Tell me why I can't change my oil every 10k?

Re: Tell me why I can't change my oil every 10k?

OK.

I've been using Mobil 1 EP 5w-30, and had oil analysis performed by Blackstone labs. I've posted those analyses in this very thread.

If Amsoil indeed supports extended oil change intervals, can you please post the lab analyses showing that this is true? We'd all love to see them!

 

Re: Tell me why I can't change my oil every 10k?

Oil was in service for just over 12 months (in Ontario Canada)and 23,920 miles. Analysis by Wear Check and they stated oil was suitable for further service.

Sample Date 18-Apr-08
Oil Amsoil ASM 0W20
Time on Unit 131132 Km
Time on Oil 38272 Km
Time on Fltr 38272 Km
Oil Changed? Yes
Filter Changed? yes
Filter Ea020

CONTAMINATION
Silicon 26
Potassium 0
Sodium 18
Fuel (%) <2.0
Glycol ---
Water (%) <0.1
Soot (%) ---
Sulfation 187
Nitration 125

OIL CONDITION

Boron 8.2
Barium 0
Calcium 2564
Magnesium 92
Molybdenum 4
Sodium 18
Phosphorus 581
Sulfur 2042
Zinc 743
Visc@40°C
Visc@100°C 10.8
Oxidation 131
TAN 4.43
TBN

WEAR
Iron 46
Nickel 0.2
Chromium 3.4
Titanium 0.1
Copper 22
Aluminum 12
Tin 0
Lead 3.5
Silver 0

 

Re: Tell me why I can't change my oil every 10k?

Triumph1, I did several runs of about 10k miles with different Mobil synthetics. Your Slicon is about twice the max of what I saw, so let's call that fair. However, the Iron, Copper and Aluminum wear metals are high by Prius standards, assuming that the units of measure are parts per million. I politely suggest that you back off a bit on those oil change intervals and get another UOA. Hate to think you might be scuffing things up inside.

Also it would be great to know the TBN after such a long run.

This was not the vehicle's first oil change by any chance? That is the only time we have seen high copper.

 

Re: Tell me why I can't change my oil every 10k?

I would be concerned about the numbers I have highlighted in red. Iron comes from your cylinder bores and cam shafts, chromium from the rings and cam followers, Copper and lead come from bearings and these numbers are considerably higher than other analysis I have seen on PC.

I suspect you are doing harm to your engine with iron content over tripple and aluminium 4 times with about double the miles on the oil. I'd revert to 10,000 mile oil changes if this was my set of numbers.

I do like to keep my cars for 10 years or more.

 

Uoa

This UOA was not from me, someone else on another board- keep in mind, this truck had 81.5k miles on it before he switched to Amsoil. I have several of my own but I don't have a scanner.

 

Re: Uoa

Oh sorry I thought it was from a Prius. The number of miles already on it should not increase wear rates although it may increase fuel and combustion byproducts contamination. I'm still not sure I'd like to see numbers that high even in an American truck.

 

Re: Tell me why I can't change my oil every 10k?

Aside from analysis, I know too many people including myself that for 10 years or more have gone to yearly/20k mile oil changes on Amsoil with never a problem. Stoutest oil I've ever used is Maxima, but it costs entirely too much.

Maxima Racing Usa - Maxum4 Synthetic Extra

 

Re: Tell me why I can't change my oil every 10k?

I've been using Amsoil for three years now and I change the oil every year and the filter every six months. I am averaging about 42,000 miles per year. I have kept a rather consistent 40-42 mpg average over that time. The MPG is a little low because I drive a little fast and have one size larger tires.

Next February when I change the oil again I will probably be doing the oil analysis test, maybe also in a couple months when I change the filter I'll check as well.

Changing the the oil filter usually requires the addition of 1 additional quart of oil.

The great thing is one year and only disposing of 4 quarts of oil and two oil filters over 40,000 miles! That's at least 28 fewer quarts and 6 fewer filters a year.

 

I completely agree with Devil's about reducing the waste engine oil generation as much as possible. But to keep the engines healthy for as long as possible, we have to change out the oil the day before it stops providing adequate lubrication and protection. Used oil analyses are the best way to know, because they are completely specific to your oil, engine operating patterns.

Worst case, UOA will cost you 0.6 cents per mile ($30/5000 miles). You can offset a lot of that by DIY-ing the cabin air filter, or driving 5 mph slower on the highway. I don't know what else to say.

 

Re: Tell me why I can't change my oil every 10k?

Well, it's a non-issue in the EU. Running min-spec ACEA oils, the Prius has a 12 month or 10,000 mile interval

One thing about oil changes or used oil analysis, they can't prevent or uncover a hidden defect. Say a casting problem. You could change the oil and filter daily, if there is a hidden manufacturing defect, the motor will still blow

My driving style and climate, every 12 months or 16,000 km seems fine with Mobil 1 0W-20

 

Re: Tell me why I can't change my oil every 10k?

I don't mean to sway this subject off topic, but has anyone noticed that manufacturer's have started going to longer change intervals on such things as anti-freeze, transmission fluid etc? Engine oil will be next. With newer oil specs coming out almost yearly, they are leaning towards 25,000 mile oil change intervals or longer. I see in the future where we change our oil filter or oil filters and do an oil analysis and determine when we change our oil. The manufacturer's are going to go to longer change intervals, it is inevitable. If we were to utilize a syntheic that would go the distance of 10K or longer, I say why not?

Sorry for taking it to another direction, but that is what I feel is going to happen with the industry. There will come a day when all you can buy will be synthetic oil. 10K will be the starting point for oil changes, why not use oil analysis and use the oil until it needs changing and the additives are deleted?

The proper filtration is the question that needs to be addressed along with oil longevity and additive packages. Just my $.02 for what is worth.

 

Re: Tell me why I can't change my oil every 10k?

Actually, that is now common in the EU. The ACEA oil specs are far more stringent than the API/ILSAC oil specs. In the EU, a *minimum* oil change interval is 12 months or 10,000 miles. A lot of cars - running the approved synthetic oil of course - offer a 24 month or 30,000 mile oil change interval

Toyota actually took a step backwards for North America. They used to have a 12 month or 7,500 mile oil change interval. They faced - and lost - a class action lawsuit due to sludged up motors, so the interval was dropped fleet wide to 6 months or 5,000 miles

If they oil was as cheap and nasty as the bulk lube s*** my dealership uses, a 3 month or 3,000 mile would be far more appropriate.

Running Mobil 1 0W-20 in my Prius, it tests fine at 12 months or 16,000 km. Running Mobil 1 0W-40 in my FJ, after 8,000 km it tests good for *far* longer.