road going elan and I dont add extra in my Esprit or Plus 2 and I have seen no problems with cam or follower wear over the last 20 years with these cars. My Landcruiser has done 220,000km in the last 9 years, it has a very similar cam and bucket design to the twin cam and Lotus 907 engines and again I have seen no wear running it on modern synthetics.

However if you feel at all uncertain adding extra ZDDP or using a high ZDDP product does not hurt. In my race engines in the Elan I use Redline oil with high ZDDP due to the high loadings on the cam and followers due to high revs, high tmeperatures and radical cam profile.


By properly built and road going I mean
1. Correct valve spring loads on cam
2. Not a radical race cam profile
3. Cast Iron cam and nitrided steel buckets

Once the engine is run in you do not need high levels of ZDDP as the high levels are only required during the intial bedding in period, lower levels are adequate once the engine is run in.

The problems experienced in some engines with modern lower ZDDP levels I believe are due to problems inherent in orginal design not present in the twin cam ( eg small highly load followers, inverted followers with poor lubrication) problems with modified cam profiles or springs from original putting higher loads on the cam / followers interface ( i.e a lot of the problems are report by race shops building modified engines) or use of incompatible cam and follower materials ( eg steel cams and steel followers) or incorrect hardness differential between the components. Also many of the problems are reported early in the engines life and probably relate to not using a correct running in oil or running in procedure
cheers
Rohan

Thanks Rohan very informative.

I'll go for the fully synthetic oil next oil change.

Thanks

Jason