Ranger16
Well-Known Member
I broke my flat tappet Comp Cam in with Rotella a few years ago. Installed it in spring and left that oil in all year. Changed it the next summer. Still running strong.
Rotella for break in fresh 440
- Thread starter Grabbergreendream
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shepherm
Active Member
So I'm no expert here, but I have done quite a bit of research on this topic. With that said, I don't think Rotella (1200 ppm), Mobil (Racing (1850 ppm) or VTwin (1750 ppm)), or Valvoline VR1 (1300 ppm) by themselves have enough ZDDP for break-in. They are good oil to run for normal use but you want more ZDDP. Also, make sure if you are buying Rotella for normal use, make sure it is API CK-4 some of their oil isn't.
https://www.mymilesmatter.com/articles/ask-the-expert-1
I've never used this additive, however they claim to get pretty high ZDDP (3000+ ppm) numbers for break-in.
https://www.amazon.com/REV-X-ZDDP-Oil-Additive-Concentrated/dp/B01LZ4M2BA/ref=sr_1_7?crid=3PSH8S1RZVZ53&keywords=zddp&qid=1642125721&sprefix=zddp,aps,308&sr=8-7
You can use this with any SN oil and get the level up to 1700-1800 ppm, which is great for normal use oil.
https://www.amazon.com/Rislone-4405-Supplement-Concentrate-Treatment/dp/B0075559UY/ref=sr_1_27?crid=3PSH8S1RZVZ53&keywords=zddp&qid=1642125833&sprefix=zddp,aps,308&sr=8-27&th=1
https://www.mymilesmatter.com/articles/ask-the-expert-1
I've never used this additive, however they claim to get pretty high ZDDP (3000+ ppm) numbers for break-in.
https://www.amazon.com/REV-X-ZDDP-Oil-Additive-Concentrated/dp/B01LZ4M2BA/ref=sr_1_7?crid=3PSH8S1RZVZ53&keywords=zddp&qid=1642125721&sprefix=zddp,aps,308&sr=8-7
You can use this with any SN oil and get the level up to 1700-1800 ppm, which is great for normal use oil.
https://www.amazon.com/Rislone-4405-Supplement-Concentrate-Treatment/dp/B0075559UY/ref=sr_1_27?crid=3PSH8S1RZVZ53&keywords=zddp&qid=1642125833&sprefix=zddp,aps,308&sr=8-27&th=1
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shepherm
Active Member
I think its a tough balance between cleaning and protection. It's my understanding most oils, even high ZDDP oils like Amsoil Z-Rod are also high detergent oils. Do you recommend a different oil?
I'm not sure if all CK-4 does or not. I know Rotella does. I do remember Ford stating not to use CK-4 in their diesels because of wear issues.
When I build my new engine, at least a year away, I'll be doing oil samples to verify protection.
Edit: Link to Ford's letter from 2016
https://jobbersworldblog.files.word...tm_campaign=November+2,+2016&utm_medium=email
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The problem with additives in a motor oil is that you do not know. It may mix well chemically, or it may not. You have no idea unless you run thousands of hours of tests to confirm. The best way to sleep at night is to use an oil that is formulated with the stuff you want in the first place. There are plenty of them out there and sure they cost more.
The right oil is cheap insurance after a pricey build...
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I thought the CI-4 was the better stuff? Been using Rotella for 20 years now but the newer stuff does not have the higher levels of ZDDP in it.....but right now, I'm not running anything without roller cams.
shepherm
Active Member
I believe CI-4 is an older spec and better, however I don't believe any of the Rotella is CI-4 anymore. It's labeled for CK-4, CF-2, or something other. Its best to look at the back of the container before you buy, but I think the T4, T5, T6 oil is CK-4 and should be labeled like below.
If it's T1, T5 ultra or one of the gas engine oils it's going to meet a different spec like the one below.
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