Anyone else do oil analysis?

[Lord Humunculous]

I use Blackstone, have for years, just got back my analysis for the first 1000 miles (swapped to Redline 5/30) and it looks great. Def not something most people do, but should.

Who else uses analysis? Whom do you use?

 

[Mark_888]

I use Blackstone, have for years, just got back my analysis for the first 1000 miles (swapped to Redline 5/30) and it looks great. Def not something most people do, but should.

Who else uses analysis? Whom do you use?

About 7 or 8 years ago, I decided to do it, and got Blackstone to send me the free oil sample container (no charge until it is sent back). But I have never sent any oil samples in for analysis. The reason is that after reading about the Blackstone reports on several forums, I don't think I have ever seen a bad oil report, and certainly not from anyone who uses a full synthetic every 5K-7K miles.

I continue to change my oil with Mobil 1 5W-30 EP, and I am quite sure my oil is being changed well before it is exhausted (probably by a factor of 2 or 3 times the miles driven). When I drain the oil, it is dark but still semi-translucent, but never black (maybe it would be black if I had a GDI engine, not sure). In fact, when I return the used oil to a local auto parts chain (who has an oil recycling center) I am pretty sure that the oil I am pouring into the recycling tank is better than most brand new conventional oil.

I think those kinds of oil analysis reports are most useful for fleet managers, who are trying to extend the oil change interval to as long as possible (usually without concerns of warranty, which may not apply to them), and need some input as to how long the oil is lasting before it needs to be changed due to additives and viscosity enhancers, etc, being used up. My understanding is that fleet managers test only a small sample of their fleet, as paying for an analysis of every engine is not cost effective.

 

[kn5owa]

I used Blackstone once

They told me to leave the oil in - had plenty of life left in it.

I've used Mobil 1 since 1975

 

[inmanlanier]

I realize this is an old post but germane to my report. I just got a report back from Blackstone on my 5.0. I had just shy of 7000 miles on the oil (44K total on the engine). The iron came up about double their "universal averages" (34 ppm vs. 17 ppm). The lead came up 12 ppm vs. 1 ppm regarding the 'universal averages'. All other parameters were great.

These blocks are aluminum alloys, so I assume they have a aluminum/silicon liner treatment. That means the iron would be likely crank, and/or some of the valve train items (cams, rockers, chains?).

On the lead they stated that these engines 'usually have aluminum bearings', the inference I read that it may not be bearing related. They suggested I change, run the next batch longer and go from there. As an FYI, this time I did NOT record the oil manufacture when I replaced it (over 60 moment) - I know, however that it was either mobil 1 or Super Tech full synthetic (they thought from the additive package it was Mobil 1). They are generally the only ones I buy.

On my other cars I run extended change intervals based on my analysis (excellent results always). In this case I'll do as they suggest and change now, sample again.

Any experience on these results?

 

[Husam]

I realize this is an old post but germane to my report. I just got a report back from Blackstone on my 5.0. I had just shy of 7000 miles on the oil (44K total on the engine). The iron came up about double their "universal averages" (34 ppm vs. 17 ppm). The lead came up 12 ppm vs. 1 ppm regarding the 'universal averages'. All other parameters were great.

These blocks are aluminum alloys, so I assume they have a aluminum/silicon liner treatment. That means the iron would be likely crank, and/or some of the valve train items (cams, rockers, chains?).

On the lead they stated that these engines 'usually have aluminum bearings', the inference I read that it may not be bearing related. They suggested I change, run the next batch longer and go from there. As an FYI, this time I did NOT record the oil manufacture when I replaced it (over 60 moment) - I know, however that it was either mobil 1 or Super Tech full synthetic (they thought from the additive package it was Super Tech). They are generally the only ones I buy.

On my other cars I run extended change intervals based on my analysis (excellent results always). In this case I'll do as they suggest and change now, sample again.

Any experience on these results?

Use Amsoil Signature Series 5W-30 instead.

 

[inmanlanier]

Thanks, but I'm not at all wanting to go down that rabbit hole. Iron and Lead are not oil contents. I won't suggest to others what change intervals they should use or what oil brand or weight they should use. Please respect my request for all to reciprocate.

Anyone able to comment on the oil analysis results of lead and iron?

 

[inmanlanier]

I found an interesting YouTube blog that goes into Mobil1 20,000 mile oil and how they test the product to meet that claim. I was quite impressed with the rigor and science by which they test the products to validate the ratings:

LINK BROKEN - just go to youtube and search on the title:

Can Engine Oil Be Proven To Last 20,000 Miles?​

On a related note, for those of you who subscribe to extended intervals - you may have noted the different ratings for synthetic oils now, all based on miles driven. Apparently the basis for this is one of the additives (can't remember which one) that the greatest impact on extended life. The EPA has determined that there are health detriments to the product getting into the atmosphere after combustion or something like that. For OEM oils now, the manufacturers purportedly must limit the amount of that additive (and I suspect also on base oil products from the oil manufacturers). For whatever reason we can still buy the oils that last long mileage - don't know if they use alternate additives now or simply have a reduced percentage of the product they manufacture and sell with the higher concentrations.

In any case, the video is worth viewing IMHO.

 

[inmanlanier]

bad post

 

[inmanlanier]

Sorry all - just go to youtube and search on the title:

Can Engine Oil Be Proven To Last 20,000 Miles?​

 

[EdP]

I found an interesting YouTube blog that goes into Mobil1 20,000 mile oil and how they test the product to meet that claim. I was quite impressed with the rigor and science by which they test the products to validate the ratings:

LINK BROKEN - just go to youtube and search on the title:

Can Engine Oil Be Proven To Last 20,000 Miles?​

On a related note, for those of you who subscribe to extended intervals - you may have noted the different ratings for synthetic oils now, all based on miles driven. Apparently the basis for this is one of the additives (can't remember which one) that the greatest impact on extended life. The EPA has determined that there are health detriments to the product getting into the atmosphere after combustion or something like that. For OEM oils now, the manufacturers purportedly must limit the amount of that additive (and I suspect also on base oil products from the oil manufacturers). For whatever reason we can still buy the oils that last long mileage - don't know if they use alternate additives now or simply have a reduced percentage of the product they manufacture and sell with the higher concentrations.

In any case, the video is worth viewing IMHO.

Take your pick

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[inmanlanier]

Thanks - the one I was speaking to with was the first one. No ranting and raving there.

 

[carguy75]

I realize this is an old post but germane to my report. I just got a report back from Blackstone on my 5.0. I had just shy of 7000 miles on the oil (44K total on the engine). The iron came up about double their "universal averages" (34 ppm vs. 17 ppm). The lead came up 12 ppm vs. 1 ppm regarding the 'universal averages'. All other parameters were great.

These blocks are aluminum alloys, so I assume they have a aluminum/silicon liner treatment. That means the iron would be likely crank, and/or some of the valve train items (cams, rockers, chains?).

On the lead they stated that these engines 'usually have aluminum bearings', the inference I read that it may not be bearing related. They suggested I change, run the next batch longer and go from there. As an FYI, this time I did NOT record the oil manufacture when I replaced it (over 60 moment) - I know, however that it was either mobil 1 or Super Tech full synthetic (they thought from the additive package it was Mobil 1). They are generally the only ones I buy.

On my other cars I run extended change intervals based on my analysis (excellent results always). In this case I'll do as they suggest and change now, sample again.

Any experience on these results?

Hence why i just change my 5.0 engine oil at 4k miles. I have no need to try to push the upper limits of my oil change intervals to save a few dollars.

Yes, some newer oils are rated to up to 20k miles, but many oil filters are not rated to hold 20k miles worth of contaminates which means they wiil be going into bypass due to a blockage and allow dirty oil to recirculate back into the engine. Therefore, I would just change my oil before that happens. At 4k miles the oil is still fresh and is protecting the engine from wear when I change it.

 

[glennk]

Oil is cheap, engines aren't.

 

[carguy75]

Oil is cheap, engines aren't.

Well said and very true. Especially if you are planning on keeping that engine running smoothly for more than 100k miles.

 

[optimagenesis]

Take your pick

Something caught my attention
something on Synthetic oil analysis , like to share with all of you guys
report is attached:

https://www.worldsbestoil.ca/pdf/2013-motor-oil-comparison-g3115.pdf

oil analysis include:
1. Four ball test
2.Total Base #
3.Cold cranking Viscosity
4.Thermo Oxidation Engine oil Simulation
5. NOACK Volatility Test.

Some of the leading synthetic oils that were put to the test. Interesting read.
AMSOIL Signature Series Synthetic Motor Oil Castrol Edge® with Titanium Fluid Strength Technology® Lucas Synthetic Mobil 1™ Extended Performance Pennzoil Ultra™ Petro-Canada SUPREME Synthetic™ Quaker State Ultimate Durability™ Red Line High Performance Motor Oil Royal Purple High Performance Motor Oil Valvoline SynPower® Full Synthetic Motor Oil

https://www.worldsbestoil.ca/pdf/2013-motor-oil-comparison-g3115.pdf

 

[EdP]

Something caught my attention
something on Synthetic oil analysis , like to share with all of you guys
report is attached:

https://www.worldsbestoil.ca/pdf/2013-motor-oil-comparison-g3115.pdf

oil analysis include:
1. Four ball test
2.Total Base #
3.Cold cranking Viscosity
4.Thermo Oxidation Engine oil Simulation
5. NOACK Volatility Test.

Some of the leading synthetic oils that were put to the test. Interesting read.
AMSOIL Signature Series Synthetic Motor Oil Castrol Edge® with Titanium Fluid Strength Technology® Lucas Synthetic Mobil 1™ Extended Performance Pennzoil Ultra™ Petro-Canada SUPREME Synthetic™ Quaker State Ultimate Durability™ Red Line High Performance Motor Oil Royal Purple High Performance Motor Oil Valvoline SynPower® Full Synthetic Motor Oil

https://www.worldsbestoil.ca/pdf/2013-motor-oil-comparison-g3115.pdf

I don't put much faith in any of them for comparison to real life engine wear. Take two identical engines, run them for 50,000 miles at simulating ral life conditions. Then measure wear on bearings, lifters, cams, whatever.
That evaporative test seems silly. What evaporated? What testing was done after for performance?

 

[glennk]

Pennzoil and Quaker State are the same company. Switched to Synthetic Pennzoil because it is cheaper at Walmart. Haven't used anything else since. As for 20,000 mile oil changes, I'm betting the oil is fine...but what about the errant vapors that condense on top of the oil? That's why I religiously change my oil. As Scotty Kilmer says, "Oil is cheap, engines aren't".

 

[carguy75]

Pennzoil and Quaker State are the same company. Switched to Synthetic Pennzoil because it is cheaper at Walmart. Haven't used anything else since. As for 20,000 mile oil changes, I'm betting the oil is fine...but what about the errant vapors that condense on top of the oil? That's why I religiously change my oil. As Scotty Kilmer says, "Oil is cheap, engines aren't".

Amen. Why risk prematurely wearing out your engine based on extended oil change intervals claims these oil companies has been making for decades about their synthetic oils. I believe Mobil 1 has been claiming 10k mile oil changes( or longer) even back in the 80's. However, most auto makers still recommend shorter(3k-5k) oil change intervals for "real word" driving condition under "severe duty" schedules that includes stop and go traffic.

Longer oils change intervals(10k-20k miles) is best saved for mostly highway driven vehicles that usually run low rpms(1k-2k) most its life.

 

[glennk]

I do a lot of stop and go in Dallas. Then, there are occasions I don't drive for a few days. With COVID, I'm home bound most of the time. So, I change my oil every 3,750 miles or 6 months no matter what...and I use synthetic because it flows better to get around the engine during starts.

 

[Kyser_Soze]

Continuing the subject of oil changes. Every time I take my car for an oil change at the dealership, they over fill it! I took the car to Jiffy Lube and asked how many quarts they were going to put in. They said 7, I asked them to put in 6.5 and it was perfect. I ask the dealership not to overfill it and they do any way. Anybody else seeing this?