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-   -   Glittery Oil (https://www.miataturbo.net/engine-performance-56/glittery-oil-96293/)

pmhellings 03-06-2018 08:00 AM

Glittery Oil
 
My last two oil changes have shown some "glitter" in the oil. The first time I assumed ( hoped) it was just dirt or something in the catch pan. Last oil change I cleaned the pan out thoroughly before draining the engine. Still had glitter. I checked with a magnet and it seems that the glitter is not magnetic, although it was hard to tell for sure given the oil sort of coated the magnet.

The engine has 110k, oil changed every 5k miles with synthetic. Boosted at 12# and not tracked and not really beaten on much. Uses no oil or coolant, plugs are uniformly clean and tan and engine runs well. Tune is pretty conservative but a few degrees of timing hotter than the FM base tune on the Hydra. Data logs show no knocking, so all should be good. Except there's glitter in the oil.

Any guesses as as to what is going on? Wouldn't any piston damage to detonation go out the tailpipe? Beating down the valves? VVT head is stock, but I ususally shift before 7k rpm. No valve train noise is evident.

Suggestions?

Paul

4strings 03-06-2018 08:18 AM

Send it to Blackstone labs? It's fairly cheap.

x_25 03-06-2018 08:35 AM

Might be bearings. Send a sample to blackstone.

You can also cut open the oil filter and see just how much is in there.

ryansmoneypit 03-06-2018 09:11 AM

or just kep driving it till something happens. If you send the oil off and it comes back bad, you are possibly looking at a rebuild. If you drive it and it actually begins to knock, then you know it was a problem and needs to be rebuilt. Its not like you can remedy the situation with magic aditives after a Blackstone analysis. if its dying, its dying.

pmhellings 03-06-2018 09:26 AM

Plan for a while has been to build a new engine to swap in. I probably need to push that forward. A little bit. Maybe turn the boost down a little too.

Paul

tyhackman15 03-06-2018 10:09 AM

Glitter that isn't magnetic makes me think bearings. Run a little thicker oil and keep your fingers crossed. What oil have you been running previously?

pdexta 03-06-2018 10:43 AM


Originally Posted by pmhellings (Post 1470266)
Maybe turn the boost down a little too.

Oh now don't you even talk like that!

Your bearings don't care how much boost your running (within reason and on a safe tune). If it's going to die, it's going to die, better to send it off in a blaze of glory than to send it to it's deathbed prematurely.

pmhellings 03-06-2018 12:10 PM


Originally Posted by tyhackman15 (Post 1470273)
Glitter that isn't magnetic makes me think bearings. Run a little thicker oil and keep your fingers crossed. What oil have you been running previously?

I've been running Mobil 1 10w-30. Change every 5k. In Florida so could go a little thicker. So, I'm at least 12k miles into this issue. I was going to next, forged motor myself, even bought a block that had been "rebuilt" with forged rods and pistons and I was going to go thru itand verify/ upgrade. Turns out it had forged rods but everything else stock and the engine was filthy inside with gunk and the cylinder walls had never even been honed. Sold the engine for what I paid ( and told the buyer what I found).

A little gun shy on the build now after reading that you have to calculate bolt stretch, not torque stuff. My last engine build was a small block Chevy about 45 years ago. Maybe a new turbo engine needs a finer touch than I've got. Anyone have a recommendation for a good builder in Northeast or Central Florida?

Paul

SpartanSV 03-06-2018 12:52 PM

What fasteners require measuring bolt stretch? I assembled a bp this winter and didn't see anything that didn't list an actual torque number.

These are simple engines. If you have any prior engine assembly experience then you're more than qualified to do it yourself IMO.

hi_im_sean 03-06-2018 12:58 PM


Originally Posted by SpartanSV (Post 1470313)
What fasteners require measuring bolt stretch? I assembled a bp this winter and didn't see anything that didn't list an actual torque number.

These are simple engines. If you have any prior engine assembly experience then you're more than qualified to do it yourself IMO.

The rod bolts. Not that they require it, but its the best way to do it. Some might even say its the only proper way to do it. And I agree with them.

SpartanSV 03-06-2018 01:25 PM


Originally Posted by hi_im_sean (Post 1470316)
The rod bolts. Not that they require it, but its the best way to do it. Some might even say its the only proper way to do it. And I agree with them.

I used ebay rods with ARP bolts. They list a stretch method and give a torque spec for those without a stretch gauge.

You're right, measuring stretch would be best, but If that is what is keeping OP from assembling himself then I feel he should be aware that isn't the only option.

sixshooter 03-06-2018 02:18 PM

Mazworx in Orlando is highly competent as an engine builder. The owner is a friend. He also CNC machines SR20 and 2JZ engine blocks out of billet aluminum, lol. He built my engine and Tony Montana's engine.

He built an SR20 motor that makes over 1400whp for a customer, FWIW.

http://www.mazworx.com/

pmhellings 03-06-2018 02:38 PM


Originally Posted by sixshooter (Post 1470333)
Mazworx in Orlando is highly competent as an engine builder. The owner is a friend. He also CNC machines SR20 and 2JZ engine blocks out of billet aluminum, lol. He built my engine and Tony Montana's engine.

He built an SR20 motor that makes over 1400whp for a customer, FWIW.

Mazworx

Thanks, I'll check it out.

Paul

Savington 03-06-2018 02:54 PM


Originally Posted by SpartanSV (Post 1470323)
I used ebay rods with ARP bolts. They list a stretch method and give a torque spec for those without a stretch gauge.

The deviation from the published spec required to achieve the listed stretch on ARP rod bolts would surprise you.

Neilv 03-06-2018 03:03 PM


Originally Posted by pmhellings (Post 1470306)


I've been running Mobil 1 10w-30. Change every 5k.

Has no one seen this? Every time I hear a bad engine story from not pushing it its 75% Mobil 1 and 25% royal purple.

hi_im_sean 03-06-2018 03:11 PM

Geez, can we please not go there?

sixshooter 03-06-2018 03:31 PM


Originally Posted by Neilv (Post 1470343)
Has no one seen this? Every time I hear a bad engine story from not pushing it its 75% Mobil 1 and 25% royal purple.

I thought it but I didn't say it.

Blkbrd69 03-06-2018 03:55 PM

Blackstone

ryansmoneypit 03-06-2018 04:09 PM

waste of time^^^

pmhellings 03-06-2018 06:53 PM

So what's the problem with that?
 

Originally Posted by Neilv (Post 1470343)
Has no one seen this? Every time I hear a bad engine story from not pushing it its 75% Mobil 1 and 25% royal purple.

Please let me in on the joke....what's wrong with Mobile 1 Synthetic? Or what was it that I wrote that is amusing? As far as "not pushing it" I'm talking about RPM. I find the car is quicker shifting at about 6800 and since I'm on a stock damper and stock head revving over 7k is not only not productive but inviting oil pump failure.

So....what???

Paul


Leafy 03-06-2018 08:39 PM


Originally Posted by pmhellings (Post 1470393)

Please let me in on the joke....what's wrong with Mobile 1 Synthetic? Or what was it that I wrote that is amusing? As far as "not pushing it" I'm talking about RPM. I find the car is quicker shifting at about 6800 and since I'm on a stock damper and stock head revving over 7k is not only not productive but invitinf oil pump,failure.

So....what???

Paul

I'm with him. I dont understand it but every time a guy that doenst race kills a modded motor its always 10w30 M1 or RP. So weird. Is it the oil or the people who buy those oils that are the problem?

SpartanSV 03-07-2018 04:56 AM

M1 has the largest market share of all synthetic oils.......

It shouldn't be surprising that people are commonly running M1 when they destroy a modified engine.

sixshooter 03-07-2018 08:11 AM


Originally Posted by SpartanSV (Post 1470457)
M1 has the largest market share of all synthetic oils.......

It shouldn't be surprising that people are commonly running M1 when they destroy a modified engine.

True. And even more true when you analyze the oil's qualities.

Mobil 1 10w30 Advanced Synthetic
Viscosity at 100*C = 10.1
Flash point = 232*C (449*F)
Calcium = 1,161
Magnesium = 772
Phosphorus = 689
Zinc = 821
Moly = 85
Boron = 108

Shell Rotella T6 5W40 (CJ4)
Vis at 100*C = 13.9
Flash = 224*C (435*F)
Cal = 832
Mag = 1,334
Pho = 1,142
Zn = 1,390
Moly = 71
Boron = 71

Shell Rotella T6 5W40 (CK4)
Vis at 100*C = 14.5
Flash = 223*C (433*F)
Cal = 2,020
Mag = 90
Pho = 1,024
Zn = 1,199
Moly = 1
Boron = 184

Schaeffer Supreme 9000 5w50
Vis at 100*C = 18.7
Flash = 225*C (437*F)
Cal = 2,569
Mag = 23
Pho = 1,398
Zn = 1,590
Moly = 295
Boron = 23


Yes, Ben. We're taking the thread there.

ryansmoneypit 03-07-2018 09:10 AM

Cashes in PTO, closes computer, runs out of office to go buy Schaeffer oil.

tyhackman15 03-07-2018 10:44 AM


Originally Posted by ryansmoneypit (Post 1470471)
Cashes in PTO, closes computer, runs out of office to go buy Schaeffer oil.

FWIW all Schaeffer products seems to have wild price swings on amazon. Throw your desired item into a price history website to make sure you aren't overpaying if you go the amazon route. I use their Moly EP additive and it ranges from $6 a bottle to ~$15. Their oils seem to do the same, $30-50 a gallon for the same oil.

sixshooter 03-07-2018 10:59 AM


Originally Posted by ryansmoneypit (Post 1470471)
Cashes in PTO, closes computer, runs out of office to go buy Schaeffer oil.

There are other good choices out there, too.



The Mobil 1 10W30 would be fine in a lightly stressed engine for as long as most original owners have them. The forces we are putting on the engine's narrow bearing surfaces are two, three, or four times as much from the increased power depending upon if you are at 200, 300, or 400whp. The engines weren't factory designed to do it. The viscosity of the T6 being 40%+ more or the Schaeffer being 80% more becomes important quickly. If that film strength does break down under the force you then need extreme pressure (EP) lubricant additives like zinc and phosphorus to continue to protect from metal to metal contact.

I also noticed Rotella T4 (EK4) in my searching and though it had a really great additive package and decent visosity it had a 204*C (399*F) flash point, which would preclude me from considering it.

Like I said, there are several good oils out there for what we are doing to these little engines. Do your own research and understand why, then find something that you like.

TL;DR - Mobil 1 10W30 is too thin and lacks enough additives you want for trubomiatas, imo.

tyhackman15 03-07-2018 11:17 AM


Originally Posted by sixshooter (Post 1470462)
mistakes

FWIW those Rotella flashpoints are in *F. Every VOA I've seen has it around 420-430*F

sixshooter 03-07-2018 11:21 AM


Originally Posted by tyhackman15 (Post 1470498)
FWIW those Rotella flashpoints are in *F. Every VOA I've seen has it around 420-430*F

So they are. Why do they mix the measurements on these damn VOA charts? Editing to follow...

cal_len1 03-07-2018 02:13 PM

Keep in mind this is quoting oil viscosity values at 100 C. If you're on track, your oil is hotter, and oils can change a lot in how viscous they get above that. Also, flash point doesn't tell you much, unless you care about oil consumption or ring/bore wear.

pmhellings 03-09-2018 07:35 AM

This is good information. I imagine that I'm not the only one that thought I was doing the right thing using Mobil 1. Looks like my next oil change will be early and go to a heavier weight. Glad that I never succumbed to the 5W30 and at least stayed with 10W30. Time to research what I'll use instead.

Paul

pmhellings 03-10-2018 09:40 PM

After reading up some on oil, it looks like Amsoil would be a good choice. Any recommendations on the weight that I should use? Northeast Florida, fifty degrees is cold here and summer is like Florida....in the 90's. 10W40? Help me save my engine until I can get the new one built.

FMII @ 12 psi VVT motor with stock internals. Good cooling and conservative tune.

Paul

pmhellings 03-10-2018 09:41 PM

<div style="text-align:left;">After reading up some on oil, it looks like Amsoil would be a good choice. Any recommendations on the weight that I should use? Northeast Florida, fifty degrees is cold here and summer is like Florida....in the 90's. 10W40? Help me save my engine until I can get the new one built.<br /><br />FMII @ 12 psi VVT motor with stock internals. Good cooling and conservative tune.<br /><br />Paul</div>

thumpetto007 03-10-2018 11:13 PM

https://www.amsoil.com/shop/by-produ...30-racing-oil/

LukeG 03-11-2018 03:57 AM

Isn't 40 weight was the go to for our engines when they have a turbo?

On a side note, I found this video extremely informative and it is the first time I've ever heard anyone explain oil viscosity in a way that makes sense.


sixshooter 03-11-2018 08:48 AM

I now use 50 weight as the top number.

More recently on track it has reached 250*F oil temp since I turned the power up. I need a little bit more cooling or the discipline to lay off the "high boost" button until then. I lack discipline. And it is a very shiny button.

For street at your power levels 40 or 50 for the top number would be much better than 30.

LukeG 03-11-2018 01:55 PM


Originally Posted by pmhellings (Post 1470821)
This is good information. I imagine that I'm not the only one that thought I was doing the right thing using Mobil 1. Looks like my next oil change will be early and go to a heavier weight. Glad that I never succumbed to the 5W30 and at least stayed with 10W30. Time to research what I'll use instead.

Paul

Check out that video I posted above. The first number means nothing for most of florida and only matters when you go below 32 degrees. At operating temp they are exactly the same (assuming they are both mobile 1 synthetic).

mrtopher 03-11-2018 04:38 PM

Try cutting open your oil filter to get a better idea of how bad it is. If you see any larger chunks, that's no bueno. Blackstone isn't a bad idea either.

pmhellings 03-11-2018 11:01 PM

Thanks to all who replied to my questions. I'll be going with Amsoil XL 10W40. I've switched off the EBC and running wastegate pressure until I make the change.

i notice the Amsoil site mentions 12,000 mile oil change intervals....really? I've been on a 5k regime since I bought the car.

Paul

tyhackman15 03-12-2018 09:40 AM


Originally Posted by LukeG (Post 1471112)
Check out that video I posted above. The first number means nothing for most of florida and only matters when you go below 32 degrees. At operating temp they are exactly the same (assuming they are both mobile 1 synthetic).

A 0w-40 will still be a lot thinner than a 10w-40 even at florida (ambient) temps. Thinner when cold is always a good thing in my opinion, the quicker you can get the oil flowing after a "cold" start the better.


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