Oil Testing
- Thread starter GM MUSL
- Start date
Nope . Never. Having said that though….yes , from an AI search…..
Engine oil analysis has several important benefits that make it valuable for engine maintenance and lifespan optimization:
• It helps prevent premature engine failure by identifying wear metals and contaminants early, allowing issues to be addressed before they become catastrophic.
• It provides information on oil condition, contamination levels, and engine wear, helping to assess both lubricant and equipment performance.
• It can identify problems such as piston and cylinder wear, bearing wear, fuel dilution, coolant leaks, and water entry.
• It helps schedule preventative maintenance when convenient, reducing unscheduled downtime and maintenance costs.
• Oil analysis can be used to optimize oil drain intervals, reducing lubricant and disposal costs.
• It serves as an early warning system to detect abnormal wear patterns and contaminants, helping maintain engine health and fuel economy.
• The process is relatively inexpensive and can be seen as an affordable insurance policy for your engine.
• Regular oil sampling contributes to building a historical database of the engine’s condition for ongoing performance tracking.
I did my first sample a few months ago on my initial 3k kms SR. I may do another one because I had ordered 2 kits. My reasons was to measure particle count for my new oil filter, however they can't do that for motor oil. Bummer.
Amsoil Canada in Edmonton.
Amsoil Canada in Edmonton.
Why? 5 years, 85000 km and no issues...
LE BARON
Power User
Best oil check is for the mechanic to run his finger along the bottom of the pan and look to see if it comes out all shiny.
Caught a connecting rod bolt in the pan once. Just routine oil change on a Det Die in preparation for a long haul trip. Would have never made it there.
Nothing against oil analysis. Just overkill in 99.9% of engines unless a known problem is occurring since manufacture.
If you are tracking then the engine is under more duress and then it might be advisable.
Doing an analysis on a brand new engine is fairly useless as it would be normal to have a little extra metal from break in. If you want to baseline an engine then note a fourth or fifth oil change analysis and then maybe check it every four or five changes after that.
Caught a connecting rod bolt in the pan once. Just routine oil change on a Det Die in preparation for a long haul trip. Would have never made it there.
Nothing against oil analysis. Just overkill in 99.9% of engines unless a known problem is occurring since manufacture.
If you are tracking then the engine is under more duress and then it might be advisable.
Doing an analysis on a brand new engine is fairly useless as it would be normal to have a little extra metal from break in. If you want to baseline an engine then note a fourth or fifth oil change analysis and then maybe check it every four or five changes after that.
Nothing wrong with knowledge. For one it will tell you that "MUST USE" Mobil 1 0w40 oil is ludicrous. I have a friend that regularly has his tested on his C7. He enjoys the facts. Oil facts is sort of hobby for him. If you are curious about Corvette oils I bet you'll find info here. Home - Bob is the Oil Guy (https://bobistheoilguy.com/)
- Thread starter
- #7
There is a known issue of oil dilution reported by some C8 owners. This is common in a lot of vehicles with direct injection. Reports of this problem being over the max recommended 2% fuel levels in the oil from some C8 owners. I have only seen excessive levels reported on 5.5L. I am planning to do analysis on my 5.5L to monitor fuel in the oils and other contaminants, metals etc. I have only seen reports of this problem from US forums and Corvette bloggers and nothing from GM.
LE BARON - Do you remove the oil pan the check on your C8 oil condition?
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- Thread starter
- #8
Did they measure fuel in the oil? What % did they indicate?
- Thread starter
- #9
Some C8 owners report oil overfill or rising oil levels. That increase in oil level is a symptom of fuel in the oil causing the oil level to rise. This leads to reduced engine lubrication and increased wear.
Here's my 3k kms analysis. First timer here to see this type of report.
I sure don't blame you to have your oil analyzed if only to see the fuel dilution. For the expensive LT6 and a $200k car, I would too.
Perhaps you can schedule your oil changes accordingly?
I may do my second analysis at 8000 kms.
I guess once your engine get some mileage, it would be beneficial to do this analysis and to check your FD%?
We can do this for the DCT?
We can do this for the DCT?
Is this fuel dilution an issue for the 6.2 litre Stingray or just the 5.5 litre Z06?
If you guys want to pony up, I'll do my car for you. Once the results are in, you can determine if you need the extended warranty or not...
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- Thread starter
- #16
AFAIK mostly reported on 5.5L
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We did oil analysis on Caterpillar equipment on a regular basis, and that was over 40 years ago. Worked very well.
And they still do it today. Saves on unexpected and expensive downtime.
And they still do it today. Saves on unexpected and expensive downtime.
Seems to be a known issue for sure, even admitted by GM . AI result of course. How the heck GM has the nerve to say warranty could be denied by a condition in the engine they supplied is beyond me .
Yes, there are documented issues with fuel getting into the engine oil of C8 Corvettes, specifically the C8 Z06 with the LT6 engine. This problem is largely attributed to phase separation in fuel containing ethanol and water contamination. When this contaminated fuel enters the system, it causes imbalances in the fuel supply to the engine banks. One bank may run very lean while the other runs very rich, leading to excessive fuel washing down the cylinder walls into the engine crankcase. This fuel mixing with the engine oil raises the oil level in the dry sump system.
This elevated oil level can cause catastrophic engine damage, particularly during cold starts. If the oil level is too high, pistons can hit the oil surface, bending connecting rods and potentially causing severe engine failure. Additionally, the gasoline in the oil makes it highly flammable, increasing the risk of dangerous engine failures.
GM warns owners to check oil levels every time they refuel to monitor this issue, as excessive oil levels due to fuel dilution can void warranties and lead to unplanned engine failures. The fuel system geometry in the C8 Z06 makes it uniquely vulnerable to this issue, unlike most other vehicles. This has led to multiple complaints and documented engine failures in this model related to fuel contamination mixing with engine oil.
In summary, yes, fuel getting into engine oil is a known and serious issue in C8 Corvettes, mainly the Z06 version due to its specific fuel system design and fuel contamination problems.
Yes, there are documented issues with fuel getting into the engine oil of C8 Corvettes, specifically the C8 Z06 with the LT6 engine. This problem is largely attributed to phase separation in fuel containing ethanol and water contamination. When this contaminated fuel enters the system, it causes imbalances in the fuel supply to the engine banks. One bank may run very lean while the other runs very rich, leading to excessive fuel washing down the cylinder walls into the engine crankcase. This fuel mixing with the engine oil raises the oil level in the dry sump system.
This elevated oil level can cause catastrophic engine damage, particularly during cold starts. If the oil level is too high, pistons can hit the oil surface, bending connecting rods and potentially causing severe engine failure. Additionally, the gasoline in the oil makes it highly flammable, increasing the risk of dangerous engine failures.
GM warns owners to check oil levels every time they refuel to monitor this issue, as excessive oil levels due to fuel dilution can void warranties and lead to unplanned engine failures. The fuel system geometry in the C8 Z06 makes it uniquely vulnerable to this issue, unlike most other vehicles. This has led to multiple complaints and documented engine failures in this model related to fuel contamination mixing with engine oil.
In summary, yes, fuel getting into engine oil is a known and serious issue in C8 Corvettes, mainly the Z06 version due to its specific fuel system design and fuel contamination problems.
Glad I don't have a Z06. 
Ya…. Right….., lol.Glad I don't have a Z06.
