Making Zinc Oxide, additive for oil Options

[timothy_nd28]

Is there any Chemist here, that can do a write up procedure to make a zinc additive for the cheap oils at the auto-parts store? My Castro GTX oil seems to be lacking zinc these days, and I really don't want to spend 20 bucks on the additive.

[timothy_nd28]

Perhaps, but one would never know unless asked. I have been a Castrol man for many many years and for me it would be hard to jump ship to a different brand. I have full access to the University's Lab and provided a equation with a good forward rxn that provides a good yield, why not? If I could produce a gallon of this stuff, it may be worth it. In addition, there is a cool factor for making your own. Money really isn't the issue here, its more about the EPA being a bitch and putting further restraints on oil company's.

[Mblizzard]

OK there is a lot out there about how much zinc is needed and what happens when you use additives, and what happens when don't use the right oil. I do have a degree in chemistry and I still don't really understand all that I have read. But the summary is that you need at least 1,000 ppm ZDDP but more is not better as excessive wear can occur with levels above 1,400 ppm.

The metallurgy and chemistry is complex and even the additives you can buy have to be evaluated carefully. Some lack a ingredient molybdenum disulphide that makes the chemistry work and some have such high concentrations of ZDDP that they can trash your engine in a short period.

I am sure there are 914 owners out there that may be able to come up with a viable way to make the oil from cheaper sources. But even though I am cheap, I will be paying the high price for the oil. And yes I hate to pay it but I love my 914!