First Time Oil Analysis

[stingthieves]

Some may have noticed I recently posted that I replaced my stock oil and trans coolers with HB7

[jspringator]

There is no way to know unless you have it tested. I arbitrarily chose 6,000 miles with my Amsoil DBOF and synthetic Rotella. Filter fittings sprung a leak, and I calculated it was cheaper to change the oil every 3,000 miles rather than buy the special filters. I like to test periodically to check for glycol and salt (coolant in oil) and Silica, which indicates leaky air filter, and fuel, which indicates a stuck injector. My soot was never high with my DBOF setup. The TBN or total base number is the condition of the additive package; the standard measure of when it is time to change the oil. I don't know if it depletes linerally, or gives up the ghost all at once.

The extended drain concept makes a lot more since on an engine that uses 16 quarts of oil. Ours use so little, it doesn't save enough money to pay the extra for the expensive filters.

[HH]

I would sample every 5000 - 6000 miles plus or minus to give you a base. Once you know your extended drain interval you can sample at 12,500 plus or minus.

As far as using a synthetic, even if you do not use a bypass filter, one can save money and time.

Averaging 25,000 miles per year.

Sythentic costs - 8 quarts = $52.00
- 2 Filters = $32.00
- 1 quart for filter change = 6.50
- 1 oil sample analysis = $20.50
- Total Cost = $111.00

Dino Oil - 8 quarts = $20.00
- 1 filter = $6.00
- Total = $26.00 for one oil change
- every 5k /5 oil changes in 25,000 mile = $130.00, plus time to do it.
- every 4k /6 oil changes in 25,000 mile = $156.00, plus time
- every 3k /8 oil changes in 25,000 mile = $208.00, plus time
- add an analysis so you know your engine condition +$20.50

[stingthieves]

Wow
And I though I was working out the numbers
Thats great!
Thank-you

[More Power]

There's an article in the Member 6.2/6.5 Archive (linked in sig) about "Engine Oil Analysis" that explains what to look for. :)

Jim