Once again, synthetics and oil analysis

[Copperhead]

Two gallons to do a change seems to be the breaking point for many or if the oil cost per change is 2x+ the cost of the test.

Delo 400LE 5w40 from what I read is very near to quality of synthetic and is what I would use vs Rotella Synthetic in an engine that took gallons to do an oil change. While I use it I think synthetic can be a little over hyped.

I think you are correct. Most folks will see no appreciable benefit by using synthetics. I use them, but the need is marginal, at least regarding my engines. I get a bump from 500,000 to 750,000 mile on the warranty of my commercial truck transmission and differentials by using synthetics and get pretty long drain intervals to boot. No brainer for that application. My Jeep Liberty Diesel came factory filled with synthetic and OEM mandated synthetic in that engine. I am using synthetics in other engines, but it is borderline as to whether their use there is totally justified. Synthetics have a place in the broad scheme of things, but conventional oils will do a very fine job for many folks.

 

[newbury]

I change my 2011 F250 6.7L diesel every 15,000 miles. I am thinking about trying a 20,000 mile interval soon. I use Amsoil premium synthetics along with an oil bypass filter. I use Blackstone for my oil samples. Their analysis is saying I could go with a farther interval between oil changes.

Could we get more info on your oil bypass system?

And also - to me the use of oil analysis and an extended drain interval also depends on the the entire "cost" of an oil change including filters and labor.
I had a '79 VW Rabbit that I could reach the oil drain plug just by bending over and reaching under the front and I could change the filter from above. A true no pain, EASY 5 minute change of about a gallon, including from getting stuff together till clean up.

 

[QueBota]

Oil analysis is definitely worth the time and $$ for me.

If they catch coolant, bearing materials or excess fuel in your oil you can hopefully
correct the problem before it becomes a $$$$ problem.

Dave

Numerous discussions on the benefits of synthetic oils and oil analysis.

So $20 on an oil analysis saved me $80 on oil.

 

[msparks]

Could we get more info on your oil bypass system?

Oil bypass system is installed in conjunction with your full flow fitlration. This secondary filter takes about 10% of your oil flow and puts it through a super filtration process which can remove conaminants and soot down to 1 micron or less in some cases.

Using a system like this you can extend oil changes indefinitely. They work with both conventional and synthetic oils but I believe you would see the most benefit with synthetic.

By using bypass, your additives will last long becuase they don't have to "work" as hard, also the wear will be reduced because there are little to no wear causing particles in your oil.

Our company sells several units but you can get them from other manufactures. One even uses a roll of toilet paper as the filter.

 

[tomf]

I think oil bypass systems are a great idea. But, for a small tractor or car, they are just not cost effective. Not to mention in most modern cars there is no room to mount the system. Perhaps if the bypass system was installed at the factory maybe that would drive the cost down.

I did run across Microgreen oil filters which have a bypass system built into the oil filter canister. As far as I can tell there has not been much research done on them. I just installed one in my work car. I drive the car for about 100 miles per day with 2/3s of those miles on gravel roads. I'm planning on following Microgreen's recommendation of filter changes at 10,000 miles and oil changes at 30,000 miles. While the observation period has just started, the oil on my dipstick appears cleaner. I know this type of visual observation has limited value and it's not very scientific but it's something.

 

[Gale Hawkins]

tomf keep us posted on your results. If you open one to inspect the filter please note what you find. I do agree they are not cost effective for many applications where engine failure seldom is due to a lack of filtering the oil.

 

[DEWFPO]

tomf keep us posted on your results.

X2, Thanks.

DEWFPO

 

[newbury]

Well now with about 12,000 miles on the oil Blackstone writes:

GEORGE: Metals are still looking good at a total of 12,000 miles on the oil now. We're seeing some minor
increases in chrome, iron, and copper, but none of those metals are high enough to suggest changing out
this oil. Plus this oil itself still looks great. The viscosity read in the 15W/40 range, and no fuel, moisture,
coolant, or dirt contamination was detected. Insolubles are a little higher at 0.4%, but that's not a problem,
and the air filter is doing well at keeping silicon low. Put another 2,000 miles or so on this oil and resample.
You've got a good thing going at 144,000 mi.

I might change it in a while and then wait for the 10,000 mile mark for the first analysis.
And remember most of my miles are put on during 900 mile trips to and from Mississippi, very few mile in stop and go or dusty traffic.

 

[Gale Hawkins]

Thanks for the update.

I know we are rethinking changing based on time only. The person that drives 20+ miles one way each day to work may be able to go 5x longer without changing the oil than one that drives 2 miles one way to work each day and still have more healthy motor oil in the crankcase. We are finding just a filter change can clear up dirty looking oil in our gas engines. That could be a great time to grab a sample I guess.

 

[newbury]

That could be a great time to grab a sample I guess.

"Grabbing" a sample is greatly eased with the fumoto oil drain valve FUMOTO ENGINEERING