Oil Analysis
09-10-2009, 01:47 AM
#21
Registered User
Your wear trends are consistent and favorable so far, no matter which oil you have used. No need to change oil brands, unless you are an adventurer. When you do a valve adjustment, you'll be able to inspect for deposit formation/sludge build-up/varnishing. But I wouldn't expect to see any.
If you decide that you want the best oil you can put in there, then consider AMSOIL ATM or SSO or Redline 10W-30. These oils may help to reduce wear some, but their true potential would be realized through less deposit formation if you are experiencing that problem.
My current fill of Castrol Syntec 0W-30 will get analyzed after another 1000 miles of use (5K OCI). It's known as German Castrol (GC) and is considered a decent oil by many.
If you decide that you want the best oil you can put in there, then consider AMSOIL ATM or SSO or Redline 10W-30. These oils may help to reduce wear some, but their true potential would be realized through less deposit formation if you are experiencing that problem.
My current fill of Castrol Syntec 0W-30 will get analyzed after another 1000 miles of use (5K OCI). It's known as German Castrol (GC) and is considered a decent oil by many.
09-10-2009, 02:40 AM
#22
Registered User
Join Date: Jan 2006
Location: 17 ft below sea level.
Posts: 4,949
Likes: 0
Received 21 Likes
on
16 Posts
INDYMAC Posted on Sep 10 2009, 11:47 AM
Isn't that a bit too soon?
It's your money
My last UOA of Shell Helix Ultra X 0W-30 showed it stayed in grade (as per ACEA A5) at 10.2 cSt.
That was after 19776 km = 12290 miles (including 1 track day)
During that time I had to add oil as the MY00 engine was using it.
Personally I would not like my oil to shear out of grade.
Currently using Amsoil SSO 0W-30.
So far I've not noticed anything at operating temp (coming from Valvoline Maxlife FE 5W-30) but it does seem to run smoother when cold.
Cold is 15-20C in the morning.
Let the temps drop!
My oil can take it
My current fill of Castrol Syntec 0W-30 will get analyzed after another 1000 miles of use (5K OCI).
It's your money
My last UOA of Shell Helix Ultra X 0W-30 showed it stayed in grade (as per ACEA A5) at 10.2 cSt.
That was after 19776 km = 12290 miles (including 1 track day)
During that time I had to add oil as the MY00 engine was using it.
Personally I would not like my oil to shear out of grade.
Currently using Amsoil SSO 0W-30.
So far I've not noticed anything at operating temp (coming from Valvoline Maxlife FE 5W-30) but it does seem to run smoother when cold.
Cold is 15-20C in the morning.
Let the temps drop!
My oil can take it
09-10-2009, 03:59 AM
#23
Registered User
Originally Posted by bat711,Sep 9 2009, 12:28 AM
An update. This last one is from a load of Castrol Syntec 10w30. I must've missed filling out the oil interval section when I had it analysed. The total mileage was at 74,672, but the oil was in there a relatively short 4,887 miles. I changed it out when the Maintenance Minder was around 10% versus normally running it down below 5%. Driving habits still the same as before as well.
I put no more then 6,000 miles on it and it comes out good with less buring (so far) then M1.
09-10-2009, 07:59 AM
#24
Registered User
Originally Posted by SpitfireS,Sep 10 2009, 05:40 AM
INDYMAC Posted on Sep 10 2009, 11:47 AM
Isn't that a bit too soon?
It's your money
Isn't that a bit too soon?
It's your money
So when did money become important? Did I miss something?
09-10-2009, 11:10 AM
#25
Registered User
Join Date: Jul 2007
Location: Manteca, CA
Posts: 98
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Originally Posted by INDYMAC,Sep 10 2009, 01:47 AM
My current fill of Castrol Syntec 0W-30 ...
09-11-2009, 07:36 AM
#26
Registered User
Originally Posted by thereur,Sep 10 2009, 02:10 PM
Can you share your thinking on going with this instead of Amsoil? TIA
I've never tried ATM, but I believe it to be a great oil (at least on paper) for the S2000. The GC is a very good SL/GF-3 synthetic oil that will not shear. That's unusual for a 0W-30 oil these days. The engine runs smoother (power band) and quieter than other oils I've tried. The trade-off for smoothness, unusually high viscosity and shear resistance is a perceived lack of VTEC jolt that I have experienced with other 30 grade oils. Since my car is a keeper, I've decided to go this route over the short term thrill I guess.
09-12-2009, 03:44 AM
#30
Registered User
I have not found anything wrong on two previous UOA's for my S2000. The engine appears to be working and wearing very well. The differential shows no signs of probelems either using LE607 and LE1605.
My 2000 Tundra V-8 showed higher than average Pb wear rates. All other metals looked good. Si was OK, but fuel dilution was an issue. I changed the plugs, cleaned up the air induction system (filter, MAF sensor, throttle body), reset the ECU and changed the fuel from Chevron (Techron) to Shell V-Power. The fuel dilution improved some (better combustion), but the Pb wear lowered significantly.
My 2003 G35 showed higher than usual Pb and Cu wear with high fuel dilution, high Si, and a trace of Glycol. While cleaning the air induction system, I found a spyder's nest and an air filter that didn't appear to have been changed on a recent 60K mile dealer servicing. I also found a spark plug tube that was leaking oil. I had the valve cover replaced under warranty after the plug change and mentioned to the dealer that the tech missed the air box on the previous service. I also switched the fuel from Chevron (Techron) to Shell V-Power and the next UOA showed same fuel dilution. The next UOA showed improved Si, while Pb and Cu wear rate was reduced to 1/2 to 1/3 the previous rate. There was still a trace of Glycol. I recently found out the the Glycol was coming from a fuel additive I was using and had analyzed. I can't tell you what that additive was due to a non-disclosure agreement.
So, will you find anything wrong with your vehicle when you due a UOA? Hopefully not. But if you do, you might be able to get ahead of a problem if it shows up. This would be especially important if your vehicle is approaching warranty expiration. Finding a head gasket leak early would more than cover the cost of a UOA.
My 2000 Tundra V-8 showed higher than average Pb wear rates. All other metals looked good. Si was OK, but fuel dilution was an issue. I changed the plugs, cleaned up the air induction system (filter, MAF sensor, throttle body), reset the ECU and changed the fuel from Chevron (Techron) to Shell V-Power. The fuel dilution improved some (better combustion), but the Pb wear lowered significantly.
My 2003 G35 showed higher than usual Pb and Cu wear with high fuel dilution, high Si, and a trace of Glycol. While cleaning the air induction system, I found a spyder's nest and an air filter that didn't appear to have been changed on a recent 60K mile dealer servicing. I also found a spark plug tube that was leaking oil. I had the valve cover replaced under warranty after the plug change and mentioned to the dealer that the tech missed the air box on the previous service. I also switched the fuel from Chevron (Techron) to Shell V-Power and the next UOA showed same fuel dilution. The next UOA showed improved Si, while Pb and Cu wear rate was reduced to 1/2 to 1/3 the previous rate. There was still a trace of Glycol. I recently found out the the Glycol was coming from a fuel additive I was using and had analyzed. I can't tell you what that additive was due to a non-disclosure agreement.
So, will you find anything wrong with your vehicle when you due a UOA? Hopefully not. But if you do, you might be able to get ahead of a problem if it shows up. This would be especially important if your vehicle is approaching warranty expiration. Finding a head gasket leak early would more than cover the cost of a UOA.