03 Ranger 2.3L, Amsoil Sig 0w-20, 9,000 mi

[TMahaffey]

Code:

Iron:        12
Chromium:     0
Nickel:       0
Aluminum:     1
Copper:       8
Lead:         0
tin:          0
Cadmium:      0
Sliver:       0
Vanadium:     0
Slilicone:   19
Sodium:       9
Potassium:    1
Titanium:     0
Moly:        28
Antimony:     0
Manganese:    0
Lithium:      0
Boron:       40
Magnesium:   29
Calcium    3474
Barium:       1
Phosphorous:  650
Zinc:         749
Fuel Dilution: less than .1
Soot: less than  .1
Water: less than .1
VISCOSITY @ 100C: 9.9
BASE NUMBER:      2.99
Oxidation:       65
Nitration:       37

OIL ANALYZER INC COMMENTS: Infared indicate OXIDATION is SEVERELY HIGH. TOTAL BASE NUMBER is SIGNIFIGANTLY LOWE, Viscosity is MODERATLEY HIGH. NITRATION IS AT A MINOR LEVEL. MY QUESTION: Why are these numbers high and what does it mean?

 

[addyguy]

I think the lab is being a bit extreme.....you're only just out of the 20-range, and the TBN is still decent....I'd say the results are good, myself. Was this the 'old' ASM or the new SN/GF-5 'Signature Series' 0W-20? Only reason I ask is that moly and boron values are low for the new formulation - recent VOA showed a lot more.

 

[TMahaffey]

This was the old formulation. Should I be worried?

 

[TomYoung]

Without getting into any discussion about Amsoil products, I would say that the language the lab used was a little extreme, but that this oil in this vehicle is not really "thriving" at 9,000 mile OCI's. There's really no upside to letting TBN getting this low. (not that it is crazy low).

 

[abycat]

I cant see anything wrong with the wear portion of the uoa. Iron less than 15 for almost 10,000 that seems rather good. plus all the other wear numbers really low. It may have some oxidization but the wear numbers dont show any bad effects. Tbn at 3 pretty much assures you a 10,000 oci every time. It run that stuff again but maybe a 0w-30 instead of the 20w if its ok with ford. looks good to me.

 

[buster]

What is the virgin oxidation # for this oil? Kv is a bit high. The post GF-4 Amsoil oils don't have the oxidation issues their older formulas had.

 

[OldCowboy]

I agree with everything that abycat said, except for the change in viscosity. All your wear numbers are low, no reason to change anything except possibly your air filter. Silicone could be lower.

 

[TMahaffey]

Good to know. What would cause such high numbers in oxidation and nitration, and are these numbers even important? do you know what the "Should" be?

 

[TMahaffey]

Originally Posted By: buster

What is the virgin oxidation # for this oil? Kv is a bit high. The post GF-4 Amsoil oils don't have the oxidation issues their older formulas had.

Not sure. Would really like to know though. The next change will be the new Amsoil 0w20 formulation. I am worried about the oxidation numbers. Not sure what would cause this. Thats why I came to the experts.

 

[qr25de]

Run with the new stuff and go to the 9000 mile OCI again, maybe longer. What oil filter was used for this OCI?

 

[TMahaffey]

Regular WIX. Putting in the new Wix Platinum next OC

 

[demarpaint]

How long was the oil in service, and what were the driving conditions?

 

[TMahaffey]

in service for 9,000 miles with a Napa Gold (WIX) filter. Driving conditions were very mild. 1 hour trips the whole time. Could oxidation me a coolant leak issue? head gasket? I havent noticed any leakage or anything.

 

[Brons2]

Originally Posted By: TMahaffey

Could oxidation me a coolant leak issue? head gasket?

No, and No. It's a good report, viscosity is a bit high for 0w20 and the TBN is a bit low. If you're filling with the new formulation 0w20, run it 9,000 and test again.

 

[Donald]

Here is a link for a better explanation of various items in the UOA including oxidation. http://www.polarislabs.com/img/howto-oilrep4-lg.jpg

 

[Pablo]

Yeah I agree with the fellows. Polaris went all Blackstone. No, actually worse than Blackstone. First of all this oil started life at or a little above 9, so a little click up in viscosity is not some huge issue. Second of all, Oxidation as a stand alone number is pretty meaningless. This oil starts in the 45-55 range, so 65 is NOT "SEVERELY HIGH". Frankly the lab should be reprimanded for this. And the next guy who says Polaris favors Amsoil should be sent to this thread! Also the question - how LONG (in months) was this oil in the crankcase?

 

[demarpaint]

Originally Posted By: TMahaffey

in service for 9,000 miles with a Napa Gold (WIX) filter. Driving conditions were very mild. 1 hour trips the whole time. Could oxidation me a coolant leak issue? head gasket? I havent noticed any leakage or anything.

Near perfect conditions IMO. I just need to know how long it was in the sump for before I comment any further. BTW no coolant leaks to be worried about.

 

[ltslimjim]

Originally Posted By: Pablo

Yeah I agree with the fellows. Polaris went all Blackstone. No, actually worse than Blackstone. First of all this oil started life at or a little above 9, so a little click up in viscosity is not some huge issue. Second of all, Oxidation as a stand alone number is pretty meaningless. This oil starts in the 45-55 range, so 65 is NOT "SEVERELY HIGH". Frankly the lab should be reprimanded for this. And the next guy who says Polaris favors Amsoil should be sent to this thread! Also the question - how LONG (in months) was this oil in the crankcase?

Spot on reasoning. I'd also like to know how much time went by over the course of this fill?

 

[TMahaffey]

Originally Posted By: Pablo

Yeah I agree with the fellows. Polaris went all Blackstone. No, actually worse than Blackstone. First of all this oil started life at or a little above 9, so a little click up in viscosity is not some huge issue. Second of all, Oxidation as a stand alone number is pretty meaningless. This oil starts in the 45-55 range, so 65 is NOT "SEVERELY HIGH". Frankly the lab should be reprimanded for this. And the next guy who says Polaris favors Amsoil should be sent to this thread! Also the question - how LONG (in months) was this oil in the crankcase?

Oil was changed 03/09/11

 

[TMahaffey]

Update, changed to new Amsoil and using Napa Platinum filter. Still wondering what caused the oxidation though.