The REAL Reason Modern Engines Fail

Video Description

The Hemi Tick, Roller Camshaft failures and bearing problems, let’s face it, modern engines aren’t just built the same anymore. There is something common about all of these modern engine mechanical problems that relates to motor oil. OEM recommended viscosity and oil change intervals are part of the problem, but probably not for the reason you think. Motor oil does more than just lubricate the engine. It protects against rust and corrosion. It Cleans, Cools and help Seal the engine. We’ve mentioned these important functions in previous videos, but there’s another function that motor oil provides in modern engines - hydraulic force. You see, Variable Valve Timing and Displacement On Demand systems utilize the motor oil as hydraulic fluid, and this is where the problem lies. Here is the proper framework for making decisions regarding oil. Step 1 - Utilize the OEM recommended oil and do two early oil changes during the break-in process (500 to 1,000 miles and again between 3,000 and 4,000 miles). Step 2 - Take used oil samples at each oil change to establish the trend analysis. Step 3 - Go 5,000 miles on the third oil change and take a used oil sample. If the wear rate per 1,000 miles is below 5 ppm, you are good. If the wear rate is between 5 ppm and 10 ppm per 1,000 miles, go another 5,000 miles on the OEM recommended oil and resample. If the wear rate is still greater than 5 ppm per 1,000 miles, then move to step 4. Step 4 - Review the used oil analysis data to see if the OEM recommended oil is falling short in any aspect (low viscosity, additive depletion, higher wear rate). If it is falling short, try a different oil of the same viscosity that meets the OEM spec. Go 3,000 to 4,000 miles on that oil and then refill with that same oil and go another 5,000 miles before taking another sample. See if the change in brand drops the wear rate per 1,000 miles below 5 ppm. If it does, you are good. If it does not, then move to Step 5. Step 5 - Since the change in brand did not get the wear rate per 1,000 miles below 5 ppm, use next higher viscosity grade of whichever oil had the lowest wear rate per 1,000 miles. If it was the non-OEM brand, resample at 5,000 miles to check the wear rate per 1,000 miles. If it was the OEM brand, you will need to use it for 3,000 to 4,000 miles to flush the non-OEM oil out of the system before going 5,000 miles on the higher viscosity OEM oil to take another sample. If either higher viscosity oil brings the wear rate down, then stay with that viscosity grade. If the wear rate per 1,000 miles is still above 5 ppm, go back to Step 4 and repeat. If the wear rate per 1,000 miles is below 5 ppm, you are good. You can then use the oil analysis results to fine tune the oil change interval. For more about Oil Analysis, check out: https://www.speediagnostix.com Here is a link to information related to the L87 recall: https://static.nhtsa.gov/odi/rcl/2025/RCLRPT-25V274-1598.PDF Here are the links to the other videos mentioned in this video. For more on motor oil Viscosity, check out this video: https://youtu.be/48pviPLgaPQ For more on early oil changes, check out this video: https://youtu.be/QDxn3mRTOfg For more on motor oil wear protection, check out this video: https://youtu.be/tohBEVErQ3k For a deeper dive into the science of lubrication, check out my good friend Rafe Britton's channel @LubricationExplained To learn more about my dad, check out his interview with Dale Earnhardt Jr: https://youtu.be/6-h5nCiLdWQ?si=TO0vmkDoT6iH4Vb9 Who is the @themotoroilgeek? I'm a Society of Tribologists and Lubrication Engineers Certified Lubrication Specialist and Oil Monitoring Analyst (I've maintained both of those for over a decade). I also worked for Joe Gibbs Racing for 12 years as their lubricant specialist. During that time, we worked with Wix Filters (one of our sponsors) to test and develop filters for our race engines. We also worked with Lubrizol and Chevron-Phillips Chemical to test and develop oils for our race cars. Following that, I was the head of R&D for Driven Racing Oil. During that time, I formulated and tested over 50 products. We also worked with Cummins, Comp Cams, Oak Ridge National Labs and General Motors on various R&D products. Those efforts are recorded in peer reviewed white papers published by SAE International and ACS Sustainable Chemistry journals. Today, I provide Tribology consulting and used oil analysis via SPEEDiagnostix. #chevy #motoroil #engine #viscosity #enginefailure #toyota #ford #ram