LS1 oil (too thin = burning smell) . .?

[V70R]

Hi,
I've always been a fan of 0w30 GC but want to know what a good alternative is for my engine.
2000 Firebird LS1 A4:
I've tried PP 5w30,Mobil 1, Quaker State and they all give off a burning smell driven normally and much worse driven aggressively.

GC0w30 never does this. I've read about the "looser" oil rings on the early LS1's so I'm not sure if this is the reason. But GC simply works.

What is an alternative oil to GC that will help my issue out as I can't find GC locally Also is this more of a CST issue should I have tried higher cst rated oils so they don't burn?

I've seen new Castrol "Edge" 0w30 made in Germany is this the old GC 0w30 repackaged?

Need an oil that does'nt burn in my LS1.

 

[JimPghPA]

Re: I've seen new Castrol "Edge" 0w30 made in Germany is this the old GC 0w30 repackaged?

As far as I know the answer is Yes. Though it would be nice to see some VOA and UOA on the Edge 0W-30.

 

[addyguy]

GC is a really good oil for LS1's - just keep using that!

 

[lexus114]

Strange? I was getting this smell on Mobil-1 5W30 HM.

 

[semaj281]

Originally Posted By: addyguy
GC is a really good oil for LS1's - just keep using that!

I agree with this.

If you can't find GC, Mobil1 0w-40 or Red Line 5w30 might be good alternatives.

 

[A_Harman]

How much oil is the engine burning?

 

[CATERHAM]

Originally Posted By: V70R

Also is this more of a CST issue should I have tried higher cst rated oils so they don't burn?
Need an oil that does'nt burn in my LS1.

In comparing the hot operational of different oils it's more accurate to look to the HTHSV ratings of the oils.
Personally I've never experienced a smell of burning oil with a light oil vs a heavier oil, unless we're talking about an oil leak that's getting on the exhaust some how.
Anyway, GC has a HTHSV of 3.5cP vs 3.1cP for other oils you mentioned.
If you want an oil with a similar viscosity to GC you pretty much have to look to a European 0W/5w30 A3, B3/B4 oil.
There's also Lucas 0W-30.
M1 0W-40 (HTHSV 3.8cP) is heavier than GC but only at higher temp's; it's actually lighter at all temp's below 25C so you could try that as well.
M1 0W-40

 

[CMMeadAM]

You might also consider Amsoil's Series 3000 HDD 5W30.
It has great specs, a very robust additive package and also has an HTHS od 3.5. We tried several oils in our LS1's and are very satisfied with the HDD 5W30.

 

[dailydriver]

Originally Posted By: CATERHAM
M1 0W-40 (HTHSV 3.8cP) is heavier than GC but only at higher temp's; it's actually lighter at all temp's below 25C so you could try that as well.
M1 0W-40



I was also going to suggest this, or if the post originator did not mind spending a few bucks more per quart, the slightly thicker Red Line 0W-40 (or mix with other RL oils), whose high(er??) ester content might help with leaky valve seals as well (if that is where his oil is being burned, and NOT through the ring pack).

I know you will scream, "but that is WAAAYYY too thick", to which I would reply, "maybe, but what about it's 'sacred' 197 V.I.??!"

 

[440Magnum]

"burning smell" to me says "oil leaking and dripping on hot exhaust."

Burning through the engine itself doesn't produce much smell at all until you get to where there's visible blue smoke. Especially with today's catcons to clean it up.

 

[dailydriver]

Originally Posted By: CMMeadAM
You might also consider Amsoil's Series 3000 HDD 5W30.
It has great specs, a very robust additive package and also has an HTHS od 3.5. We tried several oils in our LS1's and are very satisfied with the HDD 5W30.


I also liked this oil very much when I used to use it in my LS1 (especially the long drain, blow-by and acid fighting, high TBN).

I only switched because I wanted a higher group 5 content basestock, and much more soluble moly.

 

[CATERHAM]

Can't argue against RL if you don't mind the cost, although a 50/50 0w30 0W-40 blend would provide a hot operational viscosity closer to what he had with GC.

 

[dailydriver]

Originally Posted By: 440Magnum
"burning smell" to me says "oil leaking and dripping on hot exhaust."

Burning through the engine itself doesn't produce much smell at all until you get to where there's visible blue smoke. Especially with today's catcons to clean it up.


I was going to say that he may not even have these (catcons), until I noticed that he is in Cali (he still may not have them, and may have a friend/relative with a shop, and just takes his chances with the local LEOs' and CHiPs' spot checks, out on the open road).

 

[CMMeadAM]

With the Amsoil HDD5w30, there would be less cost than RL
and NO putzing around with "mixing"............also with
HTHS of 3.5 right our of the bottle.

 

[dailydriver]

Originally Posted By: CATERHAM
Can't argue against RL if you don't mind the cost, although a 50/50 0w30 0W-40 blend would provide a hot operational viscosity closer to what he had with GC.


Which is exactly what I would be using (or even a 20/80 blend in summer), if I either could not get/did not want to bother to get 'boutique' oils, or did not want to spend the extra coin on them.

 

[CATERHAM]

Yes the Amsoil HDD 5w30 would be very close to GC in viscosity; similar VI of 169.
But I'd still prefer M1 0W-40 since it's cheaper, readily available and actually lighter on start-up despite the higher 3.8cP HTHSV.

 

[Eddie]

I'm with 440Magnum here. Oil must be leaking onto something hot. I'd find the leak befor playing with different oils. Ed

 

[tig1]

Boys, the only way you can smell oil is from an engine that leaks it.

 

[V70R]

Thanks for the tips, I'll re check for an oil leak dripping somewhere hot.
I've checked before but may have missed it.
For sure there is not smoke let alone blue smoke from the exhaust

 

[ammolab]

Originally Posted By: tig1
Boys, the only way you can smell oil is from an engine that leaks it.


Said the man who never owned a 1970s FIAT!

With a window down... that smell of Burning Kendall 40wt will catch right up to you at every stop sign and red light. I did love the puff of Blue that trails behind you at every shift!