tr3a Running in oil - Duckham 20-50 ?

[Lebro]

Hi all.

In the process of re-commissioning a fellow members 3A. Long story, but over the last 10 years or so he has built up a TR2 engine to replace the current knackered unit. The new lump is now in situe, & fire up up is almost next thing on the list.

We have read all the advice on initial running (cam wear etc), and appreciate the need for ZDTP in the oil.

Question is: the engine currently has Duckhams Q20-50 in it - put in after re-build & before it was discontinued.

 

We have two gallons of Penrite ready to go in instead, but would it be more sensible to run in using the Duckhams, & then change to Penrite. In other words does Duckhams have enough ZDTP ?

 

Bob.

 

[TriumphV8]

After API-SF the specification forbidds much ZDDP in the oil

to avoid to hurt the KAT.

 

So look at the box for API and decide and if its SJ or higher.

Than you may add ZDDP or Comp-Cam break in additives.

 

They are named break/running in or race additives because they should not appear on the street

but it is a good idea to use them all the time in the recommended amount.

 

I use this:

http://zddplus.com/products/zddplus-oil-additive/

 

or from Comp:

http://www.compcams.com/Products/CC-'Lubricants'-0.aspx

[Lebro]

Thanks Andreas but the original Duckhams can is long gone, the oil was put in at least 10 years ago probably more. Engine has been sitting almost complete ever since. We have removed the head, checked liner height which was OK, re-fitted with new gasket, & engine is now ready to run once we have connected up fuel, electrics, & put oil in the recently rebuild gearbox.

 

Bob

[RobH]

If the Duckhams oil is that old its best to replace it anyway Bob, even if it has not beeen used. The stuff degrades with time and its recommended to replace after one year let alone ten.

[james christie]

Drain it out, filter it and put in a clear glass jar on a shelf. The characteristic green -and smell- of it, will remind of your youth.

I well remember arriving at an incident on the South Circular road in London some 40 or so years ago where a truck had shed its load of quart cans of Duckhams. A sea of green oil all gone to waste. Not to mention the skating rink that resulted!

 

James

[RobinTR6]

I used the Halfords Classic 20 50 for mine. Again engine rebuilt 10 years before, so checked out head, cam bearings etc, then reassembled, Halfords in, and run in for about 300 miles, changed for another Halfords Classic with new filter for another 1000, and now using the Valvoline Vr1 stuff. Engine now done about 6 k without issue.

[monty]

Yes, get rid of it & put in some nice new Millers Classic 20-50 which has ZDDP in the right quantity for our engines. Good deals from Classic Oils or Opie Oils.

[Lebro]

Thanks for all the comments. We have drained the old Duckhams, & re-filed with Penrite "Triumph" 20W60.

Cranked with no plugs to get oil pressure, all OK so far except for an oil leak at the oil pressure pipe union on the filter housing.

The nut is bottoming out, so will add a fibre washer to pad it out a bit. Strange that this should happen though ? we used two copper washers one each side of the banjo. Just wondering if the stud may have partialy unscrewed from the block.

 

Bob & Mike

Edited October 23, 2015 by Lebro

[Eddie Cairns]

At that near 50 to 60 years of age, the engine has the right to leak from whatever joint it wants to especially if you have taken extra care to prevent that happening!!!!!!!!

 

eddie

[Lebro]

Oil leak fixed

Mystery electrical problem fixed (sort of - for now)

Engine started, & run till temp getting too high (no fan fitted at present as it's attached to front apron)

Carbs roughly tuned, but need more work - running lean so need to check for air leaks.

Water pump leaking like a well like a leaking water pump - new one ordered for tomorrow.

Much work yet to be done.

 

Bob & Mike