Quote:
Originally Posted by Mouse6.2
This V6 engine is a bad design in terms of that, it just beats the oil to death. At least in all of my used oil analysis reports for our Acadia, I can't go past 5k miles. It is at that point that the oil is shot, no matter what brand I use. So far the best results I have gotten are from AMSOIL's AFF 0w-40. I'm currently running AEL 5w-30 which is spec'ed for BMW LL-04. I need to change the oil now since I'm at 5k and will be sending a sample off as well to see how well it held up. In my case on the Acadia, the oil shears every time, plus the DI is causing high fuel dilution which beats the oil as well.
AMSOIL has a TSB out for earlier models. Basically informing the public to follow GM's advice on getting the OLM re-calibrated and going with shorter oil change intervals. Again this is on the Acadia and other Lambda platform vehicles. It kind of surprised me that it didn't follow on to the CTS and Camaro's.
If you want to hear about timing chain issues just go over to the Acadia site, but what they have worst than that is the transmissions going out. It seems to be the number one failure on the Lambda platform.
So for the most part, as far as I can see it, the best you can do is run a good quality oil and change it out no later than 5k miles, even pull a sample and see how it is doing. Everyone's driving conditions/styles are different and so will the results of their UOA.
I used either Blackstone Labs or Dyson Analysis Advanced Analysis for my UOA's. If I want the full report I go with Dyson, he sends out a PDF along with a .wav file that you can listen to as he goes over your report. Then in the end he makes recommendations and will answer any questions you e-mail to him. |
Thanks for the info. Much appreciated. There has to be a good solution somewhere. Also, I'm curious now that the GM Lambdas (i.e. Acadias, Traverses...) have been out for a few years if Consumer Reports surveys are numerous enough to get a good look at reliability rates. Also Cadillacs with this V6.
Funny, u mentioned Amsoil has a bulletin telling people to buy more oil from them.... Suspicious...
Actually, the engineering studies showing that used oil actually has lower wear rates than new oil was done by a Ford and a Conoco (oil products!) engineer, and the marketing department at Conoco, and dealer service network at Ford, probably wanted to bury their findings similar to how cigarrette companies do it.
Also I noticed that
GM's Service Bulletin weblink did not mention the poor metallurgy of the chains that the European bulletin did. But GM North America would never cover any facts up, right? I know GM is also upset about this since they pay for fixes and they won't get any more government bailouts. (I had to go there, I know, shame on me....).