Another V4 thread...

[mikeyk101]

Sorry, this is going to be another of my long rambling threads so I'm apologizing at the beginning...

 

I am one that has been using a Range AFM disabler for last couple years as I also wanted to disable the V4. The conventional wisdom is that by running in V8 all the time was that it should help mitigate the collapsed/failed lifters by keeping everything working and oiled all the time. And also for those that changed out exhaust, it kept it from droning sound while in V4. The Range disabler is/was a cost effective way to keep V8 full time but still be able to easily revert back to stock if/when needed.

 

After my recent transmission failure (although not related to V4) I started wondering. I still have the stock exhaust so droning wasn't an issue. But I did like the fact that the Range kept motor in V8 so everything was working all the time. I figured this was a good insurance policy for possible premature engine failure.

 

But now I have been running for a week or so without the Range disabler. I don't really notice the difference when switching between V4 and V8. I have been tracking it by watching the fuel economy screen which I have set to show last 50 miles. I have noticed that I am able to get it into V4 more by driving without cruise control and kind of feathering the accelerator. But this got me wondering about lifter failures based on different styles of driving. Aggressive vs less aggressive. 

 

It seems that when driving aggressively, I don't see V4 mode hardly at all. When driving more casually, I see V4 more frequently. Also in areas of even just rolling hills, while going uphill, it's pretty much V8. I can get V4 mostly in areas of steady speeds and flat lands. 

 

So would aggressive driving (less V4) actually work as an advantage over less aggressive (more frequency of V4 mode)?

 

So I have been rethinking the use of the Range disabler. I'm in a unique position as I still am covered under the GM Protection Plan on my 2016 for another year or just under 20k miles so I'm not too worried about failure and then needing a replacement. And if it does fail, turns out like my GM reman transmission, it would be covered for 3 years or 100k miles. 

 

I am planning on having my 2016 for quite a while. One major weak point component (trans) is now not an issue to my pocketbook forbat least another 3 years. If it does fail again, I will just get another reman but will have the torque converter changed to a better quality aftermarket one right away. If it holds out, (original lasted 8 years) as it gets closer to end of that warranty and still fine, I will replace the torque converter. And although clock is ticking, the motor won't be an issue for another year. I'm hoping that if it's going to fail, it will do it in that time frame. And if it does, I will wait until that warranty on replacement is almost up and then consider doing an actual DOD delete. If it doesn't fail in next year, the DOD delete will be done to ensure many more years and miles of use.

 

So in kind of a long rambling thread, do others here think that aggressive vs no aggressive driving habits have any effect on lifter failures? 

 

 

[TheRiver]

I used the Range device religiously on my 2016 or drove in M5 when not needing or wanting the 2nd OD around town/suburbia.  Range was always used for country and Interstate driving.

 

That typed;  I lost a NON-AFM lifter at 106,****** miles.  

 

IMHO;  there's too many variables/sensor inputs in these trucks.................deciding what gear, if TC locks, if TC unlocks, V4, V8, throttle position, pitch, yaw, etc..................

 

I have 112,****** miles on the rebuild now.  Rebuilt without the AFM crap.  Running 10w30 or 5w40 oil also.

[mikeyk101]

24 minutes ago, TheRiver said:

IMHO;  there's too many variables/sensor inputs in these trucks.................deciding what gear, if TC locks, if TC unlocks, V4, V8, throttle position, pitch, yaw, etc..................

 

I have 112,****** miles on the rebuild now.  Rebuilt without the AFM crap.  Running 10w30 or 5w40 oil also.

 

That's unfortunate and I agree that there are a lot of variables involved. Your experience with a rebuild is encouraging, thanks.