Auto Rx question

[T. Campbell]

I have a '99 dodge Caravan 3.0l 100,000km It started having some loud ticking on cold start up. As much as I could figure it was some sort of valve train noise (much like a stuck lifter) I used the ARX (Esso dino + new filter) and within 1000km the noise was totally gone. I finished the cleaning phase changed the oil(Esso dino again)and filter and as soon as I started the engine with the new oil the ticking was back

now it's as loud as ever. I cut the filter apart after the clean and it wasn't much dirtier than other filters I've looked at. So I figured the engine wasn't that dirty to begin with. Should I do a second application? Does ARx have some properties that would quiet a worn part?

 

[darkdan]

Auto-rx helped my dirty hydralic lash adjusters until winter hit. Finally I gave up and replaced them.

But my mileage is still better.

Try changing your filter. Maybe you have a bad anti-drain back valve.

 

[jaj]

T.

I've got a 97 3.0 Grand Caravan and I have the same observation. I've done two ARX cycles on it (170,000km) and it runs fine, but on startup it sounds like a blacksmith shop for a few minutes. The longer the oil is in it, the shorter the time. After about 4000 KM on the oil, there is no more lifter noise. Change the oil, and it's back again.

I have no idea why it does this, but it sounds like your situation. If you find out what's happening, please let me know!

Thanks
JJ

 

[Warstud]

quote:

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Originally posted by jaj:
T.

I've got a 97 3.0 Grand Caravan and I have the same observation. I've done two ARX cycles on it (170,000km) and it runs fine, but on startup it sounds like a blacksmith shop for a few minutes. The longer the oil is in it, the shorter the time. After about 4000 KM on the oil, there is no more lifter noise. Change the oil, and it's back again.

I have no idea why it does this, but it sounds like your situation. If you find out what's happening, please let me know!

Thanks
JJ

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Try a larger oil filter!

 

[Warstud]

quote:

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Originally posted by T. Campbell:
I have a '99 dodge Caravan 3.0l 100,000km It started having some loud ticking on cold start up. As much as I could figure it was some sort of valve train noise (much like a stuck lifter) I used the ARX (Esso dino + new filter) and within 1000km the noise was totally gone. I finished the cleaning phase changed the oil(Esso dino again)and filter and as soon as I started the engine with the new oil the ticking was back

now it's as loud as ever. I cut the filter apart after the clean and it wasn't much dirtier than other filters I've looked at. So I figured the engine wasn't that dirty to begin with. Should I do a second application? Does ARx have some properties that would quiet a worn part?

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I'm assuming your using a 15W40 which I think most ESSO is? If so go back to using whats recommended for it 5W30 or 10W30.

 

[Winston]

What kind of filter are you using. Try a Purolator Pure One. And before anyone jumps all over me there is no evidence (let alone proof) that Pure One filters are more restrictive than any other filter. There are a lot of stories of Pure One filters helping with startup lifter noise.

 

[Warstud]

What kind of filter are you using. Try a Purolator Pure One. And before anyone jumps all over me there is no evidence (let alone proof) that Pure One filters are more restrictive than any other filter. There are a lot of stories of Pure One filters helping with startup lifter noise.


That analogy is based on its filtering ability. Usually something that filters well is less porous and will slow its rate of penetration. I for one use a PPO in my 2WD Blazer but its oversize, the one they recommended for the 4WD (longer).

Would the fact that these vehicles experiencing less startup noise after 4000 miles be attributed to shearing? If so maybe you need a thinner 5W30 or even a 0W30. I've used several different brands of 5W30's in my cars and I noticed that Quaker State was thicker then Castrol or Kendall.

 

[jaj]

Warstud

Sorry, I drifted off for a day or two... I've used about 5 different filters over the last four years - Bosch, Mopar, Purolator cheap, Purolator expensive, unknown from the quick change place, and they all do it, big (like Puro) or small (like the Mopar).

It's a mystery to me.

Cheers
JJ

 

[T. Campbell]

^^^ No it's the 5w30

 

[LarryL]

I wonder if the delta across the media finally builds to the point that it starts kicking off the by-pass valve on startup and the oil gets to your lifters a bit quicker.

The adbv is a bit difficult to figure out. Most leak down and take themselves out of the system in a couple of hours or the filter is pointing straignt down, a position that makes it useless. I'm testing two ss mesh cleanable full flow filters. Neither has an adbv (anti-drain back valve) and both generate oil pressure quicker than a traditional full flow element. Anyhow, the question is, does is start without noise when restarted after being shut down for 10 minutes or so?

 

[T. Campbell]

In my engine the noise will only happen on a cold start regardless of outside temp (winter or summer) but if the engine is warm, no noise. I'm using the NAPA gold filter. The other weird thing is that it seems to move around the engine IE different lifters at different times. I would have suspected a flow problem if I were using a heavier weight oil. It does it on Mobil 1 5w30 as well. And to top it all off after 1000k of ARx the noise was completely gone but came back with new oil???? maybe some 0w30 will do the trick??

 

[Rick20]

Why not try adding the maintenance dose of ARX with the new oil for kicks. Add two or three fluid ounces into the current oil. Perhaps the polar properties of ARX will leave a greater oil film on the affected parts after you shut it down for the night.

 

[Dr. T]

Try LC...

 

[Rick20]

Perhaps the aliphatic esters, part of ARx, impart better film formation on used or worn parts. The aliphatic esters used in ARX are not for cleaning, but are the base of aviation oils, where dry spots could be a serious concern. Valove train noise is gone with ARX in the mix, why look further.

 

[Winston]

quote:

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That analogy is based on its filtering ability. Usually something that filters well is less porous and will slow its rate of penetration.

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Yes, but that is not always true. It is possible to have more little holes and fewer large holes. In the end a big component to the flow resistance is the "free area" available in the filter media. Aah, it is hard to describe what I am saying without a picture.

 

[acewiza]

Back to the topic of startup noise - similar situation in my Chrysler seems to be caused some effect ARX has had on the ADBV. I believe ARX has rendered the ADBV less effective (possibly ineffective) in some way.

Background: Healthy '71 440 HP motor. Seeing a little black stuff under the oil fill cap, started ARX treat. Never a noise or any other bad symptoms from 80K mi. motor. About 700 miles into ARX one day, suddenly, noisy valvetrain clatter on cold start. No noise on restart after brief period, say half hour or so at most. Any more than that and it seems there is no oil left on top. You can actually watch the oil pressure needle rise a few seconds late as the noise simultaneously disappears.

We'll see what happens after it goes into rinse in another few weeks, with the same type (new) oil filter.