The Under the Hood
Show
Dear Motor Medics, My name is Clarence. I live in Entiat, WA, and I listen to your “Under The Hood” show on podcast.
I am rebuilding a 2.0 liter engine out of a 1976 VW bus. This engine is a solid lifter engine and I’ve heard I need to use a zinc additive to protect the engine, but is there anything other than good oil that will help extend the life of the rebuild? It’s an air-cooled engine so it does run a little hotter than your normal car engine.
Thanks for the show, I enjoy it very much. I recently found it on radio and I’m half way through the archived podcasts and look forward to my drive to work every day to be able to listen to the show.
Clarence in Entiat, Washington Dear Clarence, Those old VW engines were fun to work on. We still get a fair amount of email and calls about them.
You are right on track with the zinc additive or the ZDDP replacement additive. All engines can benefit from the high-pressure wear protection that the ZDDP additive provides but, in the case of older engines without roller camshafts like the ones found in this VW and older hot rods and collector cars, it is a must or parts like the camshaft will wear quickly and can destroy the engine.
The additive found at parts stores and a good quality oil should help it to last. Take care, The Motor Medics
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