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Break-In Oil Myth Busting: Why a Fresh Engine Build NEEDS Zinc

Break-In Oil with Zinc

In this Tech Talk from Speedway Motors, Troy Green from Maxima Racing Oils joins in to discuss the importance of break-in oil for new engines. Break-in oil is a petroleum-based oil specifically designed to ensure the best possible break-in for a fresh engine build.

One of the key benefits of using break-in oil is the zinc coating it provides. This zinc layer forms on the journal surface, allowing metal-on-metal contact without causing the parts to weld together and fail. Additionally, Maxima break-in oils contain all the necessary additives right in the bottle, eliminating the need for guesswork with additional chemicals.

You might notice the oil appears dirty after use, which indicates it’s effectively filtering out unwanted fluids and chemicals during the break-in process.

Video Chapters:

  • 00:00 – Introduction
  • 00:21 – What is Break-In Oil? | Is Break-In Oil Necessary on a Fresh Build?
  • 02:32 – Engine Oil with Zinc | Protective Zinc Coating Explained
  • 03:35 – Why Break-In Oil is so Important on a Flat Tappet Camshaft
  • 04:10 – Can You Add Zinc to Synthetic Oil? Zinc Additive Explained
  • 06:36 – Why Engine Oil Viscosity Matters
  • 08:40 – Does Diesel Oil Have Zinc In It? Why Can’t I Use Diesel Oil for Engine Break-In?