Valve taps + oil consumption = ?

[Ron]

<FONT face="Comic Sans MS">My 1996 GTS with 3,000 miles on it has developed a slight valve tap in cylinders number 2 & 4 and from day one has consumed oil at a rate of one quart per 300 ~ 500 miles. The car dyno'd 412 rear wheel horse and 463 ft lbs of torque without a ram air fan, (post valve tap). It has never been abused, never modified (smooth tubes and K&N's only) never seen a track and has had the oil changed (Mobil 1, 10W-30) four times since new.

While I am the official original owner, the owner of the dealership that I bought it from put 1,400 miles over the four years it was at his dealership, (I purchased it 2 months ago) therefore I do not know the break-in history. The oil was clean and the tires had full tread so I suspect he treated it well.

My local dealer has confirmed the valve noise and is calling Detroit for direction. (Under the original warranty) My question is:

What is the most likely cause of the valve taps?

What is the most likely cause of the oil consumption?

And, what is Dodge most likely to do about it? Do they let the dealer repair the engine or must any internal work be done by Arrow?

Thanks!</FONT f>

 

[Ron]

<FONT face="Comic Sans MS">The last M1 oil change was @ 2,800 miles and yes there were a moderate amount of metal filings on the oil plug magnet. Not enough to alarm me, but I've never had a car with an oil plug magnet to compare it with either.

Is this a sign that it's:

A) Still breaking in?

B) Breaking up?

or C) Normal wear?

As always, thanks to all for the insight...</FONT f>

 

[Ron]

<FONT face="Comic Sans MS">David,

I very much appreciate your thoughts on my problem. What you say makes a lot of sense but given that it's in direct conflict with Dodge's recommendations I'd be lying if I said I wasn't a bit confused.

A side note on Mobil 1. While I'm sure Royal Purple is a fine oil and perhaps even better that Mobil 1, I have a story to share that lends credence to the fact that Mobil 1 ain't too bad.

I very good friend of mine is the crew chief of a CART racing team. They were using Mobil 1 but received a sponsership from another brand of oil. After switching to the new oil they quickly lost 3 engines. They did nothing different except changing to the sponser's oil. They quickly switched back to Mobil 1 and again, the engines regained their normal reliability.

They now dump out the sponser oil and refill the containers with Mobil 1 so that during a race or when fans are touring the pit, only the sponser's oil is visable.

For what it's worth.....</FONT f>

 

[Ron]

<FONT face="Comic Sans MS">Thanks very much Steve. It looks like I'll have to try Royal Purple it as Dodge's response to my oil burning issues is that:

"A Viper engine don't break in until 10,000 miles, so just rack up some mileage"

As far as the valve taps go, the official Dodge factory response is, (per my dealer) "It'll go away with time".

To be honest, I have a problem with that advice and will have to look towards other avenues for a resolution.

As silly as it sounds, does anyone have any documentation or experience that suggest a 10,000 mile engine break-in period or a self healing valvetrain?

Thanks!</FONT f>

 

[Steve Ferguson]

I have used Mobil, Royal Purple, Red Line & Venom oil. The Mobil 1 is ok, but my car will burn 1-2 quarts if I run hard. The Venom and Red Line oil's burn at about half the rate of Mobil 1. The Royal Purple is the only oil I have been able to use and not burn any oil. BTW, my Viper runs cooler with the Royal Purple. Why? I have no clue, but it does.

Please keep in mind that I am basing this solely on my 93 RT10's reaction to the different types of oil's I have tried. If I drive around town, I go with the cheaper Red Line. If I am off to the track for the weekend it's Royal Purple or no racing.

 

[FANGS/Indiana]

Ron, Our 96 was using about the same amount of oil that yours is put didn't have any noise along with it. The problem they found was all of the valve seals were missing on the left bank of the engine. It was a relitivly easy fix and now uses no oil between oil changes.

 

[Ron]

<BLOCKQUOTE><font size="1" face="Verdana, Arial">quote:</font><HR>Originally posted by FANGS/Indiana:
Ron, Our 96 was using about the same amount of oil that yours is put didn't have any noise along with it. The problem they found was all of the valve seals were missing on the left bank of the engine. It was a relitivly easy fix and now uses no oil between oil changes.

<HR></BLOCKQUOTE>


<FONT face="Comic Sans MS">Thanks much! I hope my problem is similar. When was your car built? (mine was 11/14/96). Was it a local Indiana dealer that found your problem? If you could please contact me ([email protected]) so I could ask you a few more questions as you don't have your e-mail address listed.

Thanks...</FONT f>

 

[Steve Ferguson]

That also sounds like bad advice to me also. I do know that the "lifter" noise subsided when I changed to Royal Purple. You might want to call Roanoke and talk to Dave. The buys at Woodhouse are also within shouting distance. Good luck.

 

[Ron]

<FONT face="Comic Sans MS">Thanks guys, I really appreciate your feedback. The comment about "wait until 10,000 miles then let's look at it" came from corporate Dodge, not my local Dodge dealer. My local dealer had called Detroit looking for direction as to the next step and that was their response. This is not to say another dealer wouldn't have pushed harder on my behalf though.

I am confident that ultimately this issue will be resolved, one way or another.</FONT f>

 

[Charlie]

Ron
I don't know who your "dealer" is but I have had very good luck with Fletcher Chrysler in Franklin IN. The burning oil until 10,000 miles sounds like BS to me.

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