Does a 1965 Nailhead 401 require Zinc additive to engine oil? I am using 10/30 conventional oil and have been told without the zinc addititive my engine will get ruined over time as the zinc acts a protective. Same question regarding Lead additive to gas tank to help cushion the valve heads. Any thoughts. Thanks
Zinc is important for the tappet lifters. Many people including myself use valvoline vr1 oil. Rotella is also popular. I don't believe the unleaded fuel pose much of a problem.
I've seen many recommendations for zinc additive with the Nailhead engines. Lead additive I have not seen as a recommendation, as the Buick heads had a high nickel content. Rislone makes a supplement that you could with your favorite oil for around $6/an oil change: https://amzn.to/3LWT960 Myself, like 69WILD, have switched to VR1 in the Nailhead. I mostly buy it from Amazon, but I have caught it on sale cheaper at O'Reilly's. I run 10w-10. https://amzn.to/3risrfY
Lots of threads on zinc: https://www.v8buick.com/index.php?t...er-for-a-nail-head.371504/page-2#post-3275357
Since Nailhead lifters dont spin like they do on other engines id be inclined to run a good quality oil that has the appropriate levels of zinc.
Pass on the lead substitute. Waste of money. Been driving these things for 25 years and never used one bottle.
Right! Unless you have a high lift cam and heavier valve springs... Conventional oils still have more zinc than when these nails were new... Mine has over 120k with no issues... Advice: stay out of the additives isle at the parts store! Question that I have asked over and over: Has there been a documented failure of a nailhead due to lack of zinc in the oil?
For all you VR1 fans, NAPA has a special going. I just bought 5 quarts of 10W30 yesterday for 33.00 after tax. Not sure when the sale is over.
I run Shell Rotella 10W-40 full synthetic in flat tappet engines. It's designed for diesel engines and has 1,400 ppm of zinc which is more than enough. Walmart sells it for $23.
I also use Wally World's Rotella. I stick with 10 W 30 as that is what Buick recommended for my Nailhead. What is annoying is that Rotella comes in gallon containers and the Nailhead takes five quarts. So I have to purchase two gallons and warehouse the leftover oil. I know that I could just buy the extra quart, but Rotella by the quart is substantially more money then by the gallon, and Wal-Mart doesn't always have Rotella 10 W 30 in individual quarts. I have talked with Shell about Rotella, and Rotella is designed for both Diesel and Gasoline engines. A lot of folks don't think Rotella is for gasoline engines because it is so widely used in Diesels.
Hi, I use 10w30 along with a quart of Comp cam break in lube for the zinc, no issues been running since 09 with no issues. Regards, Jim
old farm tractors ran non det oil and leaded gas. my 52 for 8n would be one of them. it is used for plowing snow, not light work. i use whatever oil is on sale and reg 87 oct gas. listen...NO PROBLEMS with whatever is available in the world. change the oil regularly and no issues. you guys need to go to farming school when it comes to oil and gas
