Yep, that's me. I run Redline 10W-40 in my E30 M3's S14 motor based on Terry's advice and it seems to be working great. Over 10,000 miles on my motor since my spiked Pb results and about a dozen track days. I still run the OEM oil chain tensioner and get no noise on startup with the lighter oil...
I've got some Redline 75w-90 gear oil in the garage that is at least 5 years old, maybe even as old as 8 or 9 years. Containers are sealed. Is it any good?
ok, I got my read from Terry on this last sample.
Let me just say upfront that the use of Terry/Dyson Analysis in this issue has been invaluable. His initial response (I got my high Pb sample back 3 days before a track event) was above and beyond, working well into the late evening on it...
Ok guys, here is the update . . . thoughts, comments?
So I was seeing higher than average lead with Valvoline 15w-40 durablend (samples 1&2), a big spike in lead (34) ppm occurred with a switch to Redline 20w-50. Was concerned about bearings and contemplating a rod bearing replacement-consulted...
My weekend went fine. Car ran better than ever . Oil temps with the Redline 10w-40 were the lowest I have ever seen - I was max of 210 degrees F on the track which is where it usually is just around town. I was running around 10 degrees cooler on the highway. Was a fairly cold start-up on Sat...
Yeah, I'll do that. Terry called me back this morning with some new/additional advice after doing more research - giving me more confidence that yeah I have a problem, but it may not be sudden death yet. I am actually headed down to the track with Redline 10W-40 in it with his blessing, but no...
I'm sure I won't be happy about dropping the cash. But with fresh bearings installed, I will think I can take it out and let her rip, otherwise I will probably hold back and not enjoy it much, always have that looming sense of dread - is it going to pop going into turn 2 or not?
It's definitely...
No, lab is okay, I'm the dumb one! That sample is actually a second round of Valvoline Durablend 15w-40. Only the last sample was actually Redline. I went back and double checked the report.
I did this yesterday/last nite. That guy is awesome. He read the last two reports for me and as a result, I have clearly identified the bearings as an issue and he gave me insight into possible reasons why. He also gave me the scoop on the Redline oil - which it sounds like has saved me here, as...
If by that you mean, my oil pressure, I don't have an oil pressure guage currently installed. I don't think the resolution of a guage would be enough to indicate anything other extreme failure. I do have an oil temp guage and it is reading consistent.
I use BMW filters, not sure who makes them.
The suggestions about trying a different oil are good, but how do I know if I have incurred too much wear to be messing around trying different oils or not?
Oil temps run around 200-210 in normal street driving, around 230 on the track in hot weather.
Manual recommend 15w-40; I wasn't happy with the Valvoline in terms of how it held up, I'd have to look at the report, but the comment was the viscosity wasn't what it should be. Based on what I have...