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PennGrade 1 Break-In Oil | Air-Cooled VW & Flat-Tappet Engines | SAE 30 High-Zinc, 1 qt (27-7120-6)

PennGrade 1 Break-In Oil | Air-Cooled VW & Flat-Tappet Engines | SAE 30 High-Zinc, 1 qt (27-7120-6)

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PennGrade 1 Engine Break-In Oil, SAE 30 — High-Zinc Cam Break-In (1 qt)

PennGrade 1 Engine Break-In Oil, SAE 30 — a dedicated break-in formula with elevated zinc and phosphorus levels engineered for the first 500-1000 miles of a freshly built engine. Critical for proper ring seating and flat-tappet cam break-in on air-cooled VW engines.

Vehicle Fitment

  • Air-cooled VW (Type 1 / Type 2 / Type 3): Beetle, Bus, Karmann Ghia, Thing, and Type 3 — during engine break-in
  • Any flat-tappet engine: Requiring elevated zinc/phosphorus for cam break-in after a rebuild

Why Choose PennGrade 1?

PennGrade 1 is the modern brand name for the legendary "Brad Penn" green oil — refined in Pennsylvania from paraffinic crude, with a high-zinc additive package (ZDDP) that has long made it the favorite of vintage, air-cooled, and flat-tappet engine builders. Made in the USA.

Key Features & Benefits

  • Elevated zinc & phosphorus: Engineered for the first 500-1000 miles of a freshly built engine.
  • Flat-tappet cam protection: Required for proper break-in — running modern low-zinc oil through break-in will damage a freshly ground cam.
  • Balanced anti-wear: Provides the right protection while still allowing the rings to seat properly.
  • SAE 30 straight weight: Formulated specifically for the break-in period.

Technical Specifications

  • EMPI Part #: 27-7120-6
  • Grade: SAE 30 (straight weight, for break-in)
  • Volume: 1 quart bottle, sold individually (case of 12)
  • UPC: 707924570489
  • Country of Origin: USA

Frequently Asked Questions

  • How long do I run break-in oil? Run it for the first 500-1000 miles after a rebuild, then drain and switch to regular PennGrade 1 multi-grade for normal service.
  • Why not just use regular oil for break-in? Running modern low-zinc oil through break-in will damage a freshly ground cam. The elevated zinc/phosphorus protects the flat-tappet cam while still allowing the rings to seat properly.

Explore Related Categories

Stock up for your build: Oils, Fluids & Lubricants, the full PennGrade Oils & Fluids line, and All VW Air-Cooled Parts.

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Product Product subtotal Quantity Price Product subtotal
PennGrade 1 Engine Break-In Oil SAE 30 27-7120-6 high zinc cam break-in flat tappet
PennGrade 1 Break-In Oil | Air-Cooled VW & Flat-Tappet Engines | SAE 30 High-Zinc, 1 qt (27-7120-6)27-7120-6
PennGrade 1 Break-In Oil | Air-Cooled VW & Flat-Tappet Engines | SAE 30 High-Zinc, 1 qt (27-7120-6)27-7120-6
$14.99/ea
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