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94 K1500 4x4 camshaft/oil question


andymikem97
04-23-2012, 06:33 AM
I have a 94 K1500 4x4 with the 350 TBI engine. Is this a roller cam equipped engine? I'm worried about the zddp levels in oil for non-roller cam vehicles and I want to take the proper precautions so I dont wipe the cam.

Schurkey
04-24-2012, 10:15 AM
I have a 94 K1500 4x4 with the 350 TBI engine. Is this a roller cam equipped engine? I'm worried about the zddp levels in oil for non-roller cam vehicles and I want to take the proper precautions so I dont wipe the cam.
Probably NOT a roller-cam equipped engine.

I wouldn't get too worried. The valve springs are so soft that enormous levels of zddp aren't required.

Wiping cams becomes more critical 1) during new-camshaft break-in; and 2) when the valve spring pressure goes up from stock.

andymikem97
04-24-2012, 10:35 AM
good deal. Thanks for the help.

horse482
05-11-2012, 11:41 PM
I have the same truck and had an engine builder tell me that I shouldn't run any energy conserving oils that they will play hell with the cam and lifters. I run Castrol GTX High Mileage 10W30.

andymikem97
05-15-2012, 06:59 AM
I have the same truck and had an engine builder tell me that I shouldn't run any energy conserving oils that they will play hell with the cam and lifters. I run Castrol GTX High Mileage 10W30.


Even the high mileage oils have just a fraction of the Zinc needed to protect older engines. I had a lengthy chat with my engine builder last weekend about oils and other stuff. he laid a whole ton of info on me. He said the only way to really be protected is to use an additive like ZDDP Plus, or a product Rislone makes called Engine Oil Supplement with Zinc treatment (see link below). Either one of these raises the ZDDP levels to 1500-1800 ppm (almost all current oils including high mileage are 500-800 max). I never had to worry about it with my race engines, as they were all roller cam equipped. The Rislone stuff is like $12/quart, and the ZDDP Plus is around $9 for a small bottle. Just wanted to share my findings.

http://shop.advanceautoparts.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/product_Oil-Supplement-with-Zinc-ZDDP-Treatment-Rislone_7660002-P_N2049_T%7CGRP60033_____

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