Couple of Summary points:
UFO and Scarryy- yes, our noses are not a good quantitative tool. That is why we need to get some lab tests performed to obtain some "solid data". Right now we have a single result from Q15H and it is not good at 2.4%; the first question that immediately arises after seeing this result, is there a single X at 2% or less with a factory "tune"?
Papi- We will obtain, in the not to distant future, at least two results with OEM and aftermarket tunes to see if there are differences in fuel dilution.
Doc-Any significant test data should go directly to Mitsu (specifically where is the question for me), not the dealerships; the latter just sells cars; they do not make or tune them.
Doc-We are not "SOL" if engine longevity is compromised because of oil dilution. It is Mitsu that is "SOL" provided we, the users, have followed their recommended oil change schedules.

While it is true, as Q15H states, "there is always fuel in engine oil", it is the level that is of concern. Doc has indicated that low or high mileage engines makes no difference relative to this issue, so all we need is to document the differences in % fuel for OEM and aftermarket tunes. This information is needed before we jump into causes like inadequate PVC system (Q15H) or valves (STI2EVO), etc.

It will take some time before we get the results from everyone that is having their oil tested. Until then I think it would be prudent to go with Evo Kid's advise to change oil every 3K mi. That said, for those of you that do testing, please indicate what the mileage interval was between oil changes. Thanks.

Later, Ken

 

^
If you are planning on submitting this data to Mistu hoping they will fix something, then what aftermarket tunes do is not relevant and will only add confusion to the results. IMHO.

There is no benefit "to document the differences in % fuel for OEM and aftermarket tunes". All that is required - or needed - is to document that the fuel dilution is too high with the stock "tune". I expect that the only result to come from Mitsu will be to reduce the oil change interval recommendation.

 

I understand what you are saying. But if the ECutek or AP tunes are not having the problem. It would be good to note and send the message that the fuel tables have been optimise for the engine to run smoother and that it has help. That is if it does help. Because if even the flash cars have the problem i guess it might be a piston ring problem at that point this is all asumption by the way.

 

the rings??

wow!!

this does not make me happy at all....

 

heck yea im curious!

 

synthetic oil always smell like gas. that is how I diffrentiate my older car with dyno oil vs my new ones with synthetic mobil 1. you can try to use blackstone to prove a point. But I noticed it on day one of using synthetic.

 

So your telling me that synthetic oil is supposed to smell like gas??

I'm pretty engine saavy, and I have never heard this before or found this to be true in any sense. Any proof to back this up??

 

Ken, I never said valves, I said rings, as valves have nothing to do with the equation. In any case, I agree that we should not jump to conclusions until more test results are in, but the test results will only confirm that the problem is wide spread. It will not determine the cause. Now, as I mentioned in the OP, the most common cause of fuel dilution is overly rich A/F ratios. However, there was a guy in another thread that said his oil reeks of gas and he's tuned, with around 11:1 A/F.

If that's the case, then the only other possible explanation for this would be faulty rings that aren't sealing against the cylinder walls properly. Mitsu will be the ones to decide once we send them the results. Unfortunately, they will most likely do nothing, like they have done nothing about most of the other issues with the X. When our engines start failing, they will probably try to blame it on abuse, and we'll have to hire attorneys to get warranty coverage. Yay.

 

Went to the dealership today for them to diagnose the issue with my oil smelling like gas. All they did was look and see a boost controller and said they cant fix it. I asked why, he said it is not covered under warranty as the boost controller caused the fuel leak. I asked are you certain that the mbc caused the leak, he replied by saying 9-10 times it does. I asked have you tested the car and made sure that this was the issue causing the leak. All i got was a dead look and he walked through the service door. He then had one of the techs check the ECU and no codes came up. The service manager then came back and advised that this is the first evo x they are having with this issue and they wont cover it because im the only one complaining. My friend who works at the dealership then said "It may be that im the first case and there is a first time for everything". The service manager then handcuffed me by taking photos of my car and the mbc. The tech then drove up my car and gave me the keys and started walking away. I had to stop him and ask whats going on. He said the claim was denied because of the mbc. I called Mitsubishi to complain and asked, what happened to the four times i had to go in to the dealership for a reflash and the notchy tranny that they claimed as normal. I asked the rep as soon as i put on a mbc im no longer a customer. In a nutshell, no tests were done on the car, no explanation of how the mbc caused the issue, they said they called mitsubishi to get info and they have no records of an issue like this with oil smelling like fuel.

 

The dealer has been referred to as SATAN for the longest time.

Its no surprise that they gave you the shaft.

I have a modified 2005 MR that I have NEVER even asked for a dime of time, free scheduled maintenance or anything on (which was included in 2005). As far as I am concerned, they owe ME favors.

This attitude with Mitsu is consistant. If you bring your car in with mods, you get the shaft.

If you have an Evom signature with mods, you get the shaft.

If you put a video of your car on the internet, you get the shaft.

If you insert anything here, you get the shaft.

 

Off topic: i got a question can someone explain what it means that the car is running rich?

 

More fuel than required, too much fuel is being dumped into the cylinders.

Runing lean is the oposite.

You will hear AFR Air Fuel Ratio, there's a certain ratio all internal combustion engines are design to run at, diesels and gas are different and so on.

 

thanks

 

Hey Blackchin, I feel your pain but the dealership will do nothing; they are just tools of Mitsu; we need to direct our findings to Mitsu directly for it is only there that some relief may come. Yes Q15H, it is an uphill battle but what is the alternative? Do nothing? We know they are aware that their tune sucks for they have had at least two new reflashes which, I am almost certain, did adjust the A/f ratio; I just do not know how much they were changed. So bottom line is if we can show that it still exists despite their new flashes, then I think it would be reasonable for them to consider another reflash. As I said earlier, there apparently is a fine line between having the car runing rich with a significant "buffer" to preclude detonation under all atmospheric conditions and getting too much fuel in the oil. I would think the tuners should chim in on this assuming they are aware of this delicate (?) balancing act. In any event, I am going to attempt to find the appropriate division/person within Mitsu Hdq. that we should consider sending the results to.

To STI2EVO- yes, my error; should have been "rings", not "valves".

Later, Ken

 

TSB 08-13-011

There is already proof in this thread with people reporting 2.5 % and 3.5 % Fuel Dilution which is way above the recommended MAX of 2.0 %

There needs to be more Pro-Active people doing Oil Analysis ..

It has nothing to do with it being a high performance turbo charged engine... It is a poorly tuned engine, bad injectors or some other problem... We have race engines that don't get 2.0 % Dilution..

Doc