General Automotive Technical Discussion - Castrol GTX Classic 20W50 high zinc oil?

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Castrol GTX Classic 20W50 high zinc oil?

Printed From: The Ford Torino Page
Category: Model Specific Forum
Forum Name: General Automotive Technical Discussion
Forum Description: Technical Automotive discussion of anything not specific to mid-size Ford/Merc
URL: https://forum.grantorinosport.org/forum_posts.asp?TID=20427
Printed Date: 22-March-2023 at 7:23AM
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Topic: Castrol GTX Classic 20W50 high zinc oil?

Posted By: Inkara1
Subject: Castrol GTX Classic 20W50 high zinc oil?
Date Posted: 04-October-2022 at 5:33AM

My local Walmart now carries Castrol GTX Classic oil that advertises high zinc content (1,400 ppm max). It's available in quart bottles or a 5-quart jug for about $25. Only thing is it only comes in 20W50. Any thoughts on using that weight? The same Walmart carries Motorcraft diesel oil in 10W30 and 10W40 weights. An analysis I found online for the 10W30 says 1,206 ppm of zinc. Thoughts?

Car variables to help with decision: I live in the high desert of California to give an idea of the weather conditions. The engine is a 1972 351C that started as 2V but had the intake swapped to 4V. It has 91K miles, but I don't know the rebuild history if any. I did find a lot of pieces of valve stem seals when I pulled the valve covers. It went through 1.5-2 quarts of oil in a ~250-mile trip, but I don't know how much of that leaked out, how much went through the valve guides, how much if any went past the rings, etc. I don't know what my oil pressure is other than it's enough to turn off the idiot light.

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1972 Gran Torino station wagon, light blue, 351C 2V, prior owner upgraded to 4V (2V heads), originally had a C4 but prior owner changed to C6 for some reason.

Replies:

Posted By: 72 RS 351
Date Posted: 04-October-2022 at 6:45AM

Finding a suitable old type of oil with the proper amount of zinc etc, for the flat tappet cams and lifters is difficult, and likely they are going away more as time passes. I plan to use a full top brand synthetic, with an additive for my one flat tappet cam 351C. That would be the easiest source for good oil, and keep the cam and lifters healthy. Changing to a roller cam and lifters will eliminate the need for any special old type oils.

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Don
73 Ranchero "Sport 72 front end", floor shift/console, planning EFI 7000+ rpm 351-4V &4R70W
73 Ranchero GT 351C-4V &4R70W for sale later.
92 Lincoln Mark VII SE GTC, OBDII 347/4R70W

Posted By: 72FordGTS
Date Posted: 04-October-2022 at 1:34PM

That's a lot of oil consumption. It might be worthwhile to put a mechanical oil pressure gauge on the engine to see where it is at. 20W50 is way thicker than what these engines should use if healthy. If you want higher zinc for a flat tappet cam, Shell Rotella is a good alternative. You can get it in 10W30 or 15W40. I would think in CA climate and with your oil consumption the 15W40 might be the better option.

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Vince

1972 Ford GTS Sportsroof - Survivor, One Family car

GTS.org Admin

Posted By: aquartlow
Date Posted: 04-October-2022 at 1:56PM

Another "good" alternative for higher zinc content is: https://www.walmart.com/ip/Valvoline-VR1-Racing-20W-50-Conventional-Motor-Oil-1-QT/192336353?wmlspartner=wlpa&selectedSellerId=0&adid=22222222222000000000&wmlspartner=wmtlabs&wl0=e&wl1=o&wl2=c&wl3=10352200394&wl4=pla-1103028060075&wl5=&wl6=&wl7=&wl10=Walmart&wl11=Online&wl12=192336353_0&wl14=valvoline%20vr1%2020w50&veh=sem&gclid=b2fa9dc8b221199e1b09fef46738b2f1&gclsrc=3p.ds&msclkid=b2fa9dc8b221199e1b09fef46738b2f1" rel="nofollow -

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www.supermotors.net/22468
Yeah, It's a Hybrid...It burns gas and tires.

No matter how good she looks, somebody, somewhere, is tired of her sh*t.

Beauty is skin deep, ugliness goes clear to the bone.

Posted By: Rockatansky
Date Posted: 05-October-2022 at 12:32PM

look for Lucas Hot Rod & Classic

https://lucasoil.com/products/hot-rods-classic-cars/hot-rod-classic-car-10w-30-motor-oil" rel="nofollow - https://lucasoil.com/products/hot-rods-classic-cars/hot-rod-classic-car-10w-30-motor-oil

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72 GT Ute