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Looking for insight from others using titanium valve spring retainers and having oil analysis done. When researching valvetrain components read that titanium retainers wear, this is normal and no cause for concern.
Just received baseline oil analysis from Blackstone after LS2 build completion. Know it's common on these analysis to have 0 listed for Titanium since most do not have titanium valvetrain components. Seeing 2 listed as the universal average has me wondering what's actually normal when titanium retainers are being used?
Any insight is appreciated. Here's analysis with just over 3K miles on M1 0w40 FS oil...
Hey Bigron, I sent an email to Blackstone today as well to see if they have any input.
Since "0" is by far most common, and "2" is average, just wondering what that number should look like when present on a single report?
Would be nice to exclude when an oil's additive package includes titanium. Not sure that will be possible from Blackstone. Have read there are some versions of Kendal and Valvoline that include titanium. When present that shows up in high 20's / low 30's range from examples seen. M1 doesn't have it.
I'll update this thread with Blackstone's input once received.
Please add any data input should you get analysis done. Have seen your build thread, guessing you have titanium retainers too per interest.
I would imagine that 2 average even without any titanium components would be found naturally. There is a lot of titanium everywhere in the environment because titanium dioxide is used in anything that is white; from white paint to paper to your toothe paste. Probably some titanium from the aluminum alloy in the block.
The main thing to monitor with your valve train will be the titanium numbers over time. And you should inspect the retainers on a regular basis.
I would imagine that 2 average even without any titanium components would be found naturally. There is a lot of titanium everywhere in the environment because titanium dioxide is used in anything that is white; from white paint to paper to your toothe paste. Probably some titanium from the aluminum alloy in the block.
The main thing to monitor with your valve train will be the titanium numbers over time. And you should inspect the retainers on a regular basis.
Thanks for the feedback. Had a hard time finding any Ti readings for LS engines when searching initially. Most looked like this showing "0"...
Will keep looking around. Trying to get a feel for it. Most importantly, have a baseline and will continue to monitor for changes over time as you pointed out.
In my racecar I've had ti readings of as high as 67, this was caused by weak valve springs. With proper valve spring tension it went down to 22. Now this is a Solid roller deal with .710" lift and a ton of duration
In my racecar I've had ti readings of as high as 67, this was caused by weak valve springs. With proper valve spring tension it went down to 22. Now this is a Solid roller deal with .710" lift and a ton of duration
Thank you! Really appreciate the data point. Man, that is some serious lift!!
Have read LS7 SBE has titanium rods that can be a source too. Haven't found any LS1 / LS2 / LS3 reports yet to compare with known Ti valvetrain components installed.
"In the LS-2, we do expect to find a little titanium. The average amount is 2 ppm, and while you did have a little more than that in your oil it wasn't enough to suggest any sort of issue - which is why I didn't mention it. We'll keep monitoring titanium, and if it ever suggests extra wear we'll certainly mention it in your report."
Titanium Retainers Oil Analysis Data?
