Diploma in Classic Lubrication: ZDDP, Viscosities and Running-In
Online postgraduate diploma of 800 hours in classic engine lubrication: 8 modules covering classic engine tribology, oils and viscosity, ZDDP and anti-wear additives, classifications and selection, running-in of rebuilt engines, oil analysis and diagnosis, and maintenance and storage, with an assigned technical tutor.
Diploma in Classic Lubrication: ZDDP, Viscosities and Running-In — studying from the United Kingdom
Classic vehicle restoration is a notable niche in the United Kingdom, supported by specialist workshops, heritage motoring events and a strong enthusiast community. Centres such as Bicester Heritage, Gaydon and the Midlands host restoration businesses, parts suppliers and engineering services for historic cars and motorcycles. Knowledge of historic materials, classic engine systems and conservation standards is valued. Organisations such as the Federation of British Historic Vehicle Clubs and the Historic Vehicle Scheme support the sector.
Fees for the United Kingdom: £1,250 (Pound sterling), with instalments and employer sponsorship available.
Relevant bodies in the United Kingdom
Typical roles
Questions from the United Kingdom
Is there a UK professional body or regulation for classic vehicle restoration engineering?
Restoration is largely unregulated in the UK, with no statutory title for classic vehicle restorers. Relevant organisations include the Institute of the Motor Industry and specialist classic car clubs, which offer their own training and recognition. SEIUM's private qualifications are not accredited by any national body, so their standing with these organisations is for them to decide.
Do UK classic car restorers, dealers or auction houses value private online engineering training?
The UK classic car sector tends to value hands-on craftsmanship, documented restoration projects and reputation. A private qualification may complement this by showing technical study, but it is unlikely to be the main factor in hiring or client decisions. Acceptance depends on each business.
Can I study this part-time from the UK, and does my employer need to pay?
The programmes are online and taught in English, so you can study part-time from anywhere in the UK, with no visa needed. Study ranges from 300 hours to 1,900 hours, and an assigned technical tutor supports you. Fees can be paid in instalments. Employer sponsorship is possible if your employer agrees, which is more common in larger firms.
Take the controls.
Run a real engineering trade-off from this field. Move the sliders, watch the model react in real time and beat the challenge.
What you will be able to do
Understand the tribology of classic engines.
Select the right viscosity for each engine.
Understand the role and limits of ZDDP.
Interpret oil classifications and specifications.
Carry out safe running-in of rebuilt engines.
Diagnose engine condition through oil analysis.
Plan vehicle maintenance and storage.
Who it's for
- Classic engine technicians.
- Lubricant specialists.
- Engine rebuilders.
- Oil laboratory technicians.
- Technical advisers to car clubs.
- Historic motorsport preparers.
- Engineering or science graduates seeking to enter classic vehicle restoration.
What you'll work with
- SAE J300 (engine oil viscosity classification)
- SAE J306 (automotive gear lubricant viscosity classification)
- API 1509 (engine oil licensing and certification system)
- ACEA oil sequences (European engine oil specifications)
- ASTM D445 (kinematic viscosity of transparent and opaque liquids)
- ASTM D4951 (additive elements in lubricating oils by ICP-AES)
- ASTM D5185 (wear metals and contaminants in used oils by ICP-AES)
- Microsoft Excel
- Minitab
- Ansys Granta Selector
8 modules
1.1Friction and wear1.2Hydrodynamic lubrication1.3Boundary lubrication1.4Mixed lubrication1.5The Stribeck curve1.6Flat tappets and cams1.7Main and big-end bearings1.8Piston rings and cylinders1.9Rocker-arm valvetrains1.10Practical: inspecting wear on cams and tappets
2.1Kinematic and dynamic viscosity2.2Viscosity index2.3SAE monograde grades2.4Multigrades2.5High-temperature viscosity2.6Clearances in older engines2.7Oil pressure2.8Selecting viscosity2.9Climate and use2.10Laboratory: measuring viscosity
3.1Zinc dithiophosphate3.2ZDDP chemistry3.3The anti-wear film3.4Phosphorus reduction in modern oils3.5Catalytic converters and phosphorus3.6Molybdenum additives3.7Oils for classic engines3.8ZDDP concentrates3.9Risks of excess additive3.10Practical: comparing oils by elemental analysis
4.1API classifications4.2ACEA sequences4.3Manufacturer specifications4.4Mineral and synthetic oils4.5Detergency in older engines4.6Non-detergent oils4.7Compatibility with seals4.8Gearbox and differential oils4.9Chassis greases4.10Workshop: oil selection guide for a club
5.1Preparing for assembly5.2Assembly lubricants5.3Priming the oil circuit5.4First start-up5.5Camshaft break-in5.6Piston ring bedding5.7Oil changes during running-in5.8Temperature monitoring5.9Common mistakes5.10Laboratory: running-in procedure for a flat-tappet engine
6.1Taking samples6.2Wear metals6.3Fuel contamination6.4Coolant contamination6.5Soot and oxidation6.6Trends6.7Interpreting reports6.8Correlation with teardowns6.9Analysis programme6.10Case study: diagnosis through oil analysis
7.1Change intervals7.2Occasional vehicle use7.3Condensation and acids7.4Winter storage7.5Period and modern filters7.6Conversion to spin-on filters7.7Cleaning sumps7.8Maintenance records7.9Advising the owner7.10Practical: maintenance plan for an occasionally used classic
8.1Selecting the engine8.2Requirements analysis8.3Selecting lubricants8.4Assembly procedure8.5Running-in plan8.6Oil analysis plan8.7Maintenance plan8.8Technical report8.9Report and presentation8.10Final project: final review with the tutor
How you'll learn
A 100% online programme on the SEIUM campus, with downloadable material, recorded classes and an assigned technical tutor. There are no fixed timetables: you progress at your own pace within each intake, so you can combine it with your job.
Each module combines theory, guided reading of the original standard and applied exercises. The working software is Microsoft Excel, Minitab and Ansys Granta Selector, in free, academic or evaluation versions. Testing is studied through real procedures: running in a flat-tappet engine, elemental analysis of oils and kinematic viscosity measurement. Assessment is continuous by module, plus the final project.
Standards covered: SAE J300, SAE J306, API 1509, ACEA oil sequences, ASTM D445, ASTM D4951, ASTM D5185.
Build it end to end
Your final project follows the real engineering workflow, step by step, reviewed by your tutor.
Where this takes you
Requirements
- Prior technical training or professional experience in the sector. No university degree is required.
- An internet connection and a computer capable of running the programme software.
- English sufficient to read technical standards.
Ready to start?
Send your application today. Our admissions team replies within 72 hours with your study plan and funding options.
Frequently asked questions
The programme totals 800 hours over 6–8 months. You set your own pace within each intake, and your tutor helps you plan the workload around your job.
You work with Microsoft Excel, Minitab and Ansys Granta Selector, using free, academic or evaluation versions. Your tutor indicates the free alternative wherever one exists.
A SEIUM Institute diploma, awarded on passing the continuous assessment and the final project. It is SEIUM's own qualification, not an official state degree; its recognition depends on the programme completed and the regulations of each country.
Yes. Modules passed are recognised in a higher programme in the same area (postgraduate diploma or master's). Ask about the recognition policy when you enrol.
Prior technical training or professional experience in the sector (no university degree required), a computer able to run the software and English sufficient to read technical standards.
Start dates are set by SEIUM's faculty for each intake. Our admissions team will confirm the next available date when you apply.
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