Oil Analysis

[oemtech]

There have been any number of discussions on oil change intervals, oil filters (small, medium, large), oil weights, oil brands etc. So, I thought I would have mine checked. I used Blackstone Labs as they send the sample kits to you FREE and you pay when you send in the sample. A standard kit is $22.50 and a TBN (Total Base Number) is an extra $10.

I decided to test my 25k mile 8.1L Chevy and my 147k 2.4L Honda. The 8.1 use Penzoil Platinum Synthetic 10w-30 with a 2 qt AC Delco filter. The 2.4l use Wal Mart Super Tech High Mileage 10w-30 and a Super Tech filter.

The 8.1L show higher than average iron and copper where th 2.4L was right on the money.

If you want the details go my web site in the Tech Tip 4 section Oil Analysis

[oemtech]

There have been any number of discussions on oil change intervals, oil filters (small, medium, large), oil weights, oil brands etc. So, I thought I would have mine checked. I used Blackstone Labs as they send the sample kits to you FREE and you pay when you send in the sample. A standard kit is $22.50 and a TBN (Total Base Number) is an extra $10.

I decided to test my 25k mile 8.1L Chevy and my 147k 2.4L Honda. The 8.1 use Penzoil Platinum Synthetic 10w-30 with a 2 qt AC Delco filter. The 2.4l use Wal Mart Super Tech High Mileage 10w-30 and a Super Tech filter.

The 8.1L show higher than average iron and copper where th 2.4L was right on the money.

If you want the details go my web site in the Tech Tip 4 section Oil Analysis

[Fred and Bonnie]

Dale, if my memory is correct, there was another oil analysis discussion indicating the same increased levels of iron and copper. Did Blackstone have any further information on the elevated levels?

Fred

[Joe Gilbert]

I also use Blackstone Labs and my oil samples, as well as others reported on this forum, also show Iron & copper to be way above what Blackston calls "Universal Averages".

This seems to be the norm for the 8.1L. Note I didn't say this was a good thing; just that it appears to be normal. Perhaps someone with expert knowledge of the 8.1L can explane this.

GM still says this engine is designed to perform for 200,000+ miles in an RV application. Also, I have not read of many issues with the 8.1L though very early engines did have oil pump drive (shaft) failures.

All things considered I'll continue having my oil analyzed and not worry too much about the iron & copper at the levels reported.

[oemtech]

You would think that 25k would be plenty of time to break in an engine. But, higher than average levels of iron and copper seem to be the norm.

They say 100k or 200k but for most of us it was 3yr/36k.

[Duner]

I got my second test done with some interesting feedback from Blackstone. Like others my 1st copper/iron readings were hi. This time they're lower but the mileage is also lower. (Both sets of test results below.) For reference, I've been using the 2qt Fleetguard oil filter, Castrol Syntec 5W/30, have Brazel's CAI and Ultrapower installed. I plan on putting 6-8K on this oil depending on how good the Blackstone TNB results show. I will test again in 2-3K on this oil.

Blackstone report details:
BILL: This oil was still in service when it was sampled at 28,338 engine miles. Copper, from brass or bronze parts improved since your last sample, which is encouraging. Typically, copper is the last wear metal to settle down to average levels in these GM big blocks and it may not get there until ~50,000 miles. The rest of the wear metals looked good. No gas, moisture or anti-freeze was found in the oil and its viscosity was normal for a 5W/30. Air and oil filtration (see silicon and insolubles) were normal. Check back in another 2,000 miles on this oil to see how it's doing.

MAKE/MODEL:........GM 8.1L 496 CI V-8
FUEL TYPE:.........Gasoline (Unleaded)
OIL TYPE & GRADE:..Castrol Syntec 5W/30
OIL USE INTERVAL:..2,388 Miles

Sample Date........01/29/08.......09/13/07
------------------------------------------
MI/HR on Oil.......2,388..........4,240
MI/HR on Unit......28,338.........24,885
Make Up Oil Added..0.5 qt.........1 qt
IRON...............22.............33...(Universal Average = 13)
COPPER.............33.............76...(Universal Average = 11)

Happy Trails,
Bill