Thin Oil and Tight Clearances in New Engine Failures

[woof-n]

But there are multiple manufacturers recalling engines. There are other reasons besides contamination though.

Increasing smaller engines overstressed by developing 3 HP per cubic inch is a big problem. Back in the 1960's muscle car era 1 HP per cubic inch was considered the safe maximum.

This so true. I remember back in the 60s and 70s if you had a car with 100,000 miles on it the motor was worn out. In the 70s, my hometown with a population of about 300,000 had about 30 motor rebuilders. Now there is maybe 3 or 4 rebuilders. Better, oil, metallurgy, and fuel injection make motors last 250K to 300K. Today is not that much different from back then. Once you figured out to get more out of smaller displacements, then you have to figure out how to make the motor live. Who remembers the crappy aluminum Vega motors that blew up around 50,000 miles. Now many motors are aluminum and routinely go 250,000 miles. A quote from the great Smokey Yunick "price you pay for progress, is trouble".

 

[DonTom]

"Why new engines fail unexpectedly"

That has been going on for a while, but for another reason.

Another issue is that, AFAIK, every gas engine these days is an interference engine. Back in the early 1980's many cars were non-interference, such as my 1981 Mercury Capri. When the timing belt broke, no other engine damage. I replaced the timing belt myself, and the car was like new again.

Back then, Toyota didn't make a single interference engine. But every engine made by Honda was interference, so Honda could brag about having the best MPG cars. A few years later, Toyota had many interference engines. I assume all of them are these days, with trying to get the best efficiency at the cost of reliability.

Later, Tom & I had a 1997 Sebring. On a very cold night here just south of Reno, on Highway 395 near Washoe Lake, the water pump froze, which is driven by the timing belt (very stupid design, IMAO), which broke and destroyed the entire engine. Less than 100K miles were on that car, which we decided to junk.

-Don- Reno, NV

 

[Lou Schneider]

"Why new engines fail unexpectedly"

That has been going on for a while, but for another reason.

Another issue is that, AFAIK, every gas engine these days is an interference engine. Back in the early 1980's many cars were non-interference, such as my 1981 Mercury Capri. When the timing belt broke, no other engine damage. I replaced the timing belt myself, and the car was like new again.

-Don- Reno, NV

A.I. says the 3a92 engine in my Mitsubishi Mirage is an interference engine "meaning a broken timing belt can cause valves to collide with pistons".

The only problem with that answer is the engine uses a timing chain with automatic tensioners, far less likely to break than a belt. There's no scheduled replacement within the engine's predicted lifespan which is presumably longer than the manufacturer's 100k (or optional 200k) powertrain warranty.

 

[DonTom]

The only problem with that answer is the engine uses a timing chain with automatic tensioners, far less likely to break than a belt. There's no scheduled replacement within the engine's predicted lifespan which is presumably longer than the manufacturer's 100k (or optional 200k) powertrain warranty.

Yes, they changed to a timing chain in 2014.

See here.

-Don- Reno, NV

 

[garyb1st]

Did Ford have any engine failures caused by oil/tolerance issues? Didn't see or hear them mentioned in the video.

 

[CharlesinGA]

Who remembers the crappy aluminum Vega motors that blew up around 50,000 miles. Now many motors are aluminum and routinely go 250,000 miles

Most engines with aluminum blocks have steel sleeves. The aluminum cylinder design is still around in the form of Porsche, BMW, Audi & Mercedes engines with blocks of Alusil or Lokasil aluminum. These engines run a iron or iron coated piston on a block with silicone, virtually identical to the Vega design and they suffer more than normal bore scoring rates. So no, the manufacturers have not learned anything.

GM V8 problems center around poorly machined crankshafts that are not properly polished. KIA/Hyundai engines are failing due to machining swarf left in the oil passages do to poor cleaning of the blocks. Its all simply mass production at its worst plus some design issues, such as the failure of roller tappets in Ford 7.3L gas engines and 2019 and up Cummins diesels.

 

[garyb1st]

It's all about the bottom line. Profits Trump everything else. That includes your safety.

 

[DonTom]

the failure of roller tappets in Ford 7.3L gas engines

I had to check that one, because my 2021 engine (2022 RV) has the 7,3L:


"The vehicle models most at risk for 7.3L Godzilla engine lifter failure are those subjected to prolonged idling and heavy commercial use, specifically within the 2020–2024 model years. The issue is formally addressed under Customer Satisfaction Program 24B27, which targets specific build dates where the Variable Displacement Oil Pump (VDOP) calibration allows critically low oil pressure at idle.

"High-Risk Vehicle Platforms​

1. Ford Super Duty Pickup Trucks (F-250 through F-600)​

The Ford Super Duty lineup (F-250, F-350, F-450, F-550, and F-600) represents the largest volume of affected vehicles. These trucks are frequently used in utility, construction, and fleet operations where engines often idle for hours to power equipment, PTOs, or climate control.

• Risk Factor: High. The combination of heavy loads and extended idle times creates the perfect environment for oil pressure starvation."

IOW, if we do not let it idle for hours, we should be okay with the 7.3L engine.

-Don- Auburn, CA

 

[Doc Roads]

And here I've been hoping finally to get to see a Bigfoot!

Here you go!

 

[Chef Duane]

Camping... ooohhh

 

[bigbAZ]

I kept my pristine 2002 F350 4x4 7.3 for too long, I didn't want to part with it. But we weren't using it. Finally, last year, after logging 588 miles on it in 12 months, I sold it. It sold in 2 hours for well over book. I bought a new Ranger 2.7 4x4 and I love it. Sure I miss the Superduty but at 21 feet long and a turning radius like an aircraft carrier is just wasn't suited to our needs. The Ranger is lots of fun to drive, easy to park and very comfortable. Yes it's loaded with technology but I like that too. I'm averaging 500 miles a month on the new Ranger so I'm not too worried about longevity at my age.

I did miss the 8 foot bed, the Ranger is only 5 so I built a nice trailer with a ramp and that's been way more useful than any truck bed. (I bought the frame and axle and built the sides and tailgate/ramp)

 

[bigbAZ]

2019 F350 Diesel -- 213,000 miles
No issues

You actually have 23,000 more miles on your 2019 than I had on my 2002 when I sold it last September!