Hope for ZDDP

[Greg R]

As many of you are aware, the gov't is demanding less and less zinc and phosphorus additives in lube oils for engines and transmissions. The idea is to extend the life of cats(catylytic converters or scrubbers). That's bad new for us with older iron and particularly those with flat tappet cams. Came across this article the other day:
New antiwear and EP additive technology | Tribology & Lubrication Technology | Find Articles at BNET

Platinum Research Org. in Dallas, TX is finding that fluorinating ZDDP is increasing it's protection level, and that with a lot less phosphorus. Basically in a nutshell while the level of anti-wear additives are being restricted, someone is finding a way to keep them effective with less than was needed before. They ain't there yet, but I'm think'in it's hopeful.

Dick, do you know anything about "PRO" there in Dallas?

[Swepco]

Greg.....

I personally do not know of this organization; r & d is not really my end of the business. It only stands to reason that if there is a need for something, good 'ol American ingenuity will find a way to serve it. I'm thinking that this company plans to develop a chemistry which they will sell to oil blenders as a package.

Also know that many companies, including SWEPCO are more than likely working on their own projects for the same end result. Obviously, if an oil manufacturer can produce a formulation on their own and call it "proprietary" they can somewhat protect it and more than likely produce it at a much lower cost than it would be to purchase an additive package on the outside.

It will be interesting to see if we hear anything more about this particular "break-through," won't it? - I'm sure that before something like this goes on the market, it pretty much has to pass a zillion types of tests which can be long-drawn-out procedures.

In the meantime, I'll keep relying on and recommending SWEPCO's "306 Supreme Formula Engine Oil" for the best protection for pre-2007 gasoline engines not requiring "SM." Actually I do have fleet customers who are using the 306, which is an "SL" in their 2007 & 2008 gasoline engines because they realize they are using a better quality oil and are willing to take the hit if it happens to take out a cat. I cannot recommend that, as it is not what the manufacturer recommends, but I know there are millions of cats out there with more than 120,000 miles on them without failing, using the pre- SM oils. (120,000 miles is the target minimum life designated by the EPA)

Thanks for the article, it was interesting, and I am saving it for reference purposes.

Dick Floryanowich