The reduction of zinc in engine oils can adversely affect your classic Mustang's engine.  Listen Up!

If you own a classic Mustang with flat-tappet camshaft, you need to pay close attention to recent changes in engine oil.  For environmental reasons (damage to catalytic converters), the manufacturers have reduced or eliminated the use of Zinc Dialkyl Dithiophosphate (ZDDP) in motor oils. ZDDP is an anti-friction additive especially important to engine life where a flat-tappet camshaft is used.

When we checked with Comp Cams about this issue, we learned this problem isn't just the subject of rumor and fear, but the real thing. Without ZDDP in your engine oil, your flat tappet camshaft and lifters will be damaged.  But all is not lost because you do have options.  There are additives you can put in your oil that can help.  You may also use engine oil engineered for diesel engines that has ZDDP which will also help.

Comp Cams has some good suggestions for those of you with flat tappet camshafts. 

*  Having your flat tappet camshaft nitrided to improve hardness before installation. Pro Plasma Nitriding is a patented process that uses a pulsed nitrogen plasma to infuse nitrogen ions into the cast iron camshaft.  This goes approximately .010" into the iron to make it harder.  Comp Cams can do this in-house for you.  Ask for Comp Cams #1-111-1 customer-requested service.

*  The use of a diesel-specific engine oil, such as Shell Rotella T 15w40 heavy-duty for diesel engines which has the anti-friction additives your flat tappet engine needs. 

*  The use of racing and off-road anti-friction engine oils.

*  The use of engine oil supplements like Comp Cams #153 anti-friction additive or Break-In Oil Additive #159.

*  Comp Cams also offers special flat tappet lifters with oil holes to flood camlobe with oil during operation (#817-16 for small-block Fords).

*  MCE Engines in Los Angeles also strongly suggest the use of ASL's Cam Guard (www.aslcamguard.com) anti-friction oil additive for aircraft piston engines.  At $30 a bottle, it isn't cheap, but it can save your engine.

Always remember that with a new flat tappet camshaft, you have to work harden the camlobes when the engine is first fired.  This means running the engine at 2500 rpm for 30 minutes when fired.  You want good splash and spray lubrication when you first fire an engine.  That's why we run the engine at 2500 rpm.  We're also work hardening the camlobes and lifters in the process.

Expect to see something on this important issue in Mustang Monthly.