03 PT Cruiser Schaeffers 5/30 +LC & FP

[tomlin]

Hi all...

(...don't know what happened to the post I was working on but it disappeared...let's try this again...if you see an incomplete post from me ignore it!)

I just received my first-ever UOA from Blackstone on my 2003 PT Cruiser. I bought the car new and it has been a great vehicle...no problems in the 24,000 miles I've accumulated. I'm more than happy with this UOA and plan to continue my regimen. I replaced the air filter at 20,000 miles with a new Fram unit and the PCV as well. This car sees 15 mile daily commutes to work which is mostly stop and go. I'm even happier with these results considering how the car is driven. This interval is for a 3 month interval so these are mostly cold winter miles here in Michigan. I'm easy on the car and careful to warm it up slowly and avoid prolonged idling...have a look and let me know your thoughts.

Vehicle: 2003 Chrysler PT Cruiser
Engine: 2.4l DOHC 4 cyl.
Oil Type: Schaeffers 5/30 Blend
Additives: Lube Control and Fuel Power

Element: This Test/UA

Aluminum: 2/4
Chromium: 1/1
Iron; 5/18
Copper: 1/7
Lead: 0/2
Tin: 1/1
Moly: 95/18
Nickel: 0/0
Manganese: 0/1
Silver: 0/1
Titanium: 0/0
Potassium: 0/0
Boron: 3/40
Silicon: 11/15
Sodium: 2/4
Calcium: 1629/1131
Magnesium: 3/620
Phosphorus: 632/826
Zinc: 788/1049
Barium: 0/7

Properties:

SUS Vis. @ 210 F.: 60.2/53-62
Flash: 410/>355
Fuel: Antifreeze: 0/0
Water: 0/0
Insolubles: 0.4/ TBN: 1.5-Blackstone method

Blackstone commented that the results looked great but noted the borderline TBN. Although they said I might eke a few more miles out of my next interval I think I'll hold pat at about 4,000 miles.

Despite an additive pack that isn't overly impressive to the eye, this oil seems to return consistently good results and I've used it in my last three vehicles. I have a 3.8 GM V6 with about 90k miles that gets the same treatment...may do a UOA on that to see what it looks like...appreciate your comments!

 

[ekpolk]

Thanks for the post. This looks like a good solid report. To clarify, you ran this oil about 4k miles? If it is only 4k and 3 mos, I'd be a little disappointed over the TBN, especially using LC and FP.

 

[Al]

Nice report and Schaeffer's oil is great. I also am surprised with the TBN. Shaeffer reps used to tell you their oil was generally good for 9K miles. But we all realize all cars/usage is different.

 

[jbas]

"I'd be a little disappointed over the TBN, especially using LC and FP."

I'm interested in this statement. (Ironically, I have the same vehicle/year/21,000 miles/with LC and FP...and also very happy with problem-free "Cruiser"). Are you saying LC/FP chemically should be supporting this car's TBN, or destroying/neutralizing the acid-agents that (in turn) would be lessening TBN, thereby preserving it somehow?

 

[Whimsey]

quote:

---

Originally posted by Al:
Nice report and Schaeffer's oil is great. I also am surprised with the TBN. Shaeffer reps used to tell you their oil was generally good for 9K miles. But we all realize all cars/usage is different.

---

Al, you got to remember that a Blackstone TBN of 1.5 is probably around 4+ using the "usual" measuring method. Since Schaeffer's starts at around 7-7.5 it hasn't lost a lot. Also Schaeffer's then hangs in for the long haul. My 8,200 mile UOA showed a TBN of 1 by Blackstone, which is about 3-3.5 by "usual" measuring methods. So in reality it lost around half of it's TBN in 8,200 miles. Not too shabby I'd say. UOA's numbers really need to be analyzed in total and not by any one number. That's where an expert like Terry really helps

.

Whimsey

 

[Al]

That's probably true. I was just comparing it to my Delvac which ran in a 3.1 where things were ugly due to a manifold and the TBN was 2.6 after 7K miles. I t was just my impression-right or wrong.

 

[shortyb]

Very nice report. Schaeffer's continues to impress. TBN? As Whimsey says, I've noticed a quick drop in several UOAs but then stabilizes for the long run. Guess it likes to get the dirty work out of the way early and then just cruise for the rest of the OCI

 

[Whimsey]

I use Schaeffer's 5W-30 Supreme in my wifes 2002 Explorer. This is the 3rd OCI interval with it. The first was only about 4100 miles. The reading were like your's, really good. Second went to 8200 miles and the readings were very similar to the 4100 mile OCI. The TBN was "low" but Blackstone's way of measuring makes it look real low. I'm now using LC and FP and plan to go to a 10,000 mile OCI. Schaeffer's TBN appears to drop off quickly but it stabilizes and stays for the long haul. In fact Schaeffer's TBN is only around 7-7.5 in virgin oil when using the other measuring method that show higher TBN's than Blackstone's. I assume you're still under warranty so you have to follow DC's requirements. But I would extend it to the max OCI that DC allows.

Whimsey

 

[Bror Jace]

Wear is very low

...

... but my TBN number was similarly disappointing.

You can see my analysis here if you search for "QR25DE"

--- Bror Jace