Re: Frame TEflon oil filter

[Dave Ream <dream@xxxxxxxx>]

Randy,

I'd say DON'T mess with Teflon. IMHO it won't help much if at all, and it
could cause damage.

Why no Teflon? Well, because turbocharged motors put a greater heat loading
on the motor oil, and Teflon does not do well at high temperatures. From
what I hear, it can break down at high temperatures and transform into
stuff that is not good for the engine. I don't know how high must the
temperatures be, BUT; remember that the oil not only lubricates the turbo
bearing, it cools the bearing. The bearing is integrally connected to the
exhaust turbine of the turbocharger, which gets *very* hot (someone who
knows numbers, feel free to chime in).

To give you an intuitive idea of how hot, after about 60 seconds or more of
sustained boost the cast iron housing of the turbocharger in my Saab 900
Turbo turns a nice cherry red that lights up the engine bay at night. So,
change the oil often (when it starts to smell scorched, for example :]  )
and enjoy your turbocharger.

Just change your oil & filter regularly (e.g. 3,000 miles), let the car
idle for 20-30 seconds when you first start it up before revving the engine
to ensure the turbo bearing has adequate oil pressure before the turbine
winds up, and let it idle for about 30 seconds before shutting off the
engine after using the turbo (to let the turbine wind down before the oil
pressure goes away and to cool the bearing and housing), and you should be
fine.

FYI, HP Books publishes a book on turbocharging by Hugh MacInnes (sp?) that
is a classic, and is available from www.Amazon.com

In addition, the bmw-digest V7 #1761 had some good postings about motor
oils, which may shed additional insight into how to keep your turbo happy.
When I read it I saw some clues perhaps as to why Saab recommends 10W30
instead of 10W40 for my car.

Dave Ream
'88 Saab 900 Turbo
(I know, it's not a BMW, but hopefully it's replacement will be!)

P.S. Seems to me Slick 50 was paying substantial amounts of money recently
to settle a class-action lawsuit regarding their Teflon-laden product...

>Date: Thu, 05 Nov 1998 10:51:47 -0700
>From: "Randy Little" <rlittle@domain.elided>
>Subject: Frame TEflon oil filter
>
>Has anyone used the Frame Teflon oil filter?  I have once a long time ago.
>I was hoping this would help my Turbo have a longer life. Or is is just more
>snake oil?
>
>
>
>Randy Little
>320is Callaway

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