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Posted (edited)

@scionys I used Lucas 20w50 when I changed my oil last month in my 1600 sprint. Crossflows are pushrod, flat tappet engines, as long as the oil has high concentrations of zinc and phosphorus you’re good to go. Although, I do prefer mineral to synthetic for these older design engines. 
 

In the past I have also used in my older pushrod, flat tappet engines:
 

Castrol GTX Classic 20w50

Valvoline VR1  20w50

 

 

Edited by San Augustine
Posted

I understand that the older flat tapped motors need high levels of ZDDP to lubricate properly. Not sure if all of the cross flows were flat tappet. The pre-crosslow 1340 and 1500 as used in the super 7 are flat tappet But  a lot of ZDDP kills catalytic converters so no good for the more modern engines. there are various grades labeled hot rod or racing but good to check about ZDDP before using.

Posted

crossflows are flat tappet

 

Some say that extra zinc isn't needed on OHC motors, but be careful, If it's an older design like an Alfa or Jag, I'd def use it. 

My 2 ¢ worth is that if it's a non-roller contact on the cam, you need it

  • Thanks 1
Posted

My 1997 Caterham was powered by a 1700cc SuperSprint X-flow. The original owner ran Mobile One pure synthetic in it for 7,000 miles or so. I switched to the oils mentioned above, with their ZDDP, for the 10K miles I added. There was no evidence of unusual wear, or sounds, using either type of oil.

Posted

I run VR1 20W-50 in my twincams. There are other viscosities available as well.

 

Has anyone been following their engine's health with used oil analysis?

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