Do modern oils mean less frequent oil changes?

[RichB]

I've asked this on the AMOC forum but would be interested in the wider views of other classic owners on here. The service schedule in the original handbook form my 1958 Aston DB MKIII states that the oil should be changed every 2,500 miles. Given that oil technology has improved a lot in the last 50+ years do owners still change the oil this frequently? I use Castrol Classic XL 20w/50 - it's not that I'm bothered about the cost of the oil but likewise I don't see the point in dumping the lot if it's will last the 5,000 miles to when I change the oil filter. I'd be interested in your thoughts.
Rich...

[tr7v8]

Firstly I'd ask how many miles a year? I do an oil change a year which on the 944 is 2K or so. If it is doing high mileage say 12K a year then I'd change it at around the 6K mark. But generally once the mileage goes upthen the oil lasts longer as it tends to be longer runs.

[RichB]

Tend to do longer runs, Le Mans, Goodwood etc. doing around 1500 miles a year. I just wondered...

[perdu]

I still tend to change every three to five thousand in the Midget

and always use old style 20/W50 too

I'm a leetle scared of these high faluting chemically type slippystuffs oils

I read someplace that they can damage older engines

and mine is old enough to worrit about

[crankedup]

The Castrol range of their 'Classic' oils are formulated today just as they were when introduced and ideal for your classic/vintage engine. For me I stick to what the manufacturers advise when they engineered the car, modern oils in old engines do not mix IMHO.

[Huntsman]

RichB said:

Tend to do longer runs, Le Mans, Goodwood etc. doing around 1500 miles a year. I just wondered...

Nice car.

I think in your case an annual change is best, dont forget that aside from lubricant the oil does cleaning and inhibits corrosion.

[AJAX50]

Some where on Pistonheads there's a poster called Opie who give lube advice, could be worth checking with him. Agree with some of the earlier comments that modern high detergent oils may cause some problems with an older engine if its got a few miles on it.

[RichB]

Thanks chaps, it's done 2,750 miles and 18 months since last changed so I'll just drain it out and refresh it.

[RW774]

Just worth checking whatever oil you are using is the ZDDP content is correct.This additive is poison for any vehicles fitted with cat converters, so it cannot be used in the newer generation engine.It is not normally found in lower grades modern synthetics,however I have found it absent in some other cheaper 20/50s. I have recently found this out when bulk purchasing oils for the workshop.Our older engines must have ZDDP. It reduces valve train wear to normal engine life.On a Pushrod engine the modern equivalent alternative to ZDDP the valve train/ camshaft wear can be as little as 10 miles , race conditions. So beware...

[RichB]

RW774 said:

Just worth checking whatever oil you are using is the ZDDP content is correct.This additive is poison for any vehicles fitted with cat converters...

Don't think me Aston's got cats that's more of a Jag thing isn't it

[RW774]

I appreciate that it`s not so much the cat issue .The substitute additive for ZDDP is that which causes the problems with valve train wear on older designed engines.I think parts per million needs to be around 11% minimum. Just ask your oil suppler to ask manufacturer or check MILLERs oils website for details, especially if you are running competition engines.
Just trying to be helpful...........

[RichB]

RW774 said:

...Just trying to be helpful...........

Just making a (obviously pretty bad) joke Cat-Jaguar... no?

Anyway, thanks for the advice, I just checked and it seems Castrol Classic 20w/50 does contain ZDDP...

"Castrol’s Classic engine oils XL30, XXL40, GP50 and XL20w-50 are formulated to the original viscosities and contain the necessary levels of ZDDP anti-wear additive to provide appropriate protection for veteran, vintage and classic engines."

http://www.volvoclub.org.uk/castrol_with_zddp.shtm...

Edited by RichB on Wednesday 9th December 10:09

[RW774]

That`s good, sorry being a bit thick there re the joke
My mate got kicked out of a Pub in Cumbria after putting on`Bridge over troubled water`

[triggersbroom]

crankedup said:

The Castrol range of their 'Classic' oils are formulated today just as they were when introduced .

Sounds like an advert for Hovis!!

[crankedup]

triggersbroom said:

crankedup said:

The Castrol range of their 'Classic' oils are formulated today just as they were when introduced .

Sounds like an advert for Hovis!!

Saatchi Saatchi and crankedup

[chard]

I use Halfords Classic 20/50 in a 67 Sunbeam Alpine does thsi oil have this ZPPD stuff in?