Oil analysis advice

[autoracer86]

Originally Posted by Breadman

I actually went back and checked no my old engine since i just got my trucks oil back and i did have some. Id still recommend the heavier oil if you autocross tho

For sure I been running 5w-30 since I bought the car. See no reason not to...

[EndlessAzure]

I wouldn't overthink it. Keep collecting more data and watch for trends. API rated oil, proper oil temperature management, regular changes.

My car has used normal pedestrian 0W20 all its life (Castrol Edge). Over 135k miles, 30 track days, tracked all weathers (ambient temp >100F ), always 3-4 track days (~5 hrs of road course HPDE) per full 7500 mi interval.

[vindiesel]

My advice: don’t do oil analysis; willful ignorance in this regard will supersede any worries.

I argued with somebody in another forum about oil analysis. For the average consumer that doesn’t have a sponsored built turboed engine that is required to win races. I don’t see the point. Oh it shows I’m high in this or that. You going to rip the engine out? You going to black stone oil analysis your lawnmower too? I feel like this is a special automotive Fetish almost. I can’t wait to be at a car show and someone laminated their black stone oil report. Ha ha.

[soundman98]

Originally Posted by vindiesel

My advice: don’t do oil analysis; willful ignorance in this regard will supersede any worries.

I argued with somebody in another forum about oil analysis. For the average consumer that doesn’t have a sponsored built turboed engine that is required to win races. I don’t see the point. Oh it shows I’m high in this or that. You going to rip the engine out? You going to black stone oil analysis your lawnmower too? I feel like this is a special automotive Fetish almost. I can’t wait to be at a car show and someone laminated their black stone oil report. Ha ha.

the idea with 'standard vehicle' oil testing is as to determine a pattern.

i wouldn't even recommend sending in every oil change. i would suggest sending in 3 at first to establish a common wear pattern, then 1 every 6-12 oil changes to verify the pattern is consistent.

but in either of these cases, we're not checking engine health so much as we're watching for symptoms of engine issues, so that the motor can be pulled and corrected before it becomes a major issue.

vehicles are some of the highest-priced pieces of equipment most of us own. like you said, we're not going to tear into the motor, so the UOA gives insight into the condition of the motor without opening it up.

it also gives indications on individual usage wear patterns, and how much oil life is left at the time of changing. for these cars not so much, but in large diesel motors that can take almost 50 quarts, UOA can easily pay for itself by adjusting maintenance intervals to get the most use out of the oil additives.