Oil Related Engine Failures

[BillyP]

All this talk about this oil is better than that oil... Have any of you ever actually had an engine oil related failure? I know I haven't and I've used a lot of different brands over the years.

 

[Larry_T]

I had one in a new 1960 chevy 30;000 miles.

 

[slowrev]

None here, however everything else around the engine seems to fall apart /forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif Over the years I have used Texaco, Valvoline, Delo and Castrol. Texaco seemed to build a lot of sludge.

 

[Bird]

I've never personally had an oil related engine failure, but I've been in some shops and seen a few. Many years ago, when hydraulic lifters were a fairly new thing, I've seen some auto engines torn down because the owners used a non-detergent motor oil. And in 1973, I bought a new motorhome with a small (2.5 kw) Onan generator. Shortly after the first oil change, while still under warranty, I noticed smoke coming from the exhaust pipe, and took it to an authorized service center and left it. When I went back the next day, the motorhome was sitting in their parking lot with the generator running and no smoke. I had used Uniflo 10W-30 motor oil in it; same as I was using in the motorhome and my car engines with no problem, but they told me all they did was change oil and it had been running just fine for 24 hours (in July Dallas heat). They said those generators, even though it was a gasoline engine, run so hot that you had to use a 30 or 40 weight motor oil rated for diesel engines. That was not specified in my manual at the time. And they showed me a couple of engines torn down that had the oil congealed in the pan so firmly that you could hardly dig it out with a screwdriver.

So, I'm convinced that it does matter which oil you use, but that means using one with the manufacturer's recommended API ratings, not a particular brand.

 

[dass]

Hey Bird, Hope you and the Mrs. are doing well ! I had a similar thing happen to me. My wife had a 4 cyl. import and I was using dino oil in it. The second oil change at about 3k miles showed me something. It was hot ,90's, she just got back from a trip. When I drained the oil , it ran out like WATER. Switched to syn. and the next time the oil was changed, it ran out like 30 wt. oil should. That was ten years ago , been using Mobil 1 ever since. In cold weather it's easier on timing belts and chains, ect..

 

[BillyP]

Yeah Bird, I meant using the manufacturer's recommended API ratings.

I can also testify to the fact about using a 10W-30 in a lawnmower engine. Mine didn't smoke but it used oil, till I changed back to 30 weight.

 

[gsxr1100]

Well this is what I have been trying to say from my firt oil post ever.

In todays engines it is VERY hard to have an engine failure that is oil related. That is why I personally do the extended drains with no problems. They are many oil out there just chose wisely and the correct API rating.

Bird stated it best..

 

[BillyP]

I can remember when buying a used vehicle and it had around 70,000 miles, it was about ready for the bone yard. Heck, I've even bought a few /forums/images/graemlins/frown.gif

Todays engines, thanks to advancements in metallurgy and better oils, the engines will outlast the rest of the vehicle . Just as slowrev stated.

 

[fivestring]

No.
Not one oil-related failure.

Always used Penzoil, Valvoline or Havoline.

 

[MikePA]

<font color="blue"> They said those generators, even though it was a gasoline engine, run so hot that you had to use a 30 or 40 weight motor oil rated for diesel engines. </font>
The owner's manual for my Generac portable generator (gasoline) specifies a straight 30w oil.