Timing Chain Question

[SC2150]

M1 is not nearly as good as it used to be. For of the shelf oil, Castrol syntec is great, pennzoil/QS as well. For a premium Amsoil, valvoline, etc. I stll cant bring myself to trust RP oil.....no problems with gear lube, etc. but we lost to many engines in the days they were title sponsor of some of the IHRA classes.

The biggest issue is using convemtional or a dexos approvend blend. After breakin, get a good full syn in and never use a conventioanl. It is a sure recipe for failure (I know of no one doing more with the LLT & LFX engines than RX). Any one that should know better and still uses conventional is just asking for failure.

And yes, the new chains are improved, but not by alot. It is also critical that you check oil levels regularly as these do NOT have low oil indicators, so you need to monitor it every few fuel fuel ups.

[ChadG]

Originally Posted by SC2150

M1 is not nearly as good as it used to be. For of the shelf oil, Castrol syntec is great, pennzoil/QS as well. For a premium Amsoil, valvoline, etc. I stll cant bring myself to trust RP oil.....no problems with gear lube, etc. but we lost to many engines in the days they were title sponsor of some of the IHRA classes.

The biggest issue is using convemtional or a dexos approvend blend. After breakin, get a good full syn in and never use a conventioanl. It is a sure recipe for failure (I know of no one doing more with the LLT & LFX engines than RX). Any one that should know better and still uses conventional is just asking for failure.

And yes, the new chains are improved, but not by alot. It is also critical that you check oil levels regularly as these do NOT have low oil indicators, so you need to monitor it every few fuel fuel ups.

Looks like I might be switching to Syntech . . . I've actually heard bad things about the Penzoil, though?

[nyrfan]

Originally Posted by ChadG

Looks like I might be switching to Syntech . . . I've actually heard bad things about the Penzoil, though?

Penzoil platinum is getting better results then M1 on lab tests. M1 is not what it used to be and PP is a very good store bought oil. I am switching to it when I next change my oil.


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[TooCool5]

Originally Posted by nyrfan

Penzoil platinum is getting better results then M1 on lab tests. M1 is not what it used to be and PP is a very good store bought oil. I am switching to it when I next change my oil.


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^ This ^

[strych9]

I fail to see how synthetic oil can keep a timing chain from stretching. Any enlightenment on the subject would be appreciated.

[PieNsky]

It didn't help the Cadillac 3.6 either. With that said, it is what goes in my Camaro.

[TooCool5]

Originally Posted by strych9

I fail to see how synthetic oil can keep a timing chain from stretching. Any enlightenment on the subject would be appreciated.

All so far that reported failures were using synthetic and went by the original oil monitor (9,000 - 10,000) oil change intervals.

I don't think we ever had anyone com on here and say they changed their oil between 3,500 - 4,500 miles and the chains failed.

[ChadG]

Originally Posted by TooCool5

All so far that reported failures were using synthetic and went by the original oil monitor (9,000 - 10,000) oil change intervals.

I don't think we ever had anyone com on here and say they changed their oil between 3,500 - 4,500 miles and the chains failed.

Yeah watch me be the first one . . . I've changed every 3k with Mobil 1 (which I know is probably flushing money down the toilet) but I'm so paranoid about these chains . . . .

[strych9]

That still doesn't make sense, from an engineering standpoint. My understanding is that the chains are stretching, not wearing. If that's true, oil or change intervals wouldn't have anything to do with that failure. It would be a weakness in the chain material.

Add to the fact that, if it were the oil that was breaking down prematurely, other components (bearings, can lobes, cylinder walls) would be damaged too. I assume that isn't happening. Until someone can post up a technical reason why this happens, I'm not buying the oil explanation.

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[TooCool5]

Originally Posted by strych9

That still doesn't make sense, from an engineering standpoint. My understanding is that the chains are stretching, not wearing. If that's true, oil or change intervals wouldn't have anything to do with that failure. It would be a weakness in the chain material.

Add to the fact that, if it were the oil that was breaking down prematurely, other components (bearings, can lobes, cylinder walls) would be damaged too. I assume that isn't happening. Until someone can post up a technical reason why this happens, I'm not buying the oil explanation.

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Wait a minute, so you guys are saying 9,000 - 10,000 mile oil changes are OK??
That is what the orig monitor let you go.

[strych9]

Originally Posted by TooCool5

Wait a minute, so you guys are saying 9,000 - 10,000 mile oil changes are OK??
That is what the orig monitor let you go.

My Porsche called for 15k oil changes...using good old Mobil One.

I've gone to seminars about motor oil, synthetics, etc. A C5 member (Gunny, I think) did testing and proved that there was no significant degradation or contamination in the oil after 8k miles of use.

Synthetic oil will go the distance with no problem. No OEM is going to make that claim unless it's a fact. They are responsible for the warranty, after all.

All bets are off if you're racing it.

[ChadG]

Originally Posted by strych9

My Porsche called for 15k oil changes...using good old Mobil One.

I've gone to seminars about motor oil, synthetics, etc. A C5 member (Gunny, I think) did testing and proved that there was no significant degradation or contamination in the oil after 8k miles of use.

Synthetic oil will go the distance with no problem. No OEM is going to make that claim unless it's a fact. They are responsible for the warranty, after all.

All bets are off if you're racing it.

I am not doubting you, but I like the added peace of mind changing every 3k miles even with Mobil 1. These timing chains make me nervous.

[TooCool5]

Originally Posted by strych9

My Porsche called for 15k oil changes...using good old Mobil One.

I've gone to seminars about motor oil, synthetics, etc. A C5 member (Gunny, I think) did testing and proved that there was no significant degradation or contamination in the oil after 8k miles of use.

Synthetic oil will go the distance with no problem. No OEM is going to make that claim unless it's a fact. They are responsible for the warranty, after all.

All bets are off if you're racing it.

The GM engineers changed the oil monitor from 10,000 miles max - to 5,000 miles max interval for a reason.
I expect them to know more about what is going on than any of us, as they do an analysis of field failures.
My guess is there is an oil sludge problem that causes some of the issues.
Maybe a cold spot in the motor? Who knows.
Cheap insurance to go to the shorter interval.

[PieNsky]

I changed my timing chains myself. The engine was clean with 120,000 miles on it. It is my belief that it is to prevent someone from driving with low oil level.