My Engine Oil analysis @ 19,500 miles (4.6)

[scottdk]

2nd analysis:

SCOTT: Thanks for the note on the noises. If the noises are a result of poor engine wear, we're not seeing
any evidence in the used oil at 33,845 miles. Metals are steady overall, with just a slight increase noted at
iron. Iron could show wear at steel parts, but we're more inclined to think it's a result of the longer oil run,
since iron is the one metal that accumulates in the oil the longer you run it. We'll watch it, but for now it
seems harmless. Note the trace of moisture. You may change the oil to get rid of it, but it doesn't seem to be
hurting anything. Overall, not bad.

 

[TJPark01]

Looks fine to me, what kind of oil is it?

 

[scottdk]

Looks fine to me, what kind of oil is it?

I will find out which Mobil 1 the dealer uses tomorrow when the service department is open. Thanks for your comment TJ

 

[scottdk]

TJ - Sorry for the delay I checked with my dealer and they have no idea which Mobil one synthetic they use. I spoke to the service department and also the parts department. They said the box of Mobil oil just says "Mobil 1 Synthetic".

 

[zielritter]

Did you ever get more oil analysis done on your Sonata's Lambda? Since it's just a smaller bore version of my 3.8 I was just curious what the oil results said with the high mileage you had.

 

[scottdk]

Did you ever get more oil analysis done on your Sonata's Lambda? Since it's just a smaller bore version of my 3.8 I was just curious what the oil results said with the high mileage you had.

No I have not, but since you've brought it up I'm also interested to see the results. The engine is smooth as butter and still very quiet. Only time the Lambda isn't quiet is if it's very cold outside (under 10 degrees) since the car sits outside. I don't know what happened on the last analysis, but I guess I forgot to write down how many miles were on that oil change when I took the oil sample. I'm pretty sure it was around 77,000 miles though. Currently I have 98,800 on the OD. I will report back once I get the sample results.

 

[Stoofpilot]

If my service department did not know what type of Mobil 1 they were using I would run from them as fast as I could! Totally unacceptable.

 

[scottdk]

If my service department did not know what type of Mobil 1 they were using I would run from them as fast as I could! Totally unacceptable.

You make a point Wonder how many dealers actually know which synthetic oil they use? I think many people would be surprised to find out the dealer has no idea. After speaking to multiple people at the dealer I can tell that the midset is "well it's Mobil 1 synthetic oil. It's synthetic...what else is there to know?"

 

[scottdk]

Did you ever get more oil analysis done on your Sonata's Lambda? Since it's just a smaller bore version of my 3.8 I was just curious what the oil results said with the high mileage you had.

Here is the 2nd analysis results for my Sonata received Jan 31, 2013:

SCOTT: We like to see steady trends from sample to sample. These metals aren't exactly steady yet, but
it's a little too early to say whether or not they might be trouble. Aluminum could show a little extra piston
wear, and iron is from steel parts. If this oil run was longer than the last one we have on file, that might
account for a little extra iron. Were you having the start-up noise back in 2011? Maybe the aluminum/iron
are related to that. The viscosity measured in the 5W20. No contamination was found. Change this oil within
1,500 miles and check back on metals.

 

[427435]

Besides Mobil 1 greases and transmission oils, there are over 20 Mobil 1 engine oils.


http://www.mobiloil.com/USA-English/MotorOil/Files/Mobil_1_Product_Guide.pdf

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[427435]

Here is the 2nd analysis results for my Sonata received Jan 31, 2013:

The car companies like to recommend a 5w-20 oil so they can use it in their EPA mpg tests.

I use the 5w-30 or 5w-40 Mobil 1 oils in my engines. I suspect your oil analysis would show less wear materials with these oils.

 

[zielritter]

Here is the 2nd analysis results for my Sonata received Jan 31, 2013:

Thanks for the follow up. The aluminum and iron increase is interesting but hopefully not an indication of accelerating wear. I just switched to Pennzoil Platinum 5w-30 at 3000 miles. I've been a life long Mobil 1 user, but the PP marketing convinced me to give it a shot. I can already tell how much smoother the engine runs compared to the dealership fill I replaced.

 

[427435]

Thanks for the follow up. The aluminum and iron increase is interesting but hopefully not an indication of accelerating wear. I just switched to Pennzoil Platinum 5w-30 at 3000 miles. I've been a life long Mobil 1 user, but the PP marketing convinced me to give it a shot. I can already tell how much smoother the engine runs compared to the dealership fill I replaced.

Is the "smoothness" from the brand change or the change to a 5w-20 to a 5w-30??

 

[zielritter]

Is the "smoothness" from the brand change or the change to a 5w-20 to a 5w-30??

Well, this was my very first oil change - literally at a little over 3,200 miles. I'm assuming the dealer filled it with 5w-30 dino oil and I think they use standard Valvoline oil when checking in new vehicles.

Whatever they used, the PP is noticeably quieter at start up and when accelerating.

As a side note, changing the oil in the 2012 3.8 sucks compared to the DIY I read for the 2009-11. I had to remove the entire plastic skid plate under the engine to get to the filter, which is under the car instead of being accessible under hood. Ironically, there is a cut out for the drain plug in the plate but not for the filter. I guess that detail was missed during the QC process.

 

[jnc2000]

For what it's worth I moved to a 0w-40 weight... and she purrs like a kitten.

 

[427435]

Well, this was my very first oil change - literally at a little over 3,200 miles. I'm assuming the dealer filled it with 5w-30 dino oil and I think they use standard Valvoline oil when checking in new vehicles.

Whatever they used, the PP is noticeably quieter at start up and when accelerating.

As a side note, changing the oil in the 2012 3.8 sucks compared to the DIY I read for the 2009-11. I had to remove the entire plastic skid plate under the engine to get to the filter, which is under the car instead of being accessible under hood. Ironically, there is a cut out for the drain plug in the plate but not for the filter. I guess that detail was missed during the QC process.

It's also possible (likely?) that the dealer used 5w-20. Also, changing from a dino oil to a good synthetic would likely reduce start-up noise. It pumps through the engine faster when cold.

 

[zielritter]

It's also possible (likely?) that the dealer used 5w-20. Also, changing from a dino oil to a good synthetic would likely reduce start-up noise. It pumps through the engine faster when cold.

I'm putting my tenuous faith in the hope that they follow the owner's manual/shop manual, which recommends 5w-30 and allows for 10w-30 in warmer climates. They could be inviting warranty reimbursement trouble using a non-recommended weight I would think.

 

[Philth]

For what it's worth I moved to a 0w-40 weight... and she purrs like a kitten.

Is that weight and API rating approved for that motor?

 

[zielritter]

No.

 

[jnc2000]

FWIW I don't trust and 20 weight oil to protect the motor when continually pushed at its limits.

Every OCI is sent to BlackStone - and after having the valve covers off last weekend she's as clean as a whistle.