NWM Tech, As an addendum to your last post, your suggestion, "If there is a problem as this thread describes, it's caused by a rich tune" is at odds with the one OP above that had their X tuned i.e., significantly raised A/F relative to OEM "tune"and yet had fuel levels in his oil similar to those cars that were untuned. Are you referring to lower load conditions other than WOT that are running rich? If so, have you observed this to be true and if leaned out, was the fuel dilution significantly reduced?

Later, Ken

 

being new here hope I don't get cracked for thread drift/hijack

This engine that was very beat on had 8 valves that were one shim size off. That is not enough to cause a problem it's just not optimum for performance. You could probably go 80 or 100K without too much risk.

But if you want the thing dialed and no risk you would do it every 60k, especially if you're always on it.

This valve train design leans toward high performance with compromise in the low and easy maintainance direction. They try to bump the HP every year, it has to come from somewhere. It's still better than a decade ago when adjustable valves were done every 15 or 30K.

 

Having no access to the AM tune or factory maps I'm just speculating but it's probably not just WOT, maybe 1/2 to 3/4 and up. Although WOT is the only place I've noted a miss. But regardless I don't think the problem is that serious even with the original factory map provided you're changing oil every 3K and letting it get warm before hitting it.

Any change in the maps in the lean direction should yield less dilution. If someone got test results that didn't show that the guess would be it's an anomaly and/or a discrepancy in testing.

 

Just an FYI, South Coast Mitsu looked at me crosseyed when I mentioned my concern regarding this issue. I had a VERY strong fuel odor in my oil and they were like, we cant smell it. Even after they changed the oil the service guy said he didnt notice a fuel smell in the old oil. Seems like mitsu is going to play that game until this problem gets out of hand. I didnt have time to argue with him since I had a 2 hour oil change even though I had an appt and they didnt even wash my car. One thing I miss about Subaru is the stellar service I had over the years. Oh well...

 

^ thats true! i also went to the same dealer and they deny the smell and even you got an appointment it will take you forever and rot on the waiting area.

 

Dohhh,

post retracted due to oversite of "affected vehicles"

and yes KPerez, the cult has it's hooks in me

 

we need more guys like NMW Tech here for sure.

 

Don't worry Rob, he is hooked!

Later, Ken

 

It's pretty safe to say that no Evos are covered by this one. Thanks for taking the time to hunt down possibilities, though.

I just got the analysis for my break-in oil, and the lab received the sample for my recent change. Summary: Fuel Dilution was at 2% but the resulting viscosity change bumped me into the abnormal range (along with nearly-severe silicon levels). I'll post the full results when both are done.

 

Has anyone noticed how much noticably louder their valvetrain is when it is time for a oil change in the X, around 3-4k miles. I get like a whirling,wawawawa noise coming from the head of my X. Sounds like the cams rotating or a accesory belt too tight. When I do the oil change things get alot quieter. The sound is most noticable when I am stopped and rev it up or when driving slow through a parking lot or my neighborhood. Anyone?

 

not positive but believe that's the timing chain

 

Hey Giz, Your results? And interpretation on "... severe silicon levels"?

Later, Ken

 

That makes sense

 

I updated the spreadsheet in my signature with my results. Here's a summary:

Break-in oil change @ 4611 mi.: Severity Level 3 (out of 4) silicon contamination. Could be from abrasives, seals and gasket material, lube additives, or environmental contaminants. Moderate levels of fuel dilution (2%) and viscosity degradation (8.2). The break-in period may be the reason for the high silicon levels given similar results in the rest of the spreadhsheet.

Second oil change @ 9617 mi. (5006 mi. on oil): Reduced silicon levels (25). Fuel dilution is Severity Level 4 (Critical, 4 out of 4) at 5%. Viscosity is significantly reduced to 7.3 for a Severity Level of 3. Fuel contamination is high enough that official report comments suggest beginning a search for a fuel leak (injectors, lines, etc.).

At around 9575 mi. I was turned away from our local dealership because "all oil smells like that." They refused to perform any work at all, and wanted $90 to change the oil so I had to go hunting for Mobil 1 to do it myself.

So, I'm not happy, to say the least...

 

YES!!! someone finally hears what I hear!, thankyou GOD!

I have switched to Mobile 1 5w30 extended use oil to see if it breaks down slower, hence less noise...right off the bat it *seemed* quieter. For those with good ears, try it.

I emailed Mobile 1 and asked them if the 5w40 turbo diesel truck oil would be acceptable in he EvoX and I am awaiting a response.