MoabRefugee
Observer
Bought an '01 Limited with 137ish and immediately performed and oil change with M1 5-30 (Normal M1) and a Mobil 1 Filter. Had continual and lifter tick; tried the Idle/15s to 3K/Idle Fix. Better, but still annoying, particularly with 15-25F start temps. Tried filling 5mm over as was recommended by several Australians...still tick, tick, tick.
Used around 1.7 qts in 4590, which is apparently normal, but seemed excessive as my 242k SAAB 9-5 eats less than .3 qt over 5k. Thanks to many great forum contributors, I was keenly aware of the 6G74's valve guide/valve seal/lash adjuster issues. Ran through parts/price/procedure for doing the heads, but with only 141k, I figured I would try the BG EPR (formerly BG109) prior to going for it or even pulling the lifters.
I had heard of people using BG109 in the past on SAAB 2.3T motors (notorious sludgers) with excellent results, confirmed by a sump drop. I have already run BG 44k through the fuel system with a noticeable improvement.
Sooo..added the EPR to my thoroughly warmed(by driving) motor. The reduction in mechanical sounds was nearly immediate! It continued to become more quiet over the 12 minutes that the motor ran with the EPR. I held 1200-1300 rpm for a "bit", and performed the lifter drill twice. I was a bit unsure about the higher revs (3K), but I wanted to be certain I had gotten sufficient oil pressure to blow out any "gunk". Performed an oil change with the Rotella T6 5w-40 and a M1 Filter.
Just an amazing change. Quiet, idles much more smoothly(and I have "Random Misfire code/due for plugs wires). Mrs. Refugee came out and asked what I had done, the car "sounds great". It feels MUCH sharper with light tip in and pulls cleanly at 2000-2200 uphill in 5th, something it struggle with previously. Mrs Refugee took it for a quick jaunt and came back grinning. "That much of a change from a can and some different oil?" YEP. "You're a car geek" Yep.
Color me impressed and elated. We'll see with regard to oil consumption, but even if it just stays below the 2.5 qts/5000 Factory "Normal", I will be thrilled with the new throttle response and SILENCE. I would love to see before/after compression figures if anyone else gives the EPR a go. As for Rotella T6, my SAAB loves it, and so does the Montero. $21.88 Gal @ Wally World or Prime!
I'll follow up with a Blackstone UOA after the next change.
Still need to do wires/plugs, but currently right around 18.8-19.3 Hwy with Assurance Fuel Max 265/70's, so I am curious to see what it does. Going to A/T 3's or KO2's in 265/75 16, so I suppose I'll enjoy the mileage while it lasts.
Used around 1.7 qts in 4590, which is apparently normal, but seemed excessive as my 242k SAAB 9-5 eats less than .3 qt over 5k. Thanks to many great forum contributors, I was keenly aware of the 6G74's valve guide/valve seal/lash adjuster issues. Ran through parts/price/procedure for doing the heads, but with only 141k, I figured I would try the BG EPR (formerly BG109) prior to going for it or even pulling the lifters.
I had heard of people using BG109 in the past on SAAB 2.3T motors (notorious sludgers) with excellent results, confirmed by a sump drop. I have already run BG 44k through the fuel system with a noticeable improvement.
Sooo..added the EPR to my thoroughly warmed(by driving) motor. The reduction in mechanical sounds was nearly immediate! It continued to become more quiet over the 12 minutes that the motor ran with the EPR. I held 1200-1300 rpm for a "bit", and performed the lifter drill twice. I was a bit unsure about the higher revs (3K), but I wanted to be certain I had gotten sufficient oil pressure to blow out any "gunk". Performed an oil change with the Rotella T6 5w-40 and a M1 Filter.
Just an amazing change. Quiet, idles much more smoothly(and I have "Random Misfire code/due for plugs wires). Mrs. Refugee came out and asked what I had done, the car "sounds great". It feels MUCH sharper with light tip in and pulls cleanly at 2000-2200 uphill in 5th, something it struggle with previously. Mrs Refugee took it for a quick jaunt and came back grinning. "That much of a change from a can and some different oil?" YEP. "You're a car geek" Yep.
Color me impressed and elated. We'll see with regard to oil consumption, but even if it just stays below the 2.5 qts/5000 Factory "Normal", I will be thrilled with the new throttle response and SILENCE. I would love to see before/after compression figures if anyone else gives the EPR a go. As for Rotella T6, my SAAB loves it, and so does the Montero. $21.88 Gal @ Wally World or Prime!
I'll follow up with a Blackstone UOA after the next change.
Still need to do wires/plugs, but currently right around 18.8-19.3 Hwy with Assurance Fuel Max 265/70's, so I am curious to see what it does. Going to A/T 3's or KO2's in 265/75 16, so I suppose I'll enjoy the mileage while it lasts.
