Originally Posted By: Ihatetochangeoil
Thank you sir. let's talk facts. Current oil categories per API have obviously changed (however slight), but engine manufacturing techniques which
GENERATE DEBRIS have changed how? It appears that you have pointed out the obvious (oil categories updating) and ignored the obvious
(engine manufacturing techniques) Would you care to now instruct the class on the other side of the equation?
Please state and provide links, sources, or video data (something a little more substantial than your opinion)? As to how "Modern engine manufacturing techniques" have so radically changed from 2003 to 2016 that there is no leftover debris in the engine?
Here's a refresher:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wr4_B9EXWSo This is why Mr. Jim Fitch recommends FF oil changes as outlined above. Please keep your response factual. Thank you.
Edit: FYI, the youtube video is two (2) years old.
I'll jump in here if only to provide information for the community and not to get in an argument so don't expect any other replys. I don't have any public info that I can share so you will dismiss all this anyway, but others may find it useful.
The manufacturing techniques for engines have changed dramatically over the last decade. How do I know this, I used to work as an engine development engineer for major components such as blocks, heads, cams, etc, obviously specifics are proprietary and I can't share. However, if you look at where debris come from in new engines there are a couple main sources. The first is debris left in the parts that did not get washed out the second is debris that are created from initial break in.
For #1 improvements have been made in the type of cutting tools, cutting fluid, speed and feed rates, and wash out stations. Casting suppliers have also been held to ever tighter tolerances on what is allowed to remain from the casting process. All of these improvements have led to parts that are much cleaner when they leave the machining line than ever before. This has been verified through statistical studies.
For #2 both improved materials and the improved machining mentioned before have contributed to less break in particles. Newer materials and manufacturing methods are able to hold parts to much tighter tolerances than ever. Combine that with major component manufacturing that results in significantly improved surface finishes that reduce the break in time. Since break in wear occurs when the irregularities in surfaces are worn away any improvement in surface finish control will greatly reduce these debris.
These factors do not mean that there is zero break in occurring and that the first oil change will be the same as subsequent. It just means that the first OCI today will look much better than it did 10 years ago on a comparable engine.