Great series- not much on the LFX out there at all.That said, my earlier research on the lfx turned up more cam chain drive problems than normally would have been expected- same for the GM HF DOHC V8. And likely due to poor crank case venting letting grik stack up in the system. The passenger Valve cover comes off and every thing looks great- the driver's side looks like it was flushed with sewage and much older and beat up than the pass side- the timing chain life is shortened below the recommended service interval (100K?) and is prone to catastrophic failure- this is an interference engine- no timing chain and all the open valves will bend and break on the pistons which will be made junk in the process. You Tube guy only has a part of the story and he didn't understand it- YT guy; before you rap me, there are several service bulletins out on this, from GM and several builders have verified it.
Thanks for you input. I agree, the design is flawed. From what I have seen over the years, the big issue, and the reason there is a service bulletin for this, is most likely due to the oil change indicator in the vehicles allows the oil to deteriorate more than is should before indicating, or the car owners now servicing the oil when it is supposed to be. The owners that have been diligent in changing their oil regularly with quality oil do not seem to have the timing chain issues. I plan on keeping up with my service and not worrying about it.
@@trackcarobsession Had to replace complete timing chain kit. Tensioners, solenoids, valves. Everything. Just to find out the engine had more internal damage beyond repair. Ended up dropping another engine. Complete nightmare. Do not go by the display oil life percentage. These motors are major oil consuming monsters.
Thank you for explanation, I have srx4 2012 and I found a lot of oil on the back of the throttle body and air intake when I was doing TLC and im planning on installing catch can to prevent it. good that I saw your Video, otherwise I would’ve hooked it wrong as you said in the video. 👍
I have a boosted 2016 LFX Canyon with a catch can set exactly how you're saying not to. Routed both rear valve cover to In and Out on the catch can. And with the air breather on top. Yes it's true. I have oil leaks where I'm not supposed to. That and also I can't build any boost. Thank you.
I think that in crankcase should be no gases. This PCV just removes gases from crankcase that should not be there. I think the best way is to replace all piston rings. What you think about it?)
My lfx has a build date of 08/12. Do I have the updated pvc valve? and should I install a catch can? My caddillac burn about one pint of oil every three months.
Are there any problems to the engine by venting the crankcase to the atmosphere with larger vents in the valve covers and plug off the vacuum line? Other than environmental?
Yeah Track Car Obsession is correct, I might be wrong but I imagine most stock turbo cars will go: Air Filter > MAF Sensor > T-piece for fresh air tube > Turbo inlet, this is so at WOT when the direction or air changes in the fresh air tube that oil doesn't then dirty up the MAF sensor as the T-piece is downstream :) If you are talking about the GM HFV6 like in this video with FI setup the PCV Dirty vacuum side may have to have a good check valve installed (easy to open from small vacuum and shuts relatively tight at rest) Have it pointing away from the valve cover on the PCV orifice port (dirty side) and into the intake plenum like stock (where vacuum will be as its post throttle body). so that at idle when there is the most amount of vacuum the check valve opens allowing the normal system to work, then when there is boost the valve shuts stopping boost pressure entering the crankcase. now I'm not a trained mechanic but I usually study what comes with the car as automakers most the time have the best system.
For this car I am using a stripped down factory harness to run things like lights and ABS sensors, but the engine is on a standalone GM engine harness that has been modified to not need the body harness. This engine has now been moved to my daily driver and I will be going with a different engine for this track car.
The question NOBODY is asking is WHY doesn't the OEM put these on a stock vehicle and schedule it as a part of oil changes? If it means a few more bucks come oil change time, so be it. But for God's sake, GM, what are you thinking? You KNOW it's a problem, and you know it's going to cost you warranty money - so fix it. Do the right thing.
Sorry, but I could not watch the full video, a tri-pod would have been real handy. Seemed like there was an Earth Tremor happening during the filming. Sad, because the subject matter was going to be extremely interesting.
You have it around the other way, the clean tube inlet will do next to nothing during idle and cruize, the dirty side that has vaccum at idle and cruize will do 99% of the work, during WOT the PCV orifice wont be used as much and the flow of filtered air from the T-piece after the MAF but before the Throttle body will reverse flow - thats why the Clean tub has a ia large 12.5 mm ID to maximise flow in the lower vacuum state or to let the crankcase purge itself back to infront of the throttle
You are correct other than the idling part. There is plenty of vacuum in the intake manifold to pull air through the PCV system during idle while the TB is mostly shut. Regardless of when it is used, it is still very beneficial for an engine with direct injection. Yes, the PCV valve could be vented to atmosphere, but from what I have read, and just imagining the system working the way it should, it seems that it would be most effective at removing the oil/gas vapors if clean air is brought in one side and removed on the other. Just my opinion though, doesn't mean it's right.
Track Car Obsession: The pcv works BEST on ~10 inches of vacuum which is CRUISE speed... Vacuum stronger or lighter than that makes the pcv not work as good... You have to see HOW its designed to understand how and why its not as efficient above or below 10 inches of vacuum ... www.google.com/url?sa=i&source=images&cd=&cad=rja&uact=8&ved=2ahUKEwjPqcvAkLveAhUCn-AKHXY7AY4QjRx6BAgBEAU&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.radiumauto.com%2FBlog%2FPost%2FCatch-Cans-101-102&psig=AOvVaw1n4ZOrvF5DoLYAKH9aR8_C&ust=1541434321244114
I understand how it works. While the PCV valve does regulate flow under really high vacuum, it still allows flow. So at idle, it does still pull air through the PCV and through the catch can, collecting droplets of oil/fuel. Which therefore helps prevent buildup in the back of the intake valves.
👍 There's also a redesigned valve cover gasket for the right side cover with a larger opening for the pcv area.
And passages in the heads for the pcv system that can clog on neglected engines.
Good to know. Thank you for the info 👍
Great series- not much on the LFX out there at all.That said, my earlier research on the lfx turned up more cam chain drive problems than normally would have been expected- same for the GM HF DOHC V8. And likely due to poor crank case venting letting grik stack up in the system. The passenger Valve cover comes off and every thing looks great- the driver's side looks like it was flushed with sewage and much older and beat up than the pass side- the timing chain life is shortened below the recommended service interval (100K?) and is prone to catastrophic failure- this is an interference engine- no timing chain and all the open valves will bend and break on the pistons which will be made junk in the process. You Tube guy only has a part of the story and he didn't understand it- YT guy; before you rap me, there are several service bulletins out on this, from GM and several builders have verified it.
Thanks for you input. I agree, the design is flawed. From what I have seen over the years, the big issue, and the reason there is a service bulletin for this, is most likely due to the oil change indicator in the vehicles allows the oil to deteriorate more than is should before indicating, or the car owners now servicing the oil when it is supposed to be. The owners that have been diligent in changing their oil regularly with quality oil do not seem to have the timing chain issues. I plan on keeping up with my service and not worrying about it.
@@trackcarobsession Had to replace complete timing chain kit. Tensioners, solenoids, valves. Everything. Just to find out the engine had more internal damage beyond repair. Ended up dropping another engine. Complete nightmare. Do not go by the display oil life percentage. These motors are major oil consuming monsters.
Very cool build, I bet the v6 pulls the rx8 chassis really nice while keeping the famous balance that the chassis was known for.
Thank you for explanation, I have srx4 2012 and I found a lot of oil on the back of the throttle body and air intake when I was doing TLC and im planning on installing catch can to prevent it. good that I saw your Video, otherwise I would’ve hooked it wrong as you said in the video. 👍
Awesome! Thanks for watching
I have a boosted 2016 LFX Canyon with a catch can set exactly how you're saying not to. Routed both rear valve cover to In and Out on the catch can. And with the air breather on top. Yes it's true. I have oil leaks where I'm not supposed to. That and also I can't build any boost. Thank you.
What happens if you don't connect the hose back into the top of the intake manifold? Let exhaust freely.
I hope to do my valve covers Red like yours, that looks amazing..
I think that in crankcase should be no gases. This PCV just removes gases from crankcase that should not be there. I think the best way is to replace all piston rings. What you think about it?)
I have a question on the oil filler neck can you take it out and just put the cap on the valve cover your seems that way any help would be great ?!!!!
My lfx has a build date of 08/12. Do I have the updated pvc valve? and should I install a catch can? My caddillac burn about one pint of oil every three months.
Are there any problems to the engine by venting the crankcase to the atmosphere with larger vents in the valve covers and plug off the vacuum line? Other than environmental?
Thanks for the vid man
Thanks for watching!
What kind of ECU / tuning setup did you use for your swap? I'm in the process of swapping a 13-14 LFX into my LLT Camaro. Any issues with VATS? Thanks
What to do with the fresh air (intake side) hose when you are with an FI setup ?
Good question. Most of the time you would run the vacuum side of the PCV to the intake hose before the source of forced induction.
Yeah Track Car Obsession is correct, I might be wrong but I imagine most stock turbo cars will go: Air Filter > MAF Sensor > T-piece for fresh air tube > Turbo inlet, this is so at WOT when the direction or air changes in the fresh air tube that oil doesn't then dirty up the MAF sensor as the T-piece is downstream :) If you are talking about the GM HFV6 like in this video with FI setup the PCV Dirty vacuum side may have to have a good check valve installed (easy to open from small vacuum and shuts relatively tight at rest) Have it pointing away from the valve cover on the PCV orifice port (dirty side) and into the intake plenum like stock (where vacuum will be as its post throttle body). so that at idle when there is the most amount of vacuum the check valve opens allowing the normal system to work, then when there is boost the valve shuts stopping boost pressure entering the crankcase. now I'm not a trained mechanic but I usually study what comes with the car as automakers most the time have the best system.
Hell yeah that was helpful. Thanks
GM has known about this issue for years ! Why are we still doing this ?
Big companies drag their feet on this kind of stuff unfortunately.
What wiring harness are you running with the swap
For this car I am using a stripped down factory harness to run things like lights and ABS sensors, but the engine is on a standalone GM engine harness that has been modified to not need the body harness. This engine has now been moved to my daily driver and I will be going with a different engine for this track car.
how the hell you remove it though is hard af
Great question. May have to use a press or a punch from the back side. I believe there are a couple forum threads that have more information.
I cant get mine off its stuck any advice?
Not stuck. It's just built into the cover.
On my 08 CTS it was super small!
Crazy to think they left it like that for so long before changing it.
The question NOBODY is asking is WHY doesn't the OEM put these on a stock vehicle and schedule it as a part of oil changes? If it means a few more bucks come oil change time, so be it. But for God's sake, GM, what are you thinking? You KNOW it's a problem, and you know it's going to cost you warranty money - so fix it. Do the right thing.
Sorry, but I could not watch the full video, a tri-pod would have been real handy. Seemed like there was an Earth Tremor happening during the filming. Sad, because the subject matter was going to be extremely interesting.
Pcv ONLY works best during cruising speeds... or during ~10 inches of vacuum. At idle and wot it does little no nothing ..
You have it around the other way, the clean tube inlet will do next to nothing during idle and cruize, the dirty side that has vaccum at idle and cruize will do 99% of the work, during WOT the PCV orifice wont be used as much and the flow of filtered air from the T-piece after the MAF but before the Throttle body will reverse flow - thats why the Clean tub has a ia large 12.5 mm ID to maximise flow in the lower vacuum state or to let the crankcase purge itself back to infront of the throttle
My comment stands and its 100% correct ... Read up on the PVC valve and study how it works under DIFFERENT vacuum conditions ...
You are correct other than the idling part. There is plenty of vacuum in the intake manifold to pull air through the PCV system during idle while the TB is mostly shut. Regardless of when it is used, it is still very beneficial for an engine with direct injection. Yes, the PCV valve could be vented to atmosphere, but from what I have read, and just imagining the system working the way it should, it seems that it would be most effective at removing the oil/gas vapors if clean air is brought in one side and removed on the other. Just my opinion though, doesn't mean it's right.
Track Car Obsession:
The pcv works BEST on ~10 inches of vacuum which is CRUISE speed... Vacuum stronger or lighter than that makes the pcv not work as good...
You have to see HOW its designed to understand how and why its not as efficient above or below 10 inches of vacuum ...
www.google.com/url?sa=i&source=images&cd=&cad=rja&uact=8&ved=2ahUKEwjPqcvAkLveAhUCn-AKHXY7AY4QjRx6BAgBEAU&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.radiumauto.com%2FBlog%2FPost%2FCatch-Cans-101-102&psig=AOvVaw1n4ZOrvF5DoLYAKH9aR8_C&ust=1541434321244114
I understand how it works. While the PCV valve does regulate flow under really high vacuum, it still allows flow. So at idle, it does still pull air through the PCV and through the catch can, collecting droplets of oil/fuel. Which therefore helps prevent buildup in the back of the intake valves.
Wtf rx8 😭 nah