GM's OLM (Oil Life Monitor) System

Jordo! · 08-12-2010, 11:42 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Matt

What it does is check specific variables like temperature, moisture, etc and, using an algorithm, calculate the "life expectancy" of your oil.

It really all depends on how well the algorithim models emprical data... it won't be 100%. That said, if it does better than a human staring blankly at a dipstick, it might be useful.

However, if you can't even select something to indicate dino vs synthetic, that adds in a lot of potential error right there...

I'd like to see how they developed the tech, the theory underlying the model, and how well their predicted values map onto empirical UOA's for a given oil, but my first blush response is it's nice idea but an even better gimmick.

Matt · 08-13-2010, 12:58 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jordo!

It really all depends on how well the algorithim models emprical data... it won't be 100%. That said, if it does better than a human staring blankly at a dipstick, it might be useful.

However, if you can't even select something to indicate dino vs synthetic, that adds in a lot of potential error right there...

I'd like to see how they developed the tech, the theory underlying the model, and how well their predicted values map onto empirical UOA's for a given oil, but my first blush response is it's nice idea but an even better gimmick.

The OLM has a specific set of constants to use during its calculations. One of those constants is the type of recommended oil. In cars like the CTS-V, the OLM is actually designed to only presume synthetic is in the car. On a Cobalt, it's always gonna presume there's dino in there.

But you're right, when a cobalt owner switches to Mobil 1, a common solution is to go through 2 cycles of the OLM, which pretty much defeats the whole purpose of system. (and should even make you question its validity)

Here are some of the variables that systems such as the OLM use to determine the remaining "life" of your oil:

Quote:

Conductivity -- how easily electric current passes through the oil (typically, the lower the electrical resistance, the more contaminants are in the oil)

Mechanical properties -- piezoelectric sensors can tell how thick the oil is by the force feedback it gives when sloshing around

Soot concentration -- dirty oil's days are definitely numbered

Presence of water -- water is an impurity in oil, since it hampers the oil's effectiveness and can corrode metal surfaces

Jordo! · 08-13-2010, 11:24 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Matt

The OLM has a specific set of constants to use during its calculations. One of those constants is the type of recommended oil. In cars like the CTS-V, the OLM is actually designed to only presume synthetic is in the car. On a Cobalt, it's always gonna presume there's dino in there.

But you're right, when a cobalt owner switches to Mobil 1, a common solution is to go through 2 cycles of the OLM, which pretty much defeats the whole purpose of system. (and should even make you question its validity)

Here are some of the variables that systems such as the OLM use to determine the remaining "life" of your oil:

Huh -- neat. Well, if it can get meaningful data from those tests then, yeah, it might work pretty well after all, even if you switch types of oil.

I guess one thing you could do is take an oil sample, send it for a UOA, and then compare and contrast. If the car's analysis maps on well to the UPA, you're probably good to go from that point on.

WarmandSci, what do you think?

FricFrac · 08-13-2010, 11:55 AM

Conductivity -- how easily electric current passes through the oil (typically, the lower the electrical resistance, the more contaminants are in the oil)

Mechanical properties -- piezoelectric sensors can tell how thick the oil is by the force feedback it gives when sloshing around

Soot concentration -- dirty oil's days are definitely numbered

Presence of water -- water is an impurity in oil, since it hampers the oil's effectiveness and can corrode metal surfaces

==================================================

Then it's a great idea. I would still use the regular oil change interval but this will show you if there is some other factor that has pre-maturely degraded the life of your oil.

08-13-2010, 11:55 AM	#4 (permalink)
FricFrac A True Z Fanatic Join Date: Dec 2008 Location: Victoria, BC Posts: 1,481 Drives: 370Z 300ZX 280ZX 240 Rep Power: 230	Conductivity -- how easily electric current passes through the oil (typically, the lower the electrical resistance, the more contaminants are in the oil) Mechanical properties -- piezoelectric sensors can tell how thick the oil is by the force feedback it gives when sloshing around Soot concentration -- dirty oil's days are definitely numbered Presence of water -- water is an impurity in oil, since it hampers the oil's effectiveness and can corrode metal surfaces ================================================== Then it's a great idea. I would still use the regular oil change interval but this will show you if there is some other factor that has pre-maturely degraded the life of your oil. __________________ '09 370Z - '93 300ZX Vert - '83 280ZX - '83 280ZXT -'81 280ZXT stroker - '72 240Z - Stillen CBE, HFC, G3, Grounding Kit, Sways // Swift Spring // H&R 15mm // 5% Tint // Clear Bra //

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