Warning!...Oil Viscosity Matters As Much As... - Camaro5 Chevy Camaro Forum / Camaro ZL1, SS and V6 Forums

Miami_SS · 11-21-2023, 12:37 AM

the frequency of your oil changes. For years, I changed the oil in my 2011 SS between 4 - 5k mi but I did so at "Quik Change" Oil Centers such as "Jiffy Lube" and Valvoline. I would always tell them that oil viscosity at 0W was important for these cars.

As you can surmise, they would say "Sure, no problem". Well, after 8 years of oil changes (on a 2015 motor which was a direct replacement for the 2011 engine that seized due to the infamous internal oil pump failures that plagued 2010-12 Camaros) which included dealer visits but more so at these "Quik Change" Centers my LS3 needed a camshaft, crankshaft, and valve replacement due to internal engine failure due to improper oil viscosity leading to severe internal engine wear according to dealership (Chevy) diagnosis.

Interestingly, unlike the oil pump failure on my 2011 LS3, when the engine had a catastrophic moment and made my instrument panel look like a Xmas tree including a warning message in the display center "Turn Engine Off".

This time, I noticed a significant reduction in gas mileage, the smell of unburnt fuel after shutting off the car, DTCs referencing my crank position sensor, hard starting of the engine when cold, and significantly reduced power on acceleration but the car never displayed a message "Reduced Engine Power" in the display center.

I did a scan using HP Tuners and went to a local dealership that has performed work on my Camaro (head gasket) before. Their scan confirmed the DTCs I found using HP Tuners (great tuning and diagnostic tool) software.

After 5 weeks of waiting on parts (due to the Auto workers' strike) and a $7k repair bill, my car is finally back home and running like a beast. I haven't had car payments for 10 years so I was less prone to freak out at this bill since it was sunk cost and not on-going.

Lesson learned - all oil changes at a Chevy Dealership for the remaining life of this 2011 SS with 140k original miles on the odometer.

Infidel67 · 11-21-2023, 12:54 AM

Good Info, that is why I never in 11 years let them do my Oil change.
I got a Tech that charges me $20 to do my Oil change, but I buy the Oil and Filter.

Mr_Draco · 11-21-2023, 01:58 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Miami_SS

I would always tell them that oil viscosity at 0W was important for these cars.

Fyi, the W distinguishes the viscosity below 0 degrees C. There is only a 5 degree difference between 0w and 5w. 5w oil is good down to -35 C (-31 F) and 0w is good down to -40 C/F. At any temp -35 C and 0 C, the two viscosity's operate and protect the same. Since you live in Miami, I highly doubt you see any -40 degree weather. Instead, you should instead worry about the second number. This number distinguishes the viscosity above 0 degrees C. If you are running XX-30 oil, it's possible you're running too thin of a oil and it's breaking down in the hot Miami summers so may want to look into running a 40 or maybe even a 50.

ariZona28 · 11-21-2023, 03:22 AM

Both of my '15s take 5w-30 Dexos spec per the owners manual. Period. No reason to deviate unless directed by a well respected, experienced builder or hitting the track. I recommend doing your own oil changes if you're physically capable. Otherwise only let a capable tech that you trust perform maintenance for you. I would not let a dealership touch my vehicle unless I knew the tech personally. Generally (not always) the oil change techs are the least experienced, entry level mechanics. Most will do a fine job. Some won't. No thanks.

chevy pilot · 11-21-2023, 03:37 AM

Stock engines tolerance -> XX-30 oil.

SlowLS1 · 11-21-2023, 05:11 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Infidel67

Good Info, that is why I never in 11 years let them do my Oil change.
I got a Tech that charges me $20 to do my Oil change, but I buy the Oil and Filter.

This is the way...

If you cannot do your own oil change, most quick change places will use your parts if you supply it.

AlisoBob · 11-21-2023, 08:22 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Miami_SS

....my LS3 needed a camshaft, crankshaft, and valve replacement due to internal engine failure due to improper oil viscosity leading to severe internal engine wear according to dealership (Chevy) diagnosis.

This time, I noticed a significant reduction in gas mileage, the smell of unburnt fuel after shutting off the car, DTCs referencing my crank position sensor, hard starting of the engine when cold, and significantly reduced power on acceleration

I did a scan using HP Tuners and went to a local dealership that has performed work on my Camaro (head gasket) before. Their scan confirmed the DTCs I found using HP Tuners (great tuning and diagnostic tool) software.

After 5 weeks of waiting on parts (due to the Auto workers' strike) and a $7k repair bill, my car is finally back home

Lesson learned - all oil changes at a Chevy Dealership for the remaining life of this 2011 SS with 140k original miles on the odometer.

Got ant photos of the destroyed parts to back any of this up? I think the dealer hosed you......... or maybe this never happened in the first place

Infidel67 · 11-21-2023, 08:35 AM

Just to add on. I always use Mobil1 full synthetic 5W-30 down south, for 12 years now.
Never had any Issues

1JEWLDSSRS · 11-21-2023, 08:44 AM

^^^ Same here. Since she was born, 5W30 Mobil 1 full syn. And the only person who touches my baby is my Chevy tech who has been wrenching on my Camaro since day 1!! 12 years ago. He knows my Camaro as well as his family! lol. Also I get to watch him do the oil changes so I know I'm getting what I should. My builder/tuner said that if I wanted I could run 10W40 since I'm cammed now, but that it wasn't really necessary since I don't track the car or beat on it.

11/SS/RS · 11-21-2023, 08:49 AM

I just did my oil change with M1 and used a K&N filter. You guys on board with the K&N oil filters?

Pops · 11-21-2023, 09:50 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 11/SS/RS

I just did my oil change with M1 and used a K&N filter. You guys on board with the K&N oil filters?

K & N is a good one I prefer Mobil 1. I don,t like the bulk oil used . Prefer the branded oil you know what you put in. Trash in trash out.

Trickskier · 11-21-2023, 10:52 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Pops

K & N is a good one I prefer Mobil 1. I don,t like the bulk oil used . Prefer the branded oil you know what you put in. Trash in trash out.

I prefer Mobil-1 as well. Someone posted a link about oil filters several months ago and the Mobil-1 oil filter had better filtration qualities and a higher popoff valve pressure than K&N.

Trawz · 11-21-2023, 01:02 PM

K&N is my bare minimum for filters. WIX is the best choice.
I do all the fluids myself.
Oil every 2-3K miles.
Trans and Diff every 15K.
Coolant once a year.
Brake fluid is done before track season, once a year.

AlisoBob · 11-21-2023, 01:11 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Trawz

K&N is my bare minimum for filters. WIX is the best choice.

The standard Wix is ok.... the Wix XP is a TERRIBLE filter.

40 microns at 95% efficiency is basically a rock catcher. Do not use this filter on anything you own.....

The new Fram Endurance at Wally Mart is a real good filter ( I know, Fram sux) and the Purolater "One" ( not the "Boss") is another good filter.

When the Mobil 1 filters went to the "A' suffix, it ceased to be a good filter.

11-21-2023, 12:37 AM	#1
Miami_SS Drives: 2011 Camaro SS LS3 Join Date: Jan 2022 Location: Miami Posts: 37	Warning!...Oil Viscosity Matters As Much As... the frequency of your oil changes. For years, I changed the oil in my 2011 SS between 4 - 5k mi but I did so at "Quik Change" Oil Centers such as "Jiffy Lube" and Valvoline. I would always tell them that oil viscosity at 0W was important for these cars. As you can surmise, they would say "Sure, no problem". Well, after 8 years of oil changes (on a 2015 motor which was a direct replacement for the 2011 engine that seized due to the infamous internal oil pump failures that plagued 2010-12 Camaros) which included dealer visits but more so at these "Quik Change" Centers my LS3 needed a camshaft, crankshaft, and valve replacement due to internal engine failure due to improper oil viscosity leading to severe internal engine wear according to dealership (Chevy) diagnosis. Interestingly, unlike the oil pump failure on my 2011 LS3, when the engine had a catastrophic moment and made my instrument panel look like a Xmas tree including a warning message in the display center "Turn Engine Off". This time, I noticed a significant reduction in gas mileage, the smell of unburnt fuel after shutting off the car, DTCs referencing my crank position sensor, hard starting of the engine when cold, and significantly reduced power on acceleration but the car never displayed a message "Reduced Engine Power" in the display center. I did a scan using HP Tuners and went to a local dealership that has performed work on my Camaro (head gasket) before. Their scan confirmed the DTCs I found using HP Tuners (great tuning and diagnostic tool) software. After 5 weeks of waiting on parts (due to the Auto workers' strike) and a $7k repair bill, my car is finally back home and running like a beast. I haven't had car payments for 10 years so I was less prone to freak out at this bill since it was sunk cost and not on-going. Lesson learned - all oil changes at a Chevy Dealership for the remaining life of this 2011 SS with 140k original miles on the odometer.

11-21-2023, 12:54 AM	#2
Infidel67 Life's just a Ride Drives: 2011 Synergy Camaro 2SS/RS LS3 Join Date: Oct 2013 Location: Columbia SC Posts: 864 View My Garage	Good Info, that is why I never in 11 years let them do my Oil change. I got a Tech that charges me $20 to do my Oil change, but I buy the Oil and Filter. __________________ 2011 Synergy Camaro 2SS/RS Ls3, LTH, CAI Custom Intake, TSP stage-3 111-LSA Cam, RWHP 503/508

11-21-2023, 03:22 AM	#4
ariZona28 Give speed a chance Drives: 2015 Camaro 2LS, 2015 Camaro Z/28 Join Date: Nov 2019 Location: Mesa, Az Posts: 2,384	Both of my '15s take 5w-30 Dexos spec per the owners manual. Period. No reason to deviate unless directed by a well respected, experienced builder or hitting the track. I recommend doing your own oil changes if you're physically capable. Otherwise only let a capable tech that you trust perform maintenance for you. I would not let a dealership touch my vehicle unless I knew the tech personally. Generally (not always) the oil change techs are the least experienced, entry level mechanics. Most will do a fine job. Some won't. No thanks. __________________ 2LS: a TREMENDOUS machine. Z/28: it's a BIT MORE POWERFUL, of course. Last edited by ariZona28; 11-21-2023 at 03:48 AM.

11-21-2023, 08:35 AM	#8
Infidel67 Life's just a Ride Drives: 2011 Synergy Camaro 2SS/RS LS3 Join Date: Oct 2013 Location: Columbia SC Posts: 864 View My Garage	Just to add on. I always use Mobil1 full synthetic 5W-30 down south, for 12 years now. Never had any Issues __________________ 2011 Synergy Camaro 2SS/RS Ls3, LTH, CAI Custom Intake, TSP stage-3 111-LSA Cam, RWHP 503/508

11-21-2023, 08:44 AM	#9
1JEWLDSSRS Drives: 2011 SS-RS Join Date: May 2011 Location: FLORIDA Posts: 11,765	^^^ Same here. Since she was born, 5W30 Mobil 1 full syn. And the only person who touches my baby is my Chevy tech who has been wrenching on my Camaro since day 1!! 12 years ago. He knows my Camaro as well as his family! lol. Also I get to watch him do the oil changes so I know I'm getting what I should. My builder/tuner said that if I wanted I could run 10W40 since I'm cammed now, but that it wasn't really necessary since I don't track the car or beat on it. __________________ TSP STAGE 3 CAM,231/246 @112 LSA 614/641 LIFT, CIRCLE D 5C-4200-4500 CONVERTER,LOD INTAKE.CORSA EXHAUST. DSS 1 PC DS. PEGASUS SOLID CRADLE MOUNTS. 486RWHP/475RWTQ.LOTS MORE.

11-21-2023, 03:37 AM	#5
chevy pilot Drives: 2010 2SS/RS A6 Join Date: May 2019 Location: Hki.Finland Posts: 1,073	Stock engines tolerance -> XX-30 oil.

11-21-2023, 08:49 AM	#10
11/SS/RS Drives: 2011 Camaro 2SS/RS Join Date: Nov 2023 Location: Southern Colorado Posts: 95	I just did my oil change with M1 and used a K&N filter. You guys on board with the K&N oil filters?

11-21-2023, 01:02 PM	#13
Trawz Drives: 2013 Camaro 1LE Join Date: Jan 2019 Location: Portland, OR Posts: 266 View My Garage	K&N is my bare minimum for filters. WIX is the best choice. I do all the fluids myself. Oil every 2-3K miles. Trans and Diff every 15K. Coolant once a year. Brake fluid is done before track season, once a year. __________________ 2013 1SS/1LE Corsa Extreme cat-back, Speed Engineering LT Headers with black ceramic coating, C7 Z06 Front Brake Upgrade, Custom Mishimoto Oil Cooler, BMR Tunnel Brace, Custom Dual Mishimoto Oil Catch Cans, MSD Plug Wires, Mishimoto Radiator and Hoses, Melling High Volume/High Flow Oil Pump, Improved Racing Oil Pan Baffle Kit, Improved Racing Oil Pressure Bypass Delete, Improved Racing Oil Pick-up Tube Clamp.