Tag: zinc

Driven Racing Oil Tech Bulletin: CK-4 Diesel Oil Wear Warning

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Editor’s Note: Our friends over at Driven Racing Oil produced this technical bulletin alerting consumers to the possibility of increased wear issues related to the new CK-4 diesel oil formulation. To find Driven Racing Oil products at your nearest Parts Pro™ affiliate, see our Store Locator.

Driven Racing Oil CK-4 Diesel Oil Update

Diesel engine oil makers recently changed from the decade-old CJ-4 formulation to the new CK-4 formulation. While intended to be an upgrade, the new CK-4 formulation has been met with resistance and even an outright “do not use” warning from Ford Motor Company.

Just before the new CK-4 specification went into effect in December 2016, Ford Motor Company issued a service bulletin stating that Ford 6.7L diesel engines should not use the new oil, citing identified wear issues. In fact, Ford also issued a new oil specification closely aligned with the previous CJ-4 formulation and called for its use in Ford 6.7L diesel engines. So what’s going on here?

Previous API diesel oil specifications, like CJ-4, had to pass the ASTM Sequence IIIG valve train wear and oxidation test, which measures flat tappet cam and lifter wear as well as other parameters. This is not true of the new CK-4 specification.

Diesel engine oils have historically contained higher levels of the anti-wear additive ZDDP. With more oil marketers wishing to supply “universal” oils that meet both API SN requirements for gasoline engines and API CK-4 requirements for diesel engines, the levels of ZDDP have dropped in some CK-4 oils. Without the Sequence IIIG flat tappet cam wear test, it appears that some of these lower-ZDDP diesel oils are causing increased wear in diesel engines. This should serve as a word of caution for all users of diesel engine oil—regardless of whether you own a 6.7L Ford.

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Though this is not a paid review, this content has been produced by The AAM Group in support of manufacturers with whom it has a business relationship.

Driven Racing Oil Tech Bulletin: Stamped Steel Rocker Arm Break-In and Maintenance

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Editor’s Note: Our friends over at Driven Racing Oil produced this technical bulletin of recommended steps and products that can prevent failure and extend the life of engines using stamped steel rocker arms. To find Driven Racing Oil products at your nearest Parts Pro™ affiliate, see our Store Locator.

Many classes of racing require the use of stamped steel rocker arms, and many budget crate engines use them as well. Because stamped steel rocker arms do not feature a roller bearing pivot, they generate more friction. As a result, improper break-in and operation can dramatically shorten the life of stamped steel rocker arms.

To increase longevity, Driven Racing Oil recommends pre-lubing the inside cup of the rocker arm with Engine Assembly Grease (PN 00732). After installing the rocker arms and setting the valve lash, pour break-in oil (PN 03706) over the rocker arm assembly (16 oz per side on V8 or V6 engines). Upon start-up, bring the engine speed up to 2,800 RPM and hold steady for 10 minutes. Afterward, shut down the engine and allow it to cool down for 10 minutes. Restart the engine and bring the engine speed back to 2,800 RPM for 10 more minutes. The rocker arms are now properly broken in. To maintain proper protection, the use of synthetic motor oil is recommended (PN 03206). Conventional motor oils, even high-zinc racing oils, DO NOT provide the required friction reduction needed to properly protect stamped steel rocker arms. Endurance testing shows that synthetic motor oil reduces oil temperature, wear, and friction.

Driven Racing Oil Stamped Steel Rocker Arms

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Though this is not a paid review, this content has been produced by The AAM Group in support of manufacturers with whom it has a business relationship.