<VV> a different oil conversation

[Ray Rodriguez III]

Hey guys,  

     I'm more or less settled on what oil to use now (thanks guys!) but I like to know the "why" of things =P.  I'm very familiar with basic internal combustion engine theory and know more or less how everything works.  I'm a little fuzzy on the details of hydraulic lifters but I have installed them (and had them in my hand) so I am somewhat familiar.. but I'd like to know exactly where and why this ZDDP is needed and exactly what happens (and how) if you don't have it.  

     I've heard talk about wearing cam lobes down... but not sure if that was only relative to break-in or a problem contributed to by a lack of ZDDP.  I was pretty sure the "tappet" was the pushrod end of the lifter.  I don't recall them looking "flat" to me, though they were aftermarket lifters I had in my hands.  I also don't see how the tappet being flat would really make such a major difference, and if it did it seems all it would do is wear the lifter and/or pushrod which are easy to adjust and fairly easy to replace.  So please enlighten me!  

     I'm not trying to argue the point, I'd just like to be educated in the mechanics involved.


Ray "Grymm" Rodriguez III
Lake Ariel, PA
66' Corsa 140 coupe
63' Monza PG (winter driver)
65' Corsa 140 coupe  (under construction)