Recent content by TeeDub

Yes the high temp, high shear viscosity drops as well, although it's correlation with the kinematic viscosity @100C isn't as simplistic as JAG would suggest. TS

All four tests contained traces of sodium, which tells me it's from the environment. I'm not a K&N fan but I can't draw much of a conclusion based on these numbers The oil is in fine shape with plenty of life left.....

I'd run the Amsoil 10w-30/ATM in this motor - it held up very well after 10k of hard use in my turbocharged Audi TT and did not shear out of grade. There is plenty of life left on this sample, given the TBN & insolubles level. All the Amsoil formulations have robust AW chemistries and work fine...

Look at your first analysis after only 600 miles - the high Cu is clearly characteristic of this engine while new. Expect it to dissipate over time .... You can't make a reasoned judgement on the K&N based ok these two analyses - I'd leave it on for now.

If you run a low viscosity, 0w-30 synthetic you can save enough on fuel to make up the price difference AND have the advantages of using a superior product. That would be the smart thing to do....

I disagree with the entire premise... The HDEO's have high levels of very reactive ZDDP, yet they consistently generate lower iron levels than Mobil 1 - this includes Mobils' excellent Delvac 1, HD synthetic diesel formulation.

Buster, There's no reason to suspect chemical leaching of copper from the oil cooler. This engine already has 70,000+ miles on it and this is only a 5k run, so there's plenty of TBN reserve. I think the copper may be from the turbocharger bearings, and the Pb (main bearing overlays) is also...

No great mystery here, the oil's simply too thin for this application. I'd try Delvac 1 if you want to stick with a Mobil synthetic. You could also run the Mobil 1/15w-50 since that's easier to find.

The C* is a constant that varies depending on the durability of the oil used. I typically recommend these C* values: Average quality, API/SM petroleum oil, C* = 50 Average (7-9 tbn), Group III synthetic, C*= 90 Top Tier (10-12 tbn), PAO/Ester synthetic, C* = 125 The Amsoil 0w-30/SSO may...

Magnets can give you a quick visual indication of abnormal wear. As a practical matter any ferrous materials large enough to be stuck to the magnet will be captured by a good FF oil filter.

AJ, About the only time I see issues changing over to a top tier synthetic is if the engine isn't flushed first to remove ore-existing sludge, gum, varnish deposits. Under these conditions the first batch of high detergency synthetic can become very contaminated after several thousand miles and...

This is how long you can expect the Amsoil 5w-30 to last under these conditions (I've guessed at your average mpg, based on the EPA estimates) OCI(max) = (C*)(ave mpg)(sump-qts)(Ci/Hp) = (125)(15.0)(8.0)(346/381) OCI(max) = 13,622 miles The difference between you and the guy from Huntsville...

Just for reference the limits on oxidation & nitration are 50 abs/cm on each. In order to fully evaluate the oil you have to look at those, along with the change in viscosity, the # of fuel and silica/alumina (dirt) and finally the TBN. The signature you have here, with twice as much oxidation...

Considering all the towing and the new engine it looks pretty good - lose the rock catcher air filter and the Fe, Al and Ni should go down. I think if you can get 10k out of the oil that would be excellent. It may be worth considering upgrading to the Amsoil 0w-30/SSO due to how hard you work...

Byron, My point is that the PAO/Ester based, Amsoil 10w-30 will save you enough on fuel to make up for the cost increases over the past year.... Since you have a bypass filter installed the soot levels will remain low and the thinner oil will provide excellent wear protection.