apico500
Member
- Joined
- Jan 9, 2010
- Location
- Gainesville, FL
I have heard that synthetic oil is not good for the old engines, Just trying to figure out best oil for my B20 engine. Thanks
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Valvoline VR-1 racing oil has more ZDDP (zinc) than most engine oils as its designed for older flat tappet engines like the B20. Volvo recommends a multi viscosity oil, either 10W-30, 20W-40 or 20W-50 for summer driving but I prefer to use straight 30W.
I'm going to go with either Valvoline 30W or Mobil 1. Going to read the labels and decide.Apico 500. What did you decide to use?
Straight 30W is actually recommended for temperatures above 90?F.
From the 1973 140 owners manual.
Above 10deg F, 20w40, or 20w50.
https://volvo.custhelp.com/app/manuals/OwnersManual/om_id/1905
Love these motor oil discussions.
A few comments.
As I understand it, racing oils have higher zinc and phosphorus that these older engines need but lack many other additives that extend the life of oil, since racing oils are intended to be changed after a few hundred miles, or less.
Indiscriminately adding ZDDP can result in too high a level which is actually disastrous for lifters and cams.
Zinc and phosphorus levels in the 1100-1300 ppm range are what’s needed. For conventional oil I use Napa All Fleet 15W-40, and synthetic, Mobil 1 15W-50, which both have the appropriate levels of Zinc and Phosphorous.
Synthetic oil can also do a good job of cleaning up internal deposits, but you may experience some increased drips and leaks.