Community Forums

TCollins · 02-05-2023, 05:46 PM

Lifters and cams are delaminating in the 7.3 Godzilla. Hope this doesn't turn into a widespread problem.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VdODNCV1dis

TXiceman · 02-05-2023, 06:42 PM

The question is which is coming apart first, the cam or the roller lifter to cause the damage? If one fails, it will show damage on the other.

Ken

Hermes2 · 02-06-2023, 10:29 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by TCollins

Lifters and cams are delaminating in the 7.3 Godzilla. Hope this doesn't turn into a widespread problem.

Well, that's just great. I'm wondering what the symptoms would be so that you know to bring it in for engine replacement? At my current rate of mileage per year, I'll be looking forward to this next year.

Psneeld · 02-06-2023, 03:19 PM

I only have about 2500 miles so far...it's got me thinking oil sampling pronto.

jaydee325 · 02-06-2023, 06:43 PM

Not delimitation. It's spalling.

Google it.

TeJay · 02-06-2023, 07:38 PM

jaydee325 is absolutely correct. Delamination in not the word used to describe what is happening in this case. Yes the metal is being removed but spalling or flaking is more often to describe what we are seeing.

"Metal spalling is a process of metallic surface failure in which the metal is broken down into small flakes (spalls) from a larger solid body. This process occurs for many reasons, such as when another material impacts it at a high speed resulting in chipping the material, or due to corrosion, weathering, cavitation or excessive rolling pressure."

Maybe the metal hardness of the lifters, rollers and cam shafts are coming into play?.

What is happening in this instance also occurs when a wheel bearing fails. The metal will flake of creating pitted areas both on tapered roller bearings as well as the fixed bearing races. When bearings fail the grease when removed will contain and show metal particles that flake off the rollers and can be seen easily in the grease as sparkles.

As mentioned already there has to be metal flakes, particles appearing somewhere in the engine oil or maybe they are trapped by the oil filter.

Since this is happening on an engine with relatively few miles Ford needs to address the issue and determine exactly what the cause is. It could be metal fatigue caused by fluid cavitation. There maybe be a failure somewhere in the engines manufacture of those parts. Ford has been making engines a long time so I'm thinking there's something else going on that is more unusual. Cavitation of the oil will allow air to mix into the oil increasing the friction and pressures.

MoCoTom · 02-08-2023, 11:39 AM

I know this is little or no consolation to owners of the Godzilla 7.3, but this has been an on going problem for some other manufacturers as well. I know I'll get push back on this but can't help but wonder if the 0 weight oils being used in today's vehicles isn't a contributing factor.
Tom

Unplanned Tourist · 02-08-2023, 11:53 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MoCoTom

I know this is little or no consolation to owners of the Godzilla 7.3, but this has been an on going problem for some other manufacturers as well. I know I'll get push back on this but can't help but wonder if the 0 weight oils being used in today's vehicles isn't a contributing factor.
Tom

I agree that oil can be a contributing factor. The only customers that had cam/follower failures like the OP were the ones using 0W-30 synthetic oil. This was on 3406 Cat truck engines.

So what oil are you using TCollins?

TCollins · 02-09-2023, 07:09 AM

Thankfully that is not my motor. I have an addiction to YouTube and came across the video while feeding my addiction. Wanted to post it as a heads up to owners or future owners of the 7.3

I would agree it appears to be a lack of adequate lubrication. Could be an issue with the new oils or maybe oil pressure issues. I hope that block gets sent back to Ford for analysis.

mack73 · 02-09-2023, 08:33 AM

I wonder what oil spec they were using. I personally am sticking with the Ford oil (part number listed in owners manual) through warranty, although its only a semi-synthetic... wonder if I should switch to the Ford full synthetic

And I wonder about high RPM use - I'm sure those delivery van drivers were nice and gentle with the throttle. Perhaps another reason why the power cuts off so early

Ssgritton · 02-09-2023, 08:41 AM

So if you drive 4000 miles a year (snow bird) it will take 10 years for the problem to come up and you will be out of the 5 year warranty?

I have a Newmar on order so when I get it the first thing will be to switch to 5W-30 or any recomendations?

Next I will never let this coach idle for long or increase the idle
speed some how to help keep the motor oil presure up?
Looks like the old rule of thumb of letting things warm up is out the window Lol.

What would be other ideas beside canceling my order and eating my deposit?

jaydee325 · 02-09-2023, 09:25 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ssgritton

switch to 5W-30 or any recomendations?

Run any oil you want that meets the API service classification and viscosity for the temperature you are operating in as specified in the manual.

Psneeld · 02-10-2023, 04:03 AM

My 2022 Entegra with the Ford 7.3 gasser should already have 5W-30 in it as that is what is on the oil fill cap. Assuming it came from the factory with the recommended oil.

sibe · 02-10-2023, 05:03 AM

I have seen this over the years in GM in certain engines..and others..
IMO more of a material (metal) issue alsot was looked at as a lubrication issue also...

this can be both or neither.. I powersports industry we see this all day in some older stuff.. The factors are many, metal specs (surface finish/hardness) vs the oil spec.. Oil has changed .. those older metal specs did poor with less zinc etc in the oils..

sure power oil pumping/splash etc can play a role, it is rare.. piston pins see this issue

also the design .. not just a roller but the specs it operates at can play a big role in the longevity.. it gets complicated.. valve bounce, spring harmonic, lift ramps etc can stress a small contact patch abd start the metal stress..
I would think simulation software would pic some of this up in todays world of AI etc..