03 Acura MDX, 2500 miles, Redline 5W-20, 128,300

[Jasper8146]

Below are the last 3 oil analysis reports on our 2003 Acura MDX which now has nearly 131,000 miles. The first two were done using Redline 5W-20 on the same oil, the first sample at 3000 miles and the second at 9100 miles. The third and last sample was done at only 2500 miles using Redline 2.5W-20 (2 quarts of Redline 5w-20 plus 2 quarts of Redline 0W-20). The numbers look considerably worse on the last sample.

Of still more concern, however, is the fact that all of these samples were taken after I noticed that the oil level was INCREASING during use. And we're not talking about only a slight increase--we're talking over a quart during the 9100 mile interval and over 1/2 a quart during the 2500 mile interval. None of the three samples gives any clear answer to me as to what the problem is. I suspect a head gasket mainly because it is losing coolant ever so slightly and is losing power and gas mileage is worse.

If any of these results give anyone any ideas on what this problem is, I would certainly appreciate it. Thus far, no one I've talked to has any idea on where to start.

Code:


oil Redline 5W-20 Redline 5W-20 Redline 2.5W-20

miles use 3000 9100 2500

miles unit 120,000 126,10 128,300

sample date 7/22/10 2/07/11 4/26/11

Lab used Analysts Oil Analyzers Same





IRON 3 16 8

CHROMIUM
NICKEL
ALUMINUM
LEAD
COPPER 4 10 5

TIN
SILVER
TITANIUM
SILICON 6 9 13

BORON 89 20 9

SODIUM 62 100 34

POTASSIUM
MOLYBDENUM 181 162 579

PHOSPHORUS 798 563 850

ZINC 935 710 975

CALCIUM 2123 1767 2074

BARIUM
MAGNESIUM 9 11 7

ANTIMONY
VANADIUM


FUEL 1.0% 2.2% 1.6%

WATER
VIS. 100 C 8.3 10.1 9.8

TOTAL BASE # -- 2.3 2.95

OXIDATION -- 31 53

NITRATION -- 22 23

Comments:

Sample 1 (7/22/10) moderately high sodium level noted but attributed to prior use of Valvoline Synpower.

Sample 2 (2/07/11) Viscosity is MODERATELY HIGH; FUEL DILUTION is at a MINOR LEVEL; Sodium is at a MINOR LEVEL; Lube oxidation may be increasing.

Sample 3 (4/26/11): OXIDATION is SEVERELY HIGH; NITRATION is at a MODERATE LEVEL; Viscosity is MODERATELY HIGH; FUEL DILUTION is at a MINOR LEVEL.

 

[chubbs1]

You have what appears to be a small coolant leak, (sodium as well as Potassium usually give the clue, but the #'s are not outrageous enough to give you that kind of rise in the oil level. A rise as much as a quart would be detected and the wear would be very high. This is a puzzler.

 

[Danh]

I had a similar issue problem on a Mazda that had mysteriously fluctuating oil levels. Still don't have a good answer but it doesn't seem to be coolant or fuel.

I excluded fuel and coolant contamination both by a Blackstone analysis and a trip to the dealer. The dealer was able to analyze exhaust gases to detect any coolant traces. I believe they could also pressurize the cooling system and watch for leak-down. Finally, they had test strips to evaluate engine oil for the presence of gasoline. Maybe it's time for a visit to the dealer?

After all of this, I was comfortable it was not a coolant leak or leaking fuel injector. So I'm left with measurement error on my part. I assume you are checking the oil level under the same conditions each time (level floor, cold engine, etc.)?

 

[Jasper8146]

Thanks for your thoughts. You made me aware of some things to consider checking that I was not aware of. And,fyi, improper measurement can't be an issue because I always do it after sitting overnight on the same side of the garage faced in the same direction.