How much ZDDP for break-in?
 

I'm getting closer to starting my rebuilt engine. It seems to be agreed that adding ZDDP to the oil would be beneficial to the cam and lifters. I also read that too much ZDDP is worse than not enough. Looking for a product to use, I found that Redline 81403 Additive with ZDDP tells how much ZDDP is added the the oil. I plan to use Rotella 10W-30 diesel oil for start-up. The best I can tell it has about 1000 ppm ZDDP. If I knew what the recommended concentration for break-in is, I could get pretty close by adding the correct amount of Redline. Is there an established ppm of ZDDP that I should shoot for?

Re: How much ZDDP for break-in?
 

For breaking in the cam, assembly lube and correct breakin procedure is more importent then the ZDDP being off the chart high in my opinion.
I spray camshaft and lifters with dry assembly cote and use a good grease.
Use a breakin oil from some of the known brands.
The standard oil i use from Agrol has 1800.

Re: How much ZDDP for break-in?
 

The best oil for engine break-in is...break-in oil, available from Joe Gibbs, Lucas, Comp cams, Royal Purple etc. Adding any additive to oil is not going to be as effective as using oil with the desired additives already included, and too much ZDDP can be more harmful than not enough.
IMO, diesel oil is not the best oil for gasoline engines, in spite of possible higher ZDDP levels, which have also been lowered over the years because of diesel particulate pollution controls.

Re: How much ZDDP for break-in?
 

V-8 Bob is right on.

Re: How much ZDDP for break-in?
 

ZDDP is a big deal with flat tappet cams AND high valve spring pressure. Flathead valve spring pressure is relatively low compaited to high performance OHV engines, so it is not much of an issue. Keeping the RPMs up and varying the speed around are far more important (in addition to the comments above) than adding additional ZDDP.

Re: How much ZDDP for break-in?
 

Oil isnt something the companies invent in a black box...there is just components and then a label.
What we have to start with is a baseoil, mineral or different upgrades to fully synthetic...still came out of the ground from start.
Then there are additives to fix.
1: Add protection to the engine
2: Keep the engine clean.
A diesel needs more detergent to keep it clean and that can affect the rings in a gas engine negative, so that is why superfleet longlife extra super duper aint first choice for a gas engine.
Cam and tappets aint different so the additives for this part is same same.
Modern catalytic converters and particle filters with regeneration is a pain in the rear that just hates any kind of metal additives and forces the reduction of ZDDP and other additives.
My choice of oil is based on mineral oil and not even close to fitting a EURO5 engine or longlife extended service.
Breakin oils has a ZDDP in the 4000 range.

Re: How much ZDDP for break-in?
 

OK, advice appreciated and taken. I have break-in oil ordered.