Generation III Internal Engine 1997-2006 LS1 | LS6
Sponsored by:
Sponsored by:

Engine Oil temperatures ... interesting conversation

Thread Tools
 
Search this Thread
 
Old 12-21-2001, 06:33 AM
  #1  
TECH Senior Member
Thread Starter
iTrader: (14)
 
mitchntx's Avatar
 
Join Date: Nov 2001
Location: DFW, Texas
Posts: 6,480
Likes: 0
Received 2 Likes on 2 Posts

Default Engine Oil temperatures ... interesting conversation

Background ... I work at a nuke plant that is required to have huge emergency electrical generators start and come up to speed in a matter of seconds, in case of an emergency. So, the coolant and oil temps stay in the operating range constantly.

So, I call our resident Dr. Slick and ask what the optimum oil temp is.

He tells me for long life, engine oil should be at about 150 degrees F and every 15 degrees over that, you decrease the oil's life expectency, as it relates to temperature, in half, as a basic rulle of thumb. It's not some axiom from on high.

hmmmm ...

I've asked a couple of questions to different people who have installed temperature guages on their oil and they tell me they see 180-190 under normal driving conditions.

hmmmm ...

Now, all this is leading to the installation of an engine oil cooler and remote, oversized filter. I would imagine oil temps are quite elevated during a 20 minute road course excursion.

hmmmm ...

Under normal driving, I cahnge my oil every 2000 - 2500 miles. If I have a road course event coming up I change it before and after the event.

When asked about the use of synthetic or fossil for the way I drive, Dr. Slick assured me that Mobil 1 was not superior to fossil oil. During the first 1/4 of the oil's life, synthetics and fossil lubricant's performed quite similarly. It was in the latter 3/4 of the oil's life that Mobil 1 became a superior oil.

He went on to say that the goal is to prevent engine failure. Oil contamination related engine failures are more common that lubrication related failures. So, he said filtration of the oil is many times an overlooked key. Something 50 microns or lower is what he suggested.

He offered to analyze some oil samples.

So, I'm gonna take some Mobil 1 oil from a friend's LS1 that has similar mileage and had a road race weekend on it and take some of my Havoline that has 2000 miles of daily driving on it and do a comparo.

If anyone's interested, I'll post the results once they are done.
Old 12-21-2001, 07:20 AM
  #2  
TECH Enthusiast
 
TA_2001's Avatar
 
Join Date: Nov 2001
Location: Dallas,Texas
Posts: 712
Likes: 0
Received 1 Like on 1 Post
Default Re: Engine Oil temperatures ... interesting conversation

I like anything that has hard data to go
along with it.. great story. This is one
reason I dont use synth oil. I have never
let the oil get dirty in the ta ( 15k miles ).
In comparison , my F250 4X4 get changed when
I get around to it.. its also my daily driver.
It may have seen some benifit to syth oil.
Im old school and only do what I know and for
me its dino oil. Dont forget .. when I started
driving oil came in cans and you had to have a
spout.
Terry <img src="graemlins/gr_devil.gif" border="0" alt="[devil]" />
Old 12-21-2001, 10:29 AM
  #3  
On The Tree
 
rom3's Avatar
 
Join Date: Nov 2001
Location: Chicagoland
Posts: 156
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Default Re: Engine Oil temperatures ... interesting conversation

I'm starting to second guess myself on using synthetic as well. I'm sticking with it for now because I want the fastest flowing oil I can get for our Chicago winter temps which often fall into the single digits overnight.
Old 12-21-2001, 10:49 AM
  #4  
LS1Tech Premium Sponsor
iTrader: (3)
 
Trevor @ Texas Speed & Perf.'s Avatar
 
Join Date: Nov 2001
Location: Lubbock, Texas
Posts: 4,399
Likes: 0
Received 4 Likes on 4 Posts

Default Re: Engine Oil temperatures ... interesting conversation

great info Mitch! Definitely let us know the results of the oil analysis.
__________________
Old 12-21-2001, 06:56 PM
  #5  
On The Tree
 
ls1fun's Avatar
 
Join Date: Nov 2001
Posts: 139
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Default Re: Engine Oil temperatures ... interesting conversation

I believe 175 degrees is needed to burn off water condensation for an automobile engine.
Old 12-22-2001, 01:21 AM
  #6  
Teching In
 
Hawk's Avatar
 
Join Date: Nov 2001
Location: DFW
Posts: 48
Likes: 0
Received 1 Like on 1 Post

Default Re: Engine Oil temperatures ... interesting conversation

[quote]Originally posted by mitchntx:
<strong>Under normal driving, I cahnge my oil every 2000 - 2500 miles. If I have a road course event coming up I change it before and after the event.

When asked about the use of synthetic or fossil for the way I drive, Dr. Slick assured me that Mobil 1 was not superior to fossil oil. During the first 1/4 of the oil's life, synthetics and fossil lubricant's performed quite similarly. It was in the latter 3/4 of the oil's life that Mobil 1 became a superior oil.

</strong><hr></blockquote>


I'm confused by one thing. When he says that Dino and Synth perform similarly in the first 1/4 of oil life, what kind of time period is he talking about? If you are using Dino and changing it every 3000 miles is he saying that is as good as using M1 for 5000 miles? I would think that the ability of M1 to resist extreme temperatures, hot or cold, would be better as soon as you pour it in. I personally use M1 for it's superior heat resistance and for engine coating after shut off.
Old 12-22-2001, 05:29 AM
  #7  
TECH Senior Member
 
Patman's Avatar
 
Join Date: Nov 2001
Location: Mississauga, Ontario
Posts: 7,234
Likes: 0
Received 1 Like on 1 Post

Default Re: Engine Oil temperatures ... interesting conversation

[quote]Originally posted by ls1fun:
<strong>I believe 175 degrees is needed to burn off water condensation for an automobile engine.</strong><hr></blockquote>

Are you sure about that? I've always been told that oil needs to get up to 212F (the boiling point of water) in order for the moisture to be burned off.
Old 12-22-2001, 09:25 AM
  #8  
TECH Regular
 
02 'Hawk's Avatar
 
Join Date: Nov 2001
Location: Out of Texas, into Tucson, AZ
Posts: 489
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Default Re: Engine Oil temperatures ... interesting conversation

I use blackstone labs each change. Have results from two changes, at 700 and at 2300 miles.

Penzoil dino 5-30 i could scan/post if someone would host.

let me know, Chris <img src="graemlins/gr_cheers.gif" border="0" alt="[cheers]" />
Old 12-22-2001, 01:04 PM
  #9  
On The Tree
 
ls1fun's Avatar
 
Join Date: Nov 2001
Posts: 139
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Default Re: Engine Oil temperatures ... interesting conversation

[quote]Originally posted by 02 'Hawk:
<strong>I use blackstone labs each change. Have results from two changes, at 700 and at 2300 miles.

Penzoil dino 5-30 i could scan/post if someone would host.

let me know, Chris <img src="graemlins/gr_cheers.gif" border="0" alt="[cheers]" /> </strong><hr></blockquote>

I would host, just email it to me. Along with a link to this topic please. <img src="gr_stretch.gif" border="0">
Old 12-22-2001, 01:08 PM
  #10  
On The Tree
 
ls1fun's Avatar
 
Join Date: Nov 2001
Posts: 139
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Default Re: Engine Oil temperatures ... interesting conversation

[quote]Originally posted by Patman:
<strong>

Are you sure about that? I've always been told that oil needs to get up to 212F (the boiling point of water) in order for the moisture to be burned off.</strong><hr></blockquote>

That's what i have read. I looked into it before when i was thinking about a 160 degree thermostat.

You could always use a thermostat in a pan of oil/little water to check it out scientifically. Using the thermostat, heat it to 175 and see what happens. I am sure 212 would do it faster but i believe 175 does the job 'okay'.
Old 12-22-2001, 05:11 PM
  #11  
FormerVendor
 
racer7088's Avatar
 
Join Date: Nov 2001
Location: Houston, Tx.
Posts: 3,065
Likes: 0
Received 5 Likes on 5 Posts

Default Re: Engine Oil temperatures ... interesting conversation

""He went on to say that the goal is to prevent engine failure. Oil contamination related engine failures are more common that lubrication related failures. So, he said filtration of the oil is many times an overlooked key. Something 50 microns or lower is what he suggested.""

He obviously doesn't know squat about how automotive performance engines or oiling systems run and work. lubrication related failures are ten to one more common in our area of concern than oil cantamination failures!

<img src="graemlins/gr_bs.gif" border="0" alt="[bullshit]" />




All times are GMT -5. The time now is 07:11 AM.