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So let's back off of the tension a little here. A couple guys have reported that upon initial startup, there was some squealing that ended up going away after a little bit of time.
We also have someone who is seeing a lot of shiny copper color specs in their oil as well.... maybe it's coincidence, we don't know.
The design of these changed at some point, from having 2 separate channels for oiling, at the 10 and 2 positions, to one channel at 12 o'clock. Could this have an impact, I don't know.
Let's let Chris chime in today, or soon, and get his thoughts on this before we start slinging mud back and forth.
Last edited by The Alchemist; May 16, 2016 at 07:52 AM.
I had a squealing when I first started mine also. And I had soaked it in oil prior,also cranked the engine over a few times to build oil pressure before having it fire up. The noise did go away after building some heat into the valvetrain. I plan on changing the oil after breaking in my clutch and going to a quality 10w30 and see if that helps. Valavetrain noise seems about the same otherwise imo...but then again my car is rather loud regardless.
My fears confirmed......changed the oil and found micron particulates in the oil and filter. Not sure if the pictures will show in detail.
Change your oil after start up.
I allowed the bushings and trunions to soak in zinc additive overnight on Thursday, assembled on Friday afternoon. Once the assembly was completed I placed all rockers and bolts in a tub of mobil 1 oil until around 8:00pm last night and then installed.
This morning I cranked the car.
Pictures attached after ten minutes of run time.
This was my primary concern and why I asked the question initially.
Just wanted to add this oil pictured had less than 550 miles of use. Mobil 1 10w30 Gold Cap synthetic. So the color of the oil should show why I'm concerned. This is a 2006 Corvette with 22k miles.
Years ago we had customer with lifter bore bushed BBC and the shop that did the lifter bores did a terrible job. Needless to say bushing material went through the engine and oil was normal color as new but with gold flakes in it.
The only thing that will change oil that color is water. You've got other issues sir. I would like to see the rockers.
I would like to know if they come from China? The trunnions look exactly like the junk Comp trunnions except there is a flat cut in the top and they are micro-polished. Chris Straub, be straight with us-- are these sourced from China???
Sir, there is not comparison in finish on our trunnions to others that are using needle bearings. A simple visual by anyone of our trunnion and you can tell it is a well made piece.
After reading some of the replies in this thread, I pulled a valve cover. The Straub kit has 250 miles on it, no abnormal noises on initial start-up, no abnormal noises to date, no flakes in the oil, no visible damage:
Was going to say that oil looks like it has water in it. No bronze is going to change it like that. Just would be gold flakes in Amber colored oil. Only thing that's bad about any upgraded trunion the manufactor doesn't install them and has to rely on the customer to install them properly. And a bad install turns instantly into a bad part. Not saying that's happening here. I don't know people's level of skill or anything. Just stating a opinion.
PM me a phone number to call you direct and we can discuss.
The color of the oil was skewed by a risdual film inside the tub used (simple green/castrol from previous tractor oilchange).to illustrate the gold flake streaking that can clearly be seen. I apologize for leaving that out of the into all response.
PM me a phone number to call you direct and we can discuss.
The color of the oil was skewed by a risdual film inside the tub used (simple green/castrol from previous tractor oilchange).to illustrate the gold flake streaking that can clearly be seen. I apologize for leaving that out of the into all response.
That does not excuse the flakes.
This should have been stated up front. Your initial post specifically says "So the color of the oil should show why I'm concerned. " I'm all for having companies own up when there is an issue/defect, but tell the whole story.
I mentioned already i had my set presoaked in oil prior to install,I also cranked the motor over several times to to build oil pressure before i fired it up and it squealed.By the 3rd time of starting the car the noise was gone 100% since I only let it run for a few mins as i was checking leaks etc and building up temp. As of right now the car has sat 3 days and my dipstick shows prefect oil.I want to put some more driving time before i dump the oil and inspect the filter. Though i doubt i will have issues.It couldve of been my new ls7 lifters/trays etc..I did a entire topend refresh so having some noise didnt really scare me.
I apologized in my statement. There is nothing more I need to do on my end to pacify you, unless you are agreeing to pay the final bill?
You don't need to do anything, just pointing out its very easy to cost a business money by doing what you did. Next time tell the whole story, thats all. I do hope it gets sorted out for you and the rest of the guys having issues.
UPDATE:
I'm going to include a packet of Driven High Pressure Assembly lube with each of the Straub Kits. This will be included in all LS1 Tech Sponsors kits also. This will ensure that the DIY guys get a good high pressure lube that will be there during start up.
You don't need to do anything, just pointing out its very easy to cost a business money by doing what you did. Next time tell the whole story, thats all. I do hope it gets sorted out for you and the rest of the guys having issues.
First and foremost you have zero, "count that zero liability" here and have no business stating wrongs or rights. When you have skin in the game then feel free to voice your opinion.
I'm an experienced seasoned engineer with millions of dollars in automobiles in my garages.
The assembly was completed just as the WI stated with additional steps to help prevent premature wear from occurring on startup.
If you would like to add relevant additional information then feel free....but dibs are not needed.
Thanks and have a Great Day!
Brad
Last edited by brobinson216; May 17, 2016 at 11:14 AM.
First and foremost you have zero, "count that zero liability" here and have no business stating wrongs or rights. When you have skin in the game then feel free to voice your opinion.
I'm an experienced seasoned engineer with millions of dollars in automobiles in my garages.
The assembled was completed just as the WI stated with additional steps to help prevent premature wear from occurring on startup.
Don't get your panties in a wad. I wasn't aware I or ANYONE else had to have "skin in the game" to post on a PUBLIC FORUM. Congrats on being a seasoned engineer....so from engineer to engineer (and 1 who has multiple technology patents in the transportation industry), I'll voice my concern if I feel the need to. I've been around long enough to see vendors go under from being bashed on a forum, and other vendors screw over hardworking members of this forum (Kentucky Turbo comes to mind).
I do truly hope you get it sorted out and it looks like Chris S. is working with you and others to resolve. I'm impressed seeing as he isn't even a vendor on this site, to my knowledge.
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