cylinder shut down
 

Was talking to a mechanic about the LS1 engine shutting down cylinders. He mentioned that I should have this disabled due to the engine needing the gas to help lubricate the top part of the stroke for the pistons. He said that he's seen V8 engines use large amounts of oil that have been run with 4 cylinders shut down. Anyone else heard of this?

Not sure about LS1 engines. But your LT1 that's in a V8 camaro is direct injected, so the gas is never in liquid form to "lubricate" anything.

So... maybe wrong forum for LS1 questions?

edit: Not to say I know nothing about Ls1 engines, i had one in my 4th gen 2001 z28. Far as I know, it didn't have cylinder deactivation.

Gasoline is not a very good lubricant. Unburned fuel serves more of a cooling function in the combustion chamber.
With no spark there is no pressure or blow-by gases to knock oil (a good lubricant) off the rings. I would think lubrication would be improved in the absence of combustion.
There are drawbacks to cylinder deactivation, but I would not agree with your mechanic's specific opinion.

Yeah, no LS1 engines had cylinder deactivation.

I have a 2008 G8 GT. It came with a 6L LS-based motor. Basically, an LS2 (but with LS3 heads). However, because it had DOD (Displacement on Demand), it was called an L98.

How old is he? They stopped using leaded gas in the early 70's I think.

Find another mechanic, quickly.

I think he maybe talking about the previous generation?!?! The LS4 motor 5.3L had DOD (Displacement on Demand) later changed to AFM (Active Fuel Management) DOD/AFM uses oil to flood the lifters and shut off 4 cylinders. I had this on my 2007 Monte Carlo SS 5.3L. I had nothing but problems with oil burn and leakage. Chevy opened the motor and taped everything to monitor the motor.

I sold the car shortly after.

The AFM that was on the L99 motor (2010 - 2015) Camaro SS automatic had this issue fixed. LS3, LS1, LS2, LS9, and LS7 did not have this feature. That is why there were two different motors for 2010 - 2015 Camaro SS models L99 (A6) and LS3 (M6).

The 2016+ Camaro uses the LT1 (Direct injected) motor. Although the same principal is working with AFM they have changed somethings to make it work better. I have not seen anyone talking about AFM during or loosing oil (Some people may argue catch can but that is a totally different issue :bonk: ).

You can remove AFM with a tune... But I would find a different mechanic or someone that is updated on motors...

or, you could just use a Range device ( http://www.rangetechnology.com/pages/v8 )
no voided warranty like with a tune.

X2

+1

I forgot about the OB2 Plug N Play disabler... Nice Catch!

This!

X3

With all due respect...your mechanic doesn't work for GM Powertrain.

Firstly, gas isn't a great lubricant in any condition. Secondly, the Direct Injection system sprays fuel well after the piston has begun to travel up to TDC...so it wouldn't help "lubricate" anything. :noidea:

Also, while the AFM system shuts down the spark and fuel, the valves remain closed to capture a pocket of air, and use the benefit of an air "spring" to reduce losses. This pressure is less than combustion, so it could let some oil be consumed...:iono:

And the AFM system runs on a cycle (not really applicable here, but a fun-fact)...it'll never run indefinitely so that the engine can maintain safe levels of temperature spread across parts, and lubrication, etc...

x4

At the least, I doubt that GM would design a cylinder cutout system that reduces engine longevity.

Maybe the fellow in question has some Marvel Mystery Oil stashed away. That will oil the top end fer ya! :lol: