Oil Temperatures

[Rich G.]

I just traded my 2003 ZO6 on a 2007 ZO6. The C5 ZO6 used to show oil temps at around 190-210 depending on outside temp and how it was driven. The C6 ZO6 shows temps at 170 normally and 200 when stuck in traffic. I realize the new car has a dry sump system which may help cool the oil (or not?), but the real question for the oil experts is, Is 170 really hot enough to get rid of the moisture in the oil?

My experience with aircraft engines is that they like to have oil temps over 200F and I thought the reasoning was to get rid of moisture.

BTW, I still love my 66 and 68, but the ZO6 is SOME machine.

Rich G 38594

[Duke W.]

Re: Oil Temperatures

The current Z06 also has a pretty substantial oil cooler, but my understanding is that it doesn't have a thermostat, so in cool weather the oil runs on the cool side.

IMO the ideal temperature for oil is 190-210F; 170 is a little low, but as long as you don't do mostly short trips, I don't think 170 will cause excess blowby oil dilution.

On the plus side, if you do a lot of highway driving and the oil temperature rarely exceeds 200, the oil monitor will not recommend a change until probably well past 10K miles.

Duke

[Clem Z.]

tape over the oil cooler and see what temps

you see. the ZO-6 is a race car with a licence plate and the cooler is not needed for every day street driving.

[Rich G.]

Re: Oil Temperatures

Thanks guys...you make sense, as usual

Rich G 38594