NIKASIL VS. ALUSIL
05-03-2002, 12:09 PM
#1
Rennlist Member
Thread Starter
NIKASIL VS. ALUSIL
Just read this article from <a href="http://www.koalamotorsport.com" target="_blank">koalamotorsport</a>
Go to the right side and click on the M60 V8 Nikasil VS Alusil.
Very interesting reading regarding failures of BMW M60 V8 (1993 - 1995) engines blocks made from Nikasil. Basically, the article says that engine blocks made from Nikasil exported to the US are failing prematurely because of the high sulpher content in the US fuels.
AREN'T OUR P-CAR cylinders made from Nikasil? Do we have this problem also?
George
Go to the right side and click on the M60 V8 Nikasil VS Alusil.
Very interesting reading regarding failures of BMW M60 V8 (1993 - 1995) engines blocks made from Nikasil. Basically, the article says that engine blocks made from Nikasil exported to the US are failing prematurely because of the high sulpher content in the US fuels.
AREN'T OUR P-CAR cylinders made from Nikasil? Do we have this problem also?
George
05-03-2002, 12:20 PM
#2
Addict & Guru
Rennlist Member
Rennlist Member
George
I could very well be wrong on my dates, but I think Porsche has used Nikasil treated cylinders (a thin layer of nickel-silicon carbide) since the mid 1970s.
Couldn't get your link opened - is it just me?
[edit] Now the link works - thx George - I thought it was just overloaded with all the Rennlist logins <img src="graemlins/bigok.gif" border="0" alt="[thumbsup]" />
I could very well be wrong on my dates, but I think Porsche has used Nikasil treated cylinders (a thin layer of nickel-silicon carbide) since the mid 1970s.
Couldn't get your link opened - is it just me?
[edit] Now the link works - thx George - I thought it was just overloaded with all the Rennlist logins <img src="graemlins/bigok.gif" border="0" alt="[thumbsup]" />
05-03-2002, 12:49 PM
#4
Addict
Rennlist Member
Rennlist Member
Don't know about the P-cars engine, but this propensity towards failure was known back then.
Our early MY 95 740il with the then "new body" had it's engine replaced under the warranty program at 12K miles. I think we were a few shop visits away from the lemon law.
Dan, no trouble opening the link.
Tom
97C2S
02C4 Cab
Our early MY 95 740il with the then "new body" had it's engine replaced under the warranty program at 12K miles. I think we were a few shop visits away from the lemon law.
Dan, no trouble opening the link.
Tom
97C2S
02C4 Cab
05-03-2002, 01:29 PM
#6
Addict
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Rennlist Member
The good news is the sulfur content of gasoline has been steadily declining over the last 20 years. It won't belong before it is essentially zero.
I always thought that at any point in time, the US had the lowest sulfur content gasoline. So I don't see the connection between cylinder failure and the US fuels.
I always thought that at any point in time, the US had the lowest sulfur content gasoline. So I don't see the connection between cylinder failure and the US fuels.
05-04-2002, 12:36 AM
#7
RL Technical Advisor
Hi Gents:
Although I sat (slept) through 4 years of chemistry in college, I cannot see the connection between low-sulfur fuels and excessive bore wear in Nicasil, Alusil or iron bores.
I've sure seen a LOT of these cylinders in Porsche engines since 1976 and I cannot recollect any wear issues, plating damage or other factors, that were not caused by lubrication failure of one kind or another and/or foreign object damage.
Unless the underlying metal was not prepped properly before plating (Nicasil) or etching (Alusil), these processes don't seem to me that they are affected by leaded, unleaded or any kind of race gas.
I'll simply mention the obvious here, that one must use top-quality oils and effective aircleaners that do not leak.
If a car maker blamed oils or fuels for a metallurgy or manufacturing procedural error, I'd be damned worried,...
The only exception I've witnessed thus far, is the carbon-valve-injector problems caused by MTBE in the fuel.
Although I sat (slept) through 4 years of chemistry in college, I cannot see the connection between low-sulfur fuels and excessive bore wear in Nicasil, Alusil or iron bores.
I've sure seen a LOT of these cylinders in Porsche engines since 1976 and I cannot recollect any wear issues, plating damage or other factors, that were not caused by lubrication failure of one kind or another and/or foreign object damage.
Unless the underlying metal was not prepped properly before plating (Nicasil) or etching (Alusil), these processes don't seem to me that they are affected by leaded, unleaded or any kind of race gas.
I'll simply mention the obvious here, that one must use top-quality oils and effective aircleaners that do not leak.
If a car maker blamed oils or fuels for a metallurgy or manufacturing procedural error, I'd be damned worried,...
The only exception I've witnessed thus far, is the carbon-valve-injector problems caused by MTBE in the fuel.
