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It was recommended to me to use a high zinc content oil in my 181 air cooled original engine. I have been using Mobil One synthetic....what do you suggest?

Personally, I am using Rosella Synthhetic

This Mobil 1 product guide can help your choices.

http://www.mobiloil.com/USA-English/Mot ... _Guide.pdf

I run 0W40 in my baja and 10W30 Extended in my street car. Both are high strung 2275cc hotrod engines.

VR-1

Most newer oil formulations have cut way back on the zinc/phosphorus ("ZDDP") additive package which solid-lifter engines need since modern engines have pretty much all gone to OHC or roller-lifter designs that survive without it, and it can shorten catalytic converter life. Even Castrol GTX, once a good choice for ACVWs, has gone this route. It's especially important during initial break-in and when higher valve spring pressures are used; in my experience a "veteran" stock motor with many thousands of miles on it doesn't need as much protection, but it's still fairly cheap insurance.
You can buy ZDDP additive to boost the numbers of any oil, but use it judiciously - too much can actually be counterproductive. Some manufacturers publish the zinc & phosphorus contents separately; some combine them. Most use parts-per-million, but some go by percentage instead so it can be a bit challenging to figure out just what's in there.
Valvoline's VR-1 (various formulations available) and Brad Penn (modern-day incarnation of the good ol' Kendall GT-1) both retain an adequate ZDDP package and the VR-1 isn't hard to find - there's a synthetic version available if that's your preference.

http://classiccars.about.com/od/mainten ... ditive.htm
http://www.eastwood.com/eastwood-s-zddp ... itive.html#
http://www.summitracing.com/parts/ISK-ZDDP/

helowrench wrote:Personally, I am using Rosella Synthhetic

-20 for spelling. >;-)

Rotella T6 5W-40 (blue bottle) reasonably priced by the gallon at wally world.

The 15W40 in the white jug has a marginal 1100 ppm zinc, should be fine for mild setups, would not use for break in without a shot of additive.

I used VR1 10W-30 for break in on my most recent build, then went to rotella T6 after 5K.

I'm going to be running this in my new engine.

http://www.drivenracingoil.com/dro/dt50 ... 5w-50html/



I have close to 5k in the new engine... oil is VERY important to me.

Swepco also makes oil for the older tappet cam engines

mountainkowboy wrote:Swepco also makes oil for the older tappet cam engines

They also make very fine gear oil.