Can a Hi-Perf Chip affect the oil?

[Huhwhye]

I am thinking about getting a flash programmer for my Daily Driver. Can the programs affect oil?

I guess if it causes the engine to run hotter? If it runs rich maybe more fuel contamination?

What are your thoughts?

 

[Shannow]

I know in the turbodiesels that it can increase piston top (and therefore top ring) temps, which must have an effect on lubrication of the top ring.

In petrol engines, they can play with fuel and timing...could increase fuel contamination, could increase top land temps.

I doubt that unless the chip manufacturer had it running right on the ragged edge there would be a noticeable effect.

 

[Patman]

In many cases it could be better for the oil because a good aftermarket chip (or reprogram) will often lean out the air/fuel mixture for more power. So you have less chance of fuel diluting the oil.

In my case, my custom programming not only leans out my fuel mixture, but turns on my fans sooner, so my coolant temp stays lower, which in turn keeps my oil temps lower too, which prolongs it's life.

 

[theguru]

In turbo engines in particular they richen up the mixture to stop pre-ignition and to keep temps down. Unfortunately this does lead to fuel dilution of the oil.

 

[mechtech]

If you use the extra power that is available with a chip, there has to be extra pressure on parts, and a little tougher life for the oil.
Most chips lean out full throttle, so dilution shouldn't be a problem.
This should be way down on your worry list.

 

[99]

quote:

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Originally posted by Huhwhye:
I am thinking about getting a flash programmer for my Daily Driver. Can the programs affect oil?

I guess if it causes the engine to run hotter? If it runs rich maybe more fuel contamination?

What are your thoughts?

---

Your oil will be fine.

 

[Huhwhye]

Thanks guys. I gonna get it this week.

 

[PandaBear]

From what I heard on team-integra.net, many aftermarket chip have a richen fuel map that give minimal power gain and up to 40% less fuel economy. Continuously running in such environment is a guaranteed way to ruin your oil.

Find out what that chip does, every chip is different so it is hard to tell.

 

[mechtech]

Saying that the average chip will run rich enough to drop your fuel economy 40% is ludicrous. The car wouldn't run, or it would be compensated for by the O2 sensor, to a great degree. Unless you constantly race around, there will be a fuel economy benefit with a chip, primarily because of the 3-8 degrees more spark advance.
Standard burn chips usually lean out the top end.

 

[PaJohn]

Here's my UOA from last year. My twin turbo has been chipped since 5k.
UOA

 

[Huhwhye]

That's nice John, thanks for sharing.

I've seen the dyno sheet for a customer that has the exact same vehicle as me. I'm not worried about the chip not performing.

If they get the mapping right it shouldn't loose fuel economy.