3FE oil type and weight... ZDDP?

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ozarkmud

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I'm trying to figure out what kind of oil to run in my 3FE.

It seems like with the flat tappets, a higher zinc content oil would be advised, and most modern oils are very low on it. For weight, the FSM suggests 5w30 or 10w30 depending on the temperature range, which to me seems reasonable.

FSM also suggests API SG oil, but it's an "obsolete" standard and I can't find what the zinc content of that oil was supposed to be.

It seems like most either pay extra for a high zinc oil, or get a common oil and add zinc. Or they just ignore it. A lot of people used to recommend Rotella diesel oil, but it seems that it's also had the zinc content drop quite a lot.

Previous owner used Mobile 1 VR-1 which seems like a good oil and maybe is the way to go, but it is spendy.

Would recommended oils be the same for 2F? Seems like the motors are similar enough.

Related thread: 20W-50 Oil on 92 Cruiser 3FE? - https://forum.ih8mud.com/threads/20w-50-oil-on-92-cruiser-3fe.782005/
 
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It's a tractor motor from 1986. It truly does not care what you put in it, as long as it's motor oil of one form or another.
FWIW, I've used Amsoil 10W30 since I brought it home in 1991. That was about 350K miles ago. Still running strong.
 
ozarkmud said:
I'm trying to figure out what kind of oil to run in my 3FE.

It seems like with the flat tappets, a higher zinc content oil would be advised, and most modern oils are very low on it. For weight, the FSM suggests 5w30 or 10w30 depending on the temperature range, which to me seems reasonable.

FSM also suggests API SG oil, but it's an "obsolete" standard and I can't find what the zinc content of that oil was supposed to be.

It seems like most either pay extra for a high zinc oil, or get a common oil and add zinc. Or they just ignore it. A lot of people used to recommend Rotella diesel oil, but it seems that it's also had the zinc content drop quite a lot.

Previous owner used Mobile 1 VR-1 which seems like a good oil and maybe is the way to go, but it is spendy.

Would recommended oils be the same for 2F? Seems like the motors are similar enough.

Related thread: 20W-50 Oil on 92 Cruiser 3FE? - https://forum.ih8mud.com/threads/20w-50-oil-on-92-cruiser-3fe.782005/
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Since this vehicle was built after about 1988, non zddp oil is the standard unless it's a diesel.

The tappets and valve seats are hardened and can take the heat from unleaded gas and non zddp.

When I opened up my Studebaker engine, the windage tray above the camshaft had about 1/4" deep thick sludge of zinc from all the oil over the years.

Your tractor doesn't need it and was designed after zddp was phased out.
 
20W60 Penrite - 1200ppm of ZDDP and has held her together with boost for quite a while.
 
robnicko said:
its the oil ive run in my 1fzfe since new and still going strong at 550000km's
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Great fan of Penrite products, it's all we use
 
BILT4ME said:
Since this vehicle was built after about 1988, non zddp oil is the standard unless it's a diesel.

The tappets and valve seats are hardened and can take the heat from unleaded gas and non zddp.

When I opened up my Studebaker engine, the windage tray above the camshaft had about 1/4" deep thick sludge of zinc from all the oil over the years.

Your tractor doesn't need it and was designed after zddp was phased out.
Click to expand...
You put a Studebaker engine in an 80? Odd choice but if it makes you happy, do you.
 
Flight2k5 said:
you tried poking fun at me implying im a soccer mom.
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He's poking at every FZJ (1FZ-FE) owner. Don't take it personally........
 
Marco Lau said:
Haha.. So it is OK for 1FZ-FE owner to poke fun at 3FE owner and not the other way around? I expect better from you @ BILT4ME
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Oh, I'm not gouging about it at all. I'm open for gouging both ways!

I'm just trying to point out the intent of the post and allow them to make their own decision on butt-hurtedness......

I just stir the pot.

I respect your input because you indeed stand behind the 3FE all the time. You've done the work and put in the time on that engine and are VERY happy with it.

When I post to bring you in, it is with that intent (usually), except when I'm stirring the pot.

You came here of your own volition this time......

Hell, if you look at my use, I would qualify as a "Soccer Mom" that drives to a lot of soccer meets a long ways away, with a little off roading at the end (on a job site). I don't do rocks or trails or any of that, other than once or twice a year for a day because it's my DD and my lifeline.

They are ALL underpowered, but they all have a very long life (especially after the first HG on the 1FZ), so I'll keep the underpower for the long life.
 
BILT4ME said:
Oh, I'm not gouging about it at all. I'm open for gouging both ways!

I'm just trying to point out the intent of the post and allow them to make their own decision on butt-hurtedness......

I just stir the pot.

I respect your input because you indeed stand behind the 3FE all the time. You've done the work and put in the time on that engine and are VERY happy with it.

When I post to bring you in, it is with that intent (usually), except when I'm stirring the pot.

You came here of your own volition this time......

Hell, if you look at my use, I would qualify as a "Soccer Mom" that drives to a lot of soccer meets a long ways away, with a little off roading at the end (on a job site). I don't do rocks or trails or any of that, other than once or twice a year for a day because it's my DD and my lifeline.

They are ALL underpowered, but they all have a very long life (especially after the first HG on the 1FZ), so I'll keep the underpower for the long life.
Click to expand...
Its all good. Nobody likes to be poked fun at especially when we all pour countless time and money into this platform. If I own a 1FZ, i am sure i will be on the other side of the bandwagon. I don't DD my rig anymore, it is 100% for recreation and off-roading trips ONLY, but i wouldn't hesitate to daily it.
Anyways, you have a wealth of knowledge on cars in generally and especially in the 80s community, so i truly have much respect for you.
We don't own 80s for their fuel economy, creature comfort, especially for power, etc. so all these posts/debates are moot point really and we all knew that.
Don't take offense on some of my previous posts, and admitting that I do get carried away sometimes and I apologize if i offended others on here and vice versa.
Lets not forget why we are all on here at the 1st place....cheers and carry on! Oh and I love my 3FE even after all these years, its testament to Toyota's engineering... =)
 
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