FYI,
I been reviewing the new LN site and found this article on Oil for aircooled engines. Oil The purpose of proper lubrication is to provide a physical barrier (oil film) that separates moving parts reducing wear and friction. Oil also supplies cooling to critical engine components, such as bearings. Detergent oils contain dispersants, friction modifiers, and anti-wear additives. They carry away contaminants such as wear particulates and neutralize acids that are formed by combustion byproducts and the natural breakdown of oil. Not all motor oils are created equally when it comes to the levels of additives and detergents used. The focus of this study is on the levels of zinc and phosphorus found in motor oils, more exactly, the zinc (Zn) and phosphorus (P) that makes up the anti-wear additive ZDDP, zinc dialkyl dithiosphosphate. What general characteristics make motor oils specifically well suited to an aircooled engine? Aside from recommendations issued by Porsche, what makes a good oil? These oils must be thermally stable, having a very high flashpoint, and must "maintain proper lubrication and protect vital engine components under the extreme pressure and the high temperature conditions" found in aircooled Porsches. Porsche recommends and uses Mobil 1 0w40 as a factory fill and their 15w50 is a popular choice used by many for their aircooled boxer engines year round in a wide range of climates. Porsche's recommendation in hand, our analysis found that all recent formulations of Mobil lubricants tested, including Mobil 1, have similar 0.14% Zn and 0.14% P content. (Please note that this may only be true of the viscosities tested - 15w50, 20w50, and the Delvac 5w40 and 15w40). Since we are discussing aircooled engines, it is worth noting that the tested Mobil lubricants also contained an unexpected 0.03% boron (B), exceeded only by the levels found in Harley Davidson's SYN3 motor oil, which is specifically formulated for an aircooled engine. So what makes any other oil so different from what Porsche recommends? Oil companies have been cutting back on the use of Zn and P as anti-wear additives. Zn and P have been found to be bad for catalytic converters. This reduction is a mandate issued by API**, American Petroleum Institute, who is in charge of developing standing standards for motor oils. In 1996, API introduced the API SJ classification to reduce these levels to 0.10% or less. The latest API standard for car oils calls for a zinc content less than 0.08% to reduce sulfur, carbon monoxide, and hydrocarbon emissions . To offset the reduction of zinc and phosphorus levels required indirectly by the EPA**, molybdenum disulfide content has been increased. Although considered an anti-wear additive, the use of "moly" has been considered a way of increasing fuel economy requirements of the CAFE (Corporate Average Fuel Economy, enacted by Congress in 1975), and does not address wear issues of older vehicles that require higher levels of Zn and P. That said, many manufacturer specific motor oils do not have moly at all and have alternatively reduced oil viscosities as a way of improving fuel economy - i.e. 5w20 multi-grade oils. As a result of this mandate for longer emissions warranties, some motor oils now have as little as 0.05% zinc and phosphorus and many of the motor oils we tested did not have the levels as found in, for example, Mobil 1. In comparison, an API SE rated sample of Kendal GT-1 motor oil we acquired pre-dating today's limited Zn and P mandates contained 0.14% Zn and 0.12% P. Given Porsche's recommendation of Mobil 1 and its 0.14% zinc and phosphorus content, it can be concluded that any given motor oil should have a minimum of 0.14% zinc and 0.12% phosphorus for aircooled engines. **The EPA does not regulate additive levels, but they have mandated longer factory warranties for emissions controls such as catalytic convertors, and it is the manufacturers reducing the levels of anti-wear additives to reduce their negative effect on these expensive warranty items. However, it is worth noting that these new API guidelines do not apply to "racing," "severe duty," or any motor oils that do not carry an API "starburst" seal . Motor oils meeting "Energy Conserving I or II" standards should be avoided, as should 10w40 and 5w50 grades, because of their lack of shear-stability and relatively high amount of viscosity improvers. On the other hand, a 15w40 viscosity oil is very shear stable, second only to 20w50, making both grades excellent choices for aircooled engines. Compared to conventional oils, synthetics, which are typically lacking in viscosity improvers, have higher viscosities and improved resistance to thinning at high temperatures and thickening at low temperatures. For those concerned with leaks, an acceptable compromise is the use of group III synthetics, formulated from very highly refined petroleum bases, less likely to form new leaks or make existing ones worse, while providing improved protection over conventional motor oils. Most, but not all, conventional and synthetic mixed-fleet, severe duty, and racing motor oils meet or exceed the levels of Zn and P found in Mobil 1, as recommended by Porsche. Failure to use the right oil, use proper filtration, or observe proper changing intervals can affect the performance of even the best motor oil. This also includes changing the oil too often. Against conventional wisdom, engine wear decreases as oil ages to a certain extent, which means that changing your oil more frequently actually causes engine wear; these findings were substantiated by studies conducted by the auto manufacturers and petroleum companies. With this knowledge in hand, using a quality motor oil with proper filtration and suggested drain intervals, as recommended by Porsche, is the best thing to do for your engine and to protect your investment. Charles L Navarro & Tammy E Hellings LN Engineering Ronald R. Eason Sr. President / CEO Ph: 816-468-4091 Fax: 816-468-5465 http://www.jrl-engineering.com Our Attitude Makes The Difference! -----Original Message----- From: krnet-bounces+ron=jrl-engineering....@mylist.net [mailto:krnet-bounces+ron=jrl-engineering....@mylist.net] On Behalf Of Ronald R.Eason Sent: Monday, July 10, 2006 8:36 PM To: 'KRnet' Subject: KR> LN fuel injection kits for VW's FYI, http://www.lnengineering.com/fi.html Looks like a good system and good manufactures. You can custom fab to suit your conditions. Ronald R. Eason Sr. President / CEO Ph: 816-468-4091 Fax: 816-468-5465 http://www.jrl-engineering.com Our Attitude Makes The Difference! _______________________________________ Search the KRnet Archives at http://www.maddyhome.com/krsrch/index.jsp to UNsubscribe from KRnet, send a message to krnet-le...@mylist.net please see other KRnet info at http://www.krnet.org/info.html
