Aussie Oil Recommendation

[ossie]

I have read with interest the numerous concerns with the reduced ZDDP content of the newer CJ-4/SM oils.
For the benefit of those people living in Australia I have copied the email I sent to Penrite Oil Company and there response;

"Hi There
I own a 1984 Porsche 3.2 Carrera and have just purchased HPR 15 for the engine.
I have read on some websites that oils that meet API SM requirements should be avoided as they have reduced anti wear additive ZDDP ( zinc dialkyl dithiophosphate)
Since the introduction of the new CJ-4 / SM motor oils, there has been lots of discussion about what to do. For those of you who do not know, the latest motor oil formulations have significantly reduced the anti-wear additive ZDDP (provides phosphorus and zinc).
Per SAE papers, approximately 1400 to 1500 ppm of Zn and P are needed. This level needs to be adjusted based on the levels of detergents present as well to prevent premature wear of rotating parts like camshafts in cars that have flat tappets (like our older Porsches). [edited 11/3/2008]
Newer cars have roller tappets to help save fuel. As a side benefit, they do not require the level of ZDDP that non-roller tappets require. Until the advent of the CJ4 / SM grades now currently offered, the ZDDP Levels of quality motor oils provided the phosphorus and zinc we needed"

Whilst I note that Penrite recommends HPR 15 for the engine of my car I now have some doubt as to its long term engine wear protection in light of the above comment.
Are you able to confirm that the levels of ZDDP in the new formula HPR 15 match the levels in the older SG/SJ pre SM standard.
Porsche recommends oil with 0.14% Zn and 0.14% P
If HPR 15 does not meet these Zn and P levels is there a suitable Penrite oil that does?

Penrite's Response:

" Thank you for your enquiry.

API SM oils do have restrictions on ZDDP content, but this only applies to oil viscosities of SAE 0W-20, 0W-30, 5W-20, 5W-30 and 10W-30. Any other grades are exempt from this.

Rather than lower the zinc levels in our products, Penrite have created a new range of products for vehicles that take low SAPS oils. The current batch of HPR 15 contains 1200ppm zinc.

We do not agree with the excerpt from the SAE papers that you have provided, as we have not had any problems with our non-low zinc oils. Oils of that zinc and phosphorus level have been rare over the last 10-15 years.

Please note that HPR 15 has never contained 0.14% zinc or phosphorus and has never had any problems.


Trust this is of some assistance .

[Adelaide901]

I think that helped (?)
So what oil do you use? It is hard to readily get anything decent in Adelaide. The guy who was importing Swepco products (Nas - great guy) seems to have packed up shop.

[Mark McClure]

I also started to read the oil threads and started to look into it. I spoke with Redline and they have assured me that their oil is fine.....however it is a $400 excercise to change the oil. Having said that they say that you only need to change the oil every 30k, therefore making it cheaper in the long run.....cost vs price.

I have used a Nulon racing oil just now for a short bedding in period and will change to....? not sure maybe redline maybe Mobil1. I also have a few small oli leaks ( 3 x rear main seals ) and the synthetic oils will not help this.

Let me know where you go with this?

Cheers

Mark........

[geoz]

there is also an 'aussie' aussie oil thread.

Oil

[sancho]

hi guys
I have always wondered which oils to use on my car as well,
After I got my car (5 years ago) I spoke to the service manager from an approved porsche dealer who has been in the job for the last 30 years,
he said, they used to use either BP 20w-50 or mobil one 20w-50, I believe you can still find BP mineral based oils which porsche dealerships used from the early days on our cars and it's not that expensive either, something like $90 per 4 liters.
as for me I will stick with Mobil one 20w 50 it served me well over the last 5 years and never leaked a drop or overheated in sunny Perth.
I hope this helps

[ossie]

HPR 15 it seemed to tick most boxes and I was impressed with the technical support provided by the comapany