Mecha Oil Analysis Thread
#41
Latest oil change
Just had my oil changed and again analyzed it. There is still fuel and low viscosity. Is 52 ppm high for copper now that I am 9400 miles and maybe done with break in?
Last edited by Big Al XLT; 10-06-2015 at 03:55 PM.
#42
Senior Member
Are you guys sending in a sample blank for reference, aka a sample of new unused oil for comparison?
It would be interesting to see how the new oil tested and compares to the used oil side by side. Then you can see what metallic ions are transferred or added from the engine to the oil, as I would guess trace amounts of that metal may be present already in new oil already in the form of inhibitors and detergents that are added in production.
It would be interesting to see how the new oil tested and compares to the used oil side by side. Then you can see what metallic ions are transferred or added from the engine to the oil, as I would guess trace amounts of that metal may be present already in new oil already in the form of inhibitors and detergents that are added in production.
#43
Here is a link to oil analysis on a 5.0 that started at 2500 miles, then each oil change from then on. http://www.bobistheoilguy.com/forums...-1#Post3873037
If you take samples over the life of the engine you will see trends that will warn you of coolant in the oil, intake leaks and other problems. I got rid of a Subaru Forester when it started to show coolant in the oil. 2,000 miles later the new owner had the head gaskets replaced.
On the other hand, you can follow the thinking of the "waste of money" experts. They diagnose problems after the engine blows up. And more often than not, they blame Ford.
AFA fuel dilution goes: it is a characteristic of direct injection engines. Because it's different doesn't make it a problem. Ford recommends 5W-30 oil instead of 5W-20 in DI engines. They feel it will stand up to dilution without causing engine damage. They did the research, I didn't. But then, neither did the internet commandos. It's too hard to build dynos in Mom's basement.
If you take samples over the life of the engine you will see trends that will warn you of coolant in the oil, intake leaks and other problems. I got rid of a Subaru Forester when it started to show coolant in the oil. 2,000 miles later the new owner had the head gaskets replaced.
On the other hand, you can follow the thinking of the "waste of money" experts. They diagnose problems after the engine blows up. And more often than not, they blame Ford.
AFA fuel dilution goes: it is a characteristic of direct injection engines. Because it's different doesn't make it a problem. Ford recommends 5W-30 oil instead of 5W-20 in DI engines. They feel it will stand up to dilution without causing engine damage. They did the research, I didn't. But then, neither did the internet commandos. It's too hard to build dynos in Mom's basement.
#44
Are you guys sending in a sample blank for reference, aka a sample of new unused oil for comparison?
It would be interesting to see how the new oil tested and compares to the used oil side by side. Then you can see what metallic ions are transferred or added from the engine to the oil, as I would guess trace amounts of that metal may be present already in new oil already in the form of inhibitors and detergents that are added in production.
It would be interesting to see how the new oil tested and compares to the used oil side by side. Then you can see what metallic ions are transferred or added from the engine to the oil, as I would guess trace amounts of that metal may be present already in new oil already in the form of inhibitors and detergents that are added in production.
BobIsTheOilGuy is your friend. There are separate sections for used oil analysis, new oil sample analysis, pretty much anything you could want to know about motor oil.
Keep in mind oil analysis shows Particle counts.
#45
Senior Member
By doing this, I can rule out interferences in the tests and calculate the exact amount of metal filings being added to the oil from my engine, save for what's caught up in the filter. Some oil already has some metal in it from the refining process; storage tanks and pumps ban contaminate a batch before it's even bottled.
#46
Yeah, you can look up analysis reports of specific new oil brands and weights, but they vary from batch to batch. To keep it scientific, I hold a sample of the exact oil that I'm putting in my truck right out of the bottle, and then send out a sample of the used oil after the change.
By doing this, I can rule out interferences in the tests and calculate the exact amount of metal filings being added to the oil from my engine, save for what's caught up in the filter. Some oil already has some metal in it from the refining process; storage tanks and pumps ban contaminate a batch before it's even bottled.
By doing this, I can rule out interferences in the tests and calculate the exact amount of metal filings being added to the oil from my engine, save for what's caught up in the filter. Some oil already has some metal in it from the refining process; storage tanks and pumps ban contaminate a batch before it's even bottled.
It certainly doesn't do any harm to check each new batch but it does drive up the cost. AFA particles caught in the filter, they will be only the larger ones, relatively speaking. As a cost effective alternative you could save enough new oil from each change, wait until you have the used oil analyzed and test the new stuff if you see a spike in the used result.
In reading used oil analysis over the last 30 years on hundreds of on-highway diesel engines and 20 personally owned vehicles I have never come across an issue with new oil contamination. But there can always be a first time. BTW: all but a handful of samples have been Kendall products. The only exceptions have been factory fill or vehicles purchased used.
#47
Here is a link to oil analysis on a 5.0 that started at 2500 miles, then each oil change from then on. http://www.bobistheoilguy.com/forums...-1#Post3873037
#48
Latest oil change
As with Big Al, my latest oil change/analysis shows there is still fuel and low viscosity. But apparently at levels which it is not something to be concerned with.
Last edited by jjg3; 10-26-2015 at 03:15 PM.