What a Joke! GM and its latest recall.

[Bird]

We used to have an 18k pound, 40' motorhome powered by a 1991 Ford 460 cu. in. gasoline engine. If we let it sit without running for a month or more, I could figure on adding a quart of oil after the first 400 miles, and then no more between 3k mile changes until we let it sit for a month or more again. But that's the only vehicle I can remember adding oil between changes in the last 20 years or more.

 

[Builder]

Valve guide seals dried out from sitting. When you first drive it, they allow oil by, then after they get softened-up the oil won't go past anymore.

 

[Builder]

alot of times when diesel 'makes oil' it is an umbrella seal in a pump or something similar. and it usually shows up fast too... foamy breathers and all.. not good at all.

soundguy

One of my Ford diesels had that problem. It's easy to diagnose. Just pull your dipstick and allow the oil to drip on a clean white paper towel. If she's got oil in the crankcase, the stain will spread rapidly outwards. If it's just motor oil, it won't.

 

[JESSE1]

Ever see the macho knuckleheads that let their trucks idle while they go into a convenience store or gas station? That's what can happen to those engines.

I've never understood that. Must be a "big rig, I've got a deezul" thing. I've had diesel pickups since '81 and I always shut it down when fueling. Definately doesn't make sense with the new trucks and the emissions equipment. All idling does is clog the DPF.

 

[Soundguy]

yep.. I've seen it make clear like a corona around the dark spot.


soundguy

 

[Bird]

Valve guide seals dried out from sitting. When you first drive it, they allow oil by, then after they get softened-up the oil won't go past anymore.

I think you're right. At least that's my guess, too.

alot of times when diesel 'makes oil' it is an umbrella seal in a pump or something similar

I guess you know some of the emissions stuff on the newer Ford diesels causes them to put some diesel fuel in the crankcase. A certain amount (and I've forgotten how much) is considered "normal". My brother has sometimes had to change oil in his F550 a little more often than planned.

 

[Builder]

I've never understood that. Must be a "big rig, I've got a deezul" thing. I've had diesel pickups since '81 and I always shut it down when fueling. Definately doesn't make sense with the new trucks and the emissions equipment. All idling does is clog the DPF.

Even worse, when the pistons cool faster than the cylinder walls, there's more of a chance fuel will wash down the cylinder walls and fill up the crankcase causing premature wear on the cylinder walls. Lots of guys who idle constantly don't think their trucks burn any oil but they are, the crankcase is just filling up with diesel fuel, which replaces the motor oil.

Guy I know in my town has a 6L Ford and a 6.5TD. Everywhere he goes, he lets them sit and idle for 10-30 minutes while he flaps his mouth with anyone that'll give him the time of day. Besides the racket in the parking lot, how about the air pollution, waste of fuel and wear on the engine?

 

[Builder]

I think you're right. At least that's my guess, too.

I guess you know some of the emissions stuff on the newer Ford diesels causes them to put some diesel fuel in the crankcase. A certain amount (and I've forgotten how much) is considered "normal". My brother has sometimes had to change oil in his F550 a little more often than planned.

I hope it's not considered normal, because that's bad for the engine. That changes oil viscosity and causes wear. My guess is he has leaking injector seals, or he has the idling habit, too.

 

[Soundguy]

and how about them injection pump-less setups.. weird..

soundguy

 

[Duffster]

Even worse, when the pistons cool faster than the cylinder walls, there's more of a chance fuel will wash down the cylinder walls and fill up the crankcase causing premature wear on the cylinder walls. Lots of guys who idle constantly don't think their trucks burn any oil but they are, the crankcase is just filling up with diesel fuel, which replaces the motor oil.

Guy I know in my town has a 6L Ford and a 6.5TD. Everywhere he goes, he lets them sit and idle for 10-30 minutes while he flaps his mouth with anyone that'll give him the time of day. Besides the racket in the parking lot, how about the air pollution, waste of fuel and wear on the engine?

So my seven three won't last as long if I let it idle 12 hours a day?