Scalpel

iTrader: (4)

Back on the other board a long time ago there were posts about M1 spinning bearings, etc. Was there any proof of this or any data on it? Anyone have the old post links?

Skelton

I dont think anyone ever proved mobil 1 to be at fault. If I remember correctly, some were 1qrt or more low on oil and others just flat overreved for the stock oil pump and pan capacities.

EFILive

iTrader: (2)

I have a GM-H HSV GTS300 with the 300kW Callaway CB4 LS1 factory fitted. After 8,000 kms from new the engine failed. Needing replacement were: All Bearings, rod-bolts, rings, valves, valve guides, cam, lifters, crank, oil pump and gaskets. Parts only cost $14,000 NZD (about $6,000 USD). The work was carried out under manufacturer's warranty.

I was told that the only LS1's that failed were filled with Mobile 1. No LS1 that was fitted with mineral oil had been damaged. Pretty damning evidence - if the dealer can be believed. Out of 14 such cars in my area, mine was number 6 to let go - nearly 50% failure rate - more have probably failed since. These engines redline at 6,500.

<RANT>
The really anoying thing is I took the car back to the dealer about 3 weeks before the engine died and complained that the lifters were noisy and the oil pressure was low. Even knowing that 5 vehicles had also failed with oil problems only days before they just topped it up with 2 litres of oil and told me to tell the service guys at 10,000 service that it was using oil. Three weeks later the engine was dead. <img src="gr_images/icons/mad.gif" border="0">
</RANT>

Jake99SS

You have to consider though that the vast majority of people use Mobil 1 in the cars. So it has to stand that, yes, a lot of cars that have engine failure will be running Mobil 1. Mobil 1 synthetic comes with the C5s so why would a manufacturer use an oil they thought would contribute to them spending $8000 every time they turn around?

Scalpel

iTrader: (4)

You beat me to it, Jake! Oh well <img src="gr_grin.gif" border="0">

y2khawk

iTrader: (5)

Indeed, why would the manufacturer FACTORY FILL the C5 w/ Mobil 1 if it caused engine failure.

EFILive, your issue sounds like an oil pump problem. Pretty typical. the relief valve will stick opne. Search the boards and you'll find many similar failures.

And i highly doubt the oil type impacts the pump failure, as it happens on all LS1's synth or dino alike.

RPM WS6

iTrader: (3)

I don’t see how a synthetic oil can contribute to engine failure. How can mineral or “dino” oil be better for performance and longevity? That’s just plain nuts. I don’t use M1, but I do use a synthetic oil (Valvoline SynPower) and I can’t see how it would be possible for that or any other Syn oil to damage a motor. Syn has better flow, better heat resistance, better resistance to damaging elements (like gases, acids, water ((moisture)), etc.), etc. In what way would dino oil be superior? I don’t know; many of us believe in using it to break in a motor (I used dino till 3000 miles), but past that I see no need for dino unless you just want to save money on oil.

EFILive

iTrader: (2)

y2khawk,

About the oil pump being the cause of failure - I agree 100%, so do most people who work on these engines.

I was just illustrating a point:
*** that the dealers (aka GM-H) were trying to shift the blame to synth oil. ***

Just relaying what I (and undoubtably every owner whose engine failed) was "told".

I got a little carried away - I fought the dealer and GM-H for about 6 months to get the issue resolved - but the dealer would not play ball, I came off second best. I am just a little annoyed about the whole issue.

Jake99SS

I agree the dealers can be real bastages when it comes to this oil pump issue. I had a good relationship with my dealer until my oil pump failed in 12/00. When I first took it in, they replaced the battery for me <img src="gr_grin.gif" border="0"> Then when it actually failed and the engine made bad noises, they blamed the pump failure on the cam. Also said even if the cam didn't cause it, the catback could have made the engine run lean, hammer the bearings and clog the pump with debris. <img src="images/icons/rolleyes.gif" border="0">

They also tried to blame the oil consumption earlier that year on using synthetic oil. I told 'em that was a load of bunk since the C5s came with it. Their response? "Oh, well the C5 motor has different parts, tolerances, etc. The build them to different specs than the Camaro version." <img src="graemlins/gr_guns.gif" border="0" alt="[guns]" />

Scalpel

iTrader: (4)

Yes dealers can be true ******** <img src="gr_images/icons/mad.gif" border="0"> <img src="gr_images/icons/mad.gif" border="0">

RPM WS6

iTrader: (3)

[quote]Originally posted by Jake99SS:
<strong>Also said even if the cam didn't cause it, the catback could have made the engine run lean, hammer the bearings and clog the pump with debris. <img src="images/icons/rolleyes.gif" border="0">

They also tried to blame the oil consumption earlier that year on using synthetic oil. I told 'em that was a load of bunk since the C5s came with it. Their response? "Oh, well the C5 motor has different parts, tolerances, etc. The build them to different specs than the Camaro version." <img src="graemlins/gr_guns.gif" border="0" alt="[guns]" /> </strong><hr></blockquote>

Jake, you never mentioned this to me before. What a crock! I would have **** myself with rage and disgust <img src="gr_images/icons/mad.gif" border="0"> right in front of them had they said either of these two statements to me. Who the hell was this, Woodfield? God, what a load! C5 and F-bod LS1 have different engine tolerances” <img src="graemlins/gr_bs.gif" border="0" alt="[bullshit]" /> <img src="images/icons/rolleyes.gif" border="0"> I got their tolerances right here! Never go anywhere but Jennings around here...

RPM WS6

iTrader: (3)

I just thought of something else to tell them about that “tolerances” deal. Doesn’t SLP offer a Synthetics package on SS’s? You should have told them you ordered that package with the car, and it included syn. oil. Then ask them if the special Vette engine came along with it... <img src="images/icons/rolleyes.gif" border="0"> As you can tell, stupidity like what they showed you really, really pisses me off <img src="gr_images/icons/mad.gif" border="0">