skygazer6033
Elio Addict
In all of the pictures and animations I've seen as well as what I've read it seems the Elio iav engine has flat tappet cam followers rather than the roller followers most modern engines have. This brings up a question on the best oil to use to promote valve train longevity. A little oil history lesson here. Back in 2006 I believe the EPA mandated the amount of the oil additive compound Zinc-Dialkyl-Dithio-Phosphate be reduced by a considerable amount because they felt it was contributing to catalytic converter failure. The reason ZDDP was put in oil in the first place was to increase wear protection in metal to metal sliding contact areas of the engine (cam to lifter). Since the Elio iav engine is an updated 20 yo design but apparently not updated with roller valve lifters does anyone (Elio or IAV) know of a requirement to use special oil or additives? This has been a problem with using modern oils in classic cars.