Oil Overheating with Subseqent Oil Lab Analysis

davidyan · 07-03-2009, 09:50 AM

Hello everyone-

To date there has been a lot of discussion regarding high oil temperatures on our 370Z's (240 F +). While I personally haven't experienced this yet, I'm pretty sure its only because I haven't put my car through very hard driving conditions to date.

That being said, I'd like to solicit feedback from those who have 1) had their oil temperatures go above 240F AND; 2) have had their oil analyzed by the lab with the same batch of oil that "overheated". Given the large number of owners that have probably done both 1 & 2, this should help us understand if actual long-term damage could have resulted. While previous posts have concentrated around high oil temps and getting into Limp Mode, the real concern is that the engine isn't being protected when the oil overheats.

Typical oils have a flash point of about 350 - 450 F but this is the absolute maximum prior to breakdown. By collecting this information from those with both conditions 1 & 2 (above), we can tell if the oil actually broke down to the point where its no longer protecting well. Please also include your analysis data from the shop and the brand of oil used. Thanks.

SpawnAeroJohn · 07-03-2009, 11:19 AM

This thread is going to be super helpful. Very interesting.

GMZ · 07-03-2009, 11:24 AM

A TBN test is a must IMO as well. Blackstone charges $10 extra for that, I didnt do it on my 4Runner but I will with the Z for this reason.

davidyan · 07-08-2009, 12:30 AM

Hmmm... somehow I thought more people have had this done...

wstar · 08-03-2009, 11:52 AM

We have, search for the other threads on this topic. Flashpoint isn't really the primary concern, it's simply loss of viscosity at high temps that concerns me. The viscosity mostly comes back when the oil cools back down, so it's not going to show up on analysis really. In any case we already have standard charts and formulas for how viscosity reacts to heat.

07-03-2009, 09:50 AM	#1 (permalink)
davidyan Base Member Join Date: Jun 2009 Location: CA Posts: 244 Drives: PG 370Z Sport 6MT Rep Power: 16	Oil Overheating with Subseqent Oil Lab Analysis Hello everyone- To date there has been a lot of discussion regarding high oil temperatures on our 370Z's (240 F +). While I personally haven't experienced this yet, I'm pretty sure its only because I haven't put my car through very hard driving conditions to date. That being said, I'd like to solicit feedback from those who have 1) had their oil temperatures go above 240F AND; 2) have had their oil analyzed by the lab with the same batch of oil that "overheated". Given the large number of owners that have probably done both 1 & 2, this should help us understand if actual long-term damage could have resulted. While previous posts have concentrated around high oil temps and getting into Limp Mode, the real concern is that the engine isn't being protected when the oil overheats. Typical oils have a flash point of about 350 - 450 F but this is the absolute maximum prior to breakdown. By collecting this information from those with both conditions 1 & 2 (above), we can tell if the oil actually broke down to the point where its no longer protecting well. Please also include your analysis data from the shop and the brand of oil used. Thanks. Last edited by davidyan; 07-03-2009 at 10:04 AM.

08-03-2009, 11:52 AM	#5 (permalink)
wstar A True Z Fanatic Join Date: Mar 2009 Location: Houston, TX Posts: 4,024 Drives: too slow Rep Power: 3594	We have, search for the other threads on this topic. Flashpoint isn't really the primary concern, it's simply loss of viscosity at high temps that concerns me. The viscosity mostly comes back when the oil cools back down, so it's not going to show up on analysis really. In any case we already have standard charts and formulas for how viscosity reacts to heat. __________________ 7AT Track Car! Journal thread / Car setup details

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07-03-2009, 11:19 AM	#2 (permalink)
SpawnAeroJohn NOT A CURRENT VENDOR Join Date: Jun 2009 Location: Chicago Posts: 609 Drives: you Rep Power: 17	This thread is going to be super helpful. Very interesting.

07-03-2009, 11:24 AM	#3 (permalink)
GMZ Enthusiast Member Join Date: Jun 2009 Location: Virginia Beach Posts: 304 Drives: 07 V8 4Runner 4x4 Rep Power: 16	A TBN test is a must IMO as well. Blackstone charges $10 extra for that, I didnt do it on my 4Runner but I will with the Z for this reason.

07-08-2009, 12:30 AM	#4 (permalink)
davidyan Base Member Join Date: Jun 2009 Location: CA Posts: 244 Drives: PG 370Z Sport 6MT Rep Power: 16	Hmmm... somehow I thought more people have had this done...