Kawasaki 15 w 50

From AI !!!
Kawasaki’s K-Tech 15W-50 4-cycle engine oil contains a proprietary "thermally stable zinc" (ZDDP) anti-wear additive package, but Kawasaki does not publish an exact numeric parts-per-million (ppm) rating for its zinc content.
 
that is pretty thick oil. I used to run 20W 50 in my air cooled VW bus but using 15W 40 Synthetic lowered operating temps quite a bit.
 
Boit4866 said:
That’s a safe level of ZDDP. When it comes to zinc levels, too much can cause excessive wear which is the exact opposite of what zinc is supposed to do.
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In my HD Motorcycle I use Red Line V-Twin 20w 50. Specs:

Zinc, avg PPM 2260
Phosphorus, avg PPM 2030
Molybdenum, avg PPM 130


For 13 years I've used this oil exclusively. Thats why I was curious about the Kawasaki oil with zinc. I'm no Chemical Engineer but figured ZDDP must be pretty good stuff, ( so long as you aren't exhausting through a CAT ). Any idea what upper ppm limits might be for safe use ?

Thanx.
 
Motor Oil Geek did a study on seven major oils used in auto engines. (hint - Amsoil was not the one that came out on top). You can find the study here:

 
sgkent said:
Motor Oil Geek did a study on seven major oils used in auto engines. (hint - Amsoil was not the one that came out on top). You can find the study here:

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I've followed the Geek and like his vids. That said, he pretty much concentrates on automotive applications. Lawnmower and power sport equipment, (air cooled), runs hotter and mostly don't have CATs which don't like zinc. Its also worth noting, IMHO, that oil viscosity numbers are temperature dependent and only are given for roughly the 104 F to 212 F range. Viscosity drops precipitously and rises exponentially beyond these range limits. Air cooled engines can reach significantly higher temps than 212. This may account for the higher viscosity oils they recommend for these..
 
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