Oil analysis results @ 10k miles

LifeTech · #1 (**permalink**) 10-07-2007, 09:33 AM

Blackstone Labs did my analysis recently. (2006 Engine 3MZ-FE V-6)

I had 5,120 miles on this OCI sample, using two filters; a K&N oil filter for 3K miles then changed to fresh OE filter for balance of 2,120 miles.

Oil:Mobil 1 5w/30.
No oil was burned or used except 10 oz. of makeup oil used during my filter replacement.

To sum it up...their comments stated...

"LifeTech: Your new Toyota V-6 appears be doing just fine during wear-in and after its fourth oil change. The high wear metals and silicon are from new parts breaking-in and the use of silicone gaskets and sealers at the factory. All three should decrease with future oil changes. The TBN of this oil was 2.8, some active additive left. A reading of 1.0 would indicate it is almost gone. No contaminants were found and the oils viscosity was normal. Try a 5000-mile oil change to help wear-in along before trying to extend your oil use."

The high wear metals spoken about were Iron and Lead.

The complete break down in PPM was supplied with the above observation

So, it appears that this engine has a way to go before it is fully broken-in.

.
This might serve as reference to those interested in Blackstone or any Lab.

LifeTech

ddvk · #2 (**permalink**) 10-07-2007, 01:13 PM

Usually engine break-in should be complete before 10K miles. I don't buy the argument it is still breaking in.

I would go for OEM recommeded 5K mile OCI starting 10K miles. My wife's highlander has just clocked 14K miles and I am on Pennzoil Platinum and Wix filter.

LifeTech · #3 (**permalink**) 10-07-2007, 01:54 PM

I agree, regardingthe 5k OCI's.
Yet according to Toyota's maintenance schedule, a 7.5K OCI is acceptable if your driving habits are NOT severe service.. I never really consider any driving as NOT SEVERE, so I always do 5K OCI's and 3-4K if using any Dino oil depending on the age and make of the engine.

I don't take Blackstones results as gospel in any event. I sift through the data and make my own decision. Yet I do feel that my block is probbably 90% worn in. The Valve train is where I feel things are still "tight". The lower end is complete as I see things.
I don't baby my HL , and I also don't Redline it excessively either.

I will be doing a split sample with Blackstone and 2 additional labs next OCI.

I understand TBN #'s are controversial, but I asked for this additional service.

This Analysis was for a fill that was approx. 16 months old and took me through two extreme Temp seasons.

Mobil 1 Extended Performance Oil might have been more appropriate.(a better Base additive package for longevity, mileage and time wise.

My friend uses the Valv. Platinum with an OE filter on his 96 Corolla.

He was always a Dino Castrol guy and uses OE filters. He is a Commercial Aircraft Mechanic who does line maintenance and is dead set in his regimen.

Wix are great filters from a quality control standpoint. And Bang for the buck. Have used them years back when I was a Fleet Adm. for Avis and then Budget RAC.

I can't comment much about Valvoline Platinum. The price is right.

But, I do know that it is not a True Full Synthetic oil, although the law says they can call it such. Maybe it's splitting hairs. It might just be good stuff for the price,
The Platinum, just has not been around long enough on the market. And they could just discontinue it and change it and call it something else. Many oil companies do this to try and grab some of the Mobil 1 market share by repackaging their Oil from time to time.

Thanks for your comments.

LT

LifeTech · #4 (**permalink**) 10-07-2007, 02:08 PM

I forgot to mention that I have been using Mobil 1 Synthetic oil since 1977. It was around $2.00 per qt by the case back then and considered very expensive even by todays standard. The Oil came in Silver Round Metal cans that yu used a can opener to open. In the case came a sticker indicating "Mobil 1 oil Installed" and yu wrapped it on the dipstick handle.

My '77 Caddy Seville is still in my garage, with 110K miles . It never saw Dino since the OE fill. It has been fully restored. Engine is immaculate(no sludge or varnish) Doesn't burn or leak a drop of oil. compression is high and even all round. I find this incredible. Never needed more than several waterpumps and 8 new Bosch Injectors. Internally it's all original. (350cid with TBI)

Yu could say I'm just Brand loyal, that's all.

LT

ddvk · #5 (**permalink**) 10-07-2007, 02:43 PM

Wix filters are the best becoz they have great flow, though their filteration may not be the best (who cares since my OCI is always 5K miles).

What I like about Wix is good media, solid construction and great flow.

I buy them in bulk from FleetFilter.com (talk to bryan).

summerwind · #6 (**permalink**) 10-07-2007, 02:47 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by LifeTech

I forgot to mention that I have been using Mobil 1 Synthetic oil since 1977. It was around $2.00 per qt by the case back then and considered very expensive even by todays standard. The Oil came in Silver Round Metal cans that yu used a can opener to open. In the case came a sticker indicating "Mobil 1 oil Installed" and yu wrapped it on the dipstick handle.

My '77 Caddy Seville is still in my garage, with 110K miles . It never saw Dino since the OE fill. It has been fully restored. Engine is immaculate(no sludge or varnish) Doesn't burn or leak a drop of oil. compression is high and even all round. I find this incredible. Never needed more than several waterpumps and 8 new Bosch Injectors. Internally it's all original. (350cid with TBI)

Yu could say I'm just Brand loyal, that's all.

LT

And you are reducing the use of petroleum based oil

If 1,000,000 owners switched to synthetic, assuming an average of 5 quarts per oil change, petroleum based oil would be reduced by 1,250,000 gallons.

LifeTech · #7 (**permalink**) 10-07-2007, 02:48 PM

Thanx, I did forget to ask where yu get your Wix's.

Flow is great. I agree. If doing frequent OCI's these are great filters.

I would consider using two Wix's per 5K OCI.

LT

LifeTech · #8 (**permalink**) 10-07-2007, 03:01 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by summerwind

And you are reducing the use of petroleum based oil

If 1,000,000 owners switched to synthetic, assuming an average of 5 quarts per oil change, petroleum based oil would be reduced by 1,250,000 gallons.

That's one fine observation. I guess I have a Green Vehicle now and can rub it in to the hybrid threads now.

Here in NY, New Motor oil gets a petroleum tax. In theory, because it is like gasoline. A petroleum.

I used to be pissed off that I was for years charged this tax even on a fully synthetic Mobil 1. No one ever challenged it. I looked up the State Law and behold there is a contradiction.

And Mobil 1 is just not a petroleum by-product.

It is engineered PAO not refined petro.

LT

mr08highlander · #9 (**permalink**) 10-07-2007, 06:07 PM

Here are some links to filters and oil analysis - originally motorcycle related, but applicable in my opinion to other motor vehicles - these have been neverending threads on motorcycle forums, but these links have held up as being pretty thorough and thoughtful - fwiw - I use toyota or pure 1 filters and Mobil 1 or full synthetic Rotella.
Enjoy reading:
Motorcycle Oil Filters & Air Filters
All About Motor Oil
Engine Oil Filter Study

LifeTech · #10 (**permalink**) 10-09-2007, 06:21 PM

I've browsed these links before. They are useful. There are so many opinions. But it all starts with the technology and production techniques. Until yu understand it, all these studies and data will get many confused.

There will always be "synthetic oil "controversy.

LT