What if "low tension ring" theory is all wrong?

[facility1]

will Mobil 1 ESP do the job? umm ,likely other oils will too.

 

[tired]

IMO, turbo engine, European A3 or C3 (ESP 0W30) approvals only.

Does this recommendation extend to GDI engines as well? Turbo GDI? What certifications are best for those engines?

 

[edyvw]

Does this recommendation extend to GDI engines as well? Turbo GDI? What certifications are best for those engines?

Yes, I mean, almost all engines now are TGDI.
MB229.5 or MB229.51/52.

 

[cryptolyme]

less tension = more blowby = more carbon buildup?

i also wonder if thinner oils contribute to the blowby.

 

[thickvthin]

Mazda's introductory publicity for the 1981 Mazda GLC (which I had, listed below) bragged about the new low-friction (low tension) rings.

ha, i owned a 1981 GLC. it was one tough car with the lil 4 banger. It did burn oil.

 

[Hohn]

less tension = more blowby = more carbon buildup?

i also wonder if thinner oils contribute to the blowby.

I'm pretty certain the thinner oils do contribute to more blowby. especially in higher cylinder pressure turbocharged engines. I used to have a IS250 with the 4gr-FSE which was direct injection ONLY. This engine was so famous for carboning up to top end that Toyota released a TSB on it and was even replacing long blocks in some cases it was so bad.

My car? No carbon and only traces of varnish in the top end. No catch can or other countermeasures, and it was a lease when sold new. Why was my car so much cleaner than others samples of the same car? Well, maybe my use of premium, low volatility oils of heavier-than spec viscosity had something to do with it? Volatility and tendency toward blowby aerosols really do matter in a newer vehicle.

 

[Faawrenchbndr]

It is. But, it has limited effectiveness.

No…..it really doesn’t.

 

[edyvw]

No…..it really doesn’t.

But yes it does. You can’t put big enough fluid/fluid heat exchanger to match radiator one. Toyota is an example, BMW is an example etc.

 

[tired]

Well, maybe my use of premium, low volatility oils of heavier-than spec viscosity had something to do with it?

What did you run in it?

Reminds me of @kschachn 's experience with Mobil 1 Full Synthetic in his 1MZ. He never had issues with I think 450K+ miles.