03 Saturn Vue 2.2, 4963 on oil M1 5/30

[ems1]

Total miles on car 6520, 4963 miles on M1 5/30
aluminum...8
chromium...1
iron.......31
copper.....6
lead.......2
tin........3
moly.......73
nickel.....1
manganese..2
silver.....0
titanium...0
potassium..4
boron......99
silicon....22
sodium.....5
calcium....2424
magnesium..17
phosphorus.707
zinc.......824
barium.....0
sus vis 210 @ 57.2
flashpoint.385
fuel....... antifreeze..0
water.......0
insolubles. 0.3
TBN.........n/a

Blackstone Comments: High wear and silicon are common finds in new engines etc.

This report is basically what I expected. Probably shouldn't have sent a sample in this soon but was curious to see what was going on in the new engine. The oil change indicator hasn't gone off yet. I think I'll wait for it to go off before the next change. Thoughts on this?

 

[Motorbike]

Hey , our first Ecotec engine analysis . These are going to be the cat's meow so I hear .

No recommendations but thanks for posting this .

 

[TR3-2001SE]

I would call this excellent on a new engine!

 

[Motorbike]

I guess this warrants a few questions.

How long was the oil in use and what type driving did it see ? Automatic or manual transmission ?

Am I correct in saying GM only allows 5w30 in these engines and it must meet the GM-LL025 or whatever that spec is ?

Has anyone found an alternative to the overpriced GM oil filter yet ? He He , Kinda like an old 283/327 deal there setting inside a can and all .

Whats max allowed severe service oil intervals in the owners manual ?

 

[ems1]

How long was the oil in use and what type driving did it see ? Automatic or manual transmission ?

Oil was in use for 5000 miles. Auto transmission. This SUV has the continuously variable transmission. Maybe this stresses the engine less? Don't get as much loading and unloading on the engine as a manual or conventional auto? Mostly short trips less than 5 miles, once a week run over 30 miles.

Am I correct in saying GM only allows 5w30 in these engines and it must meet the GM-LL025 or whatever that spec is ?

GM wants 5w30 in this engine. I'm going to stay with that weight. I think it is a good compromise for this part of the country (Philadelphia, PA.)
I have a case of Havoline 5w30 and Pennzoil in the garage for my other older cars. I'm thinking about using that in the Saturn as well.

Has anyone found an alternative to the overpriced GM oil filter yet ? He He , Kinda like an old
283/327 deal there setting inside a can and all.

Haven't found alternate filters other than GM but I've been getting them for $5.something from the dealer. Not too concerned about the cost. I really like the design of the filter. Very easy to change and less mess than the old style filters. Only the cap comes off and the oil stays in the casting in the block. The filter comes out with the cap and if you let it drain for a minute, it doesn't retain much oil. I've done my own maintenance for 40 years and this is nothing like the old 283.

Whats max allowed severe service oil intervals in the owners manual ?

This is what bothers me. The factory recommendation is 12 months or oil change indicator, whatever comes first. I've always been a 3000 mile guy. Letting the oil stay in for 5000 miles was making me nervous. That's why I went with Mobile 1. I'm sure 5000 on Mobil 1 is not a stretch. I'm thinking of going 6000 on Mobile 1 or 3000 with dino and ignore the factory recommendation which I think is too long.

 

[Al]

You should be fine with 6K . Even if the numbers don't improve 6K is still o.k. It ould be nice to see a TBN but I would guess all the wear metals will come down. The oil did almost get down to a 20 wt. But I wouldn't sweat it.

 

[TooSlick]

I'd feel comfortable going with a 7000-8000 mile drain interval with this engine/oil combo. The total solids levels is low and there is no oxidative thickening, so you know the TBN is fine. I'd expect the rate of iron wear to drop down to 3-4 ppm/1000 miles once the break in is complete....

The wear pattern on this 2.2L, should be similar to the new SAAB 2.0L in the 9"3" cars, which is derived from the basic Ecotec block ....

TS

 

[jthorner]

Wix lists oil filter #57082 for this application, but they cost $6.80 from discountautoparts.com. That same site also shows a FRAM CH9018 at $12.16 each for the 2.2 Vue.

$5 from the dealer is not bad at all!

John

 

[manualman]

The Oil Change computer is calibrated for conventional dino oil. Why not use Mobil 1 and the computer. The M1 should give you plenty of conservativeness over the dino the computer is calibrated for.

I'm gonna have my mom do this on her 2.2 L200 to save her the headaches of Iffy Lube trips.

 

[ems1]

Based on the oil analysis and advice I received here, I am going to stay with Mobil 1 and change the oil when the indicator light comes on. I am going to get another analysis at the next change to be sure the wear is within reasonable levels. I'll shorten the interval if it does not look good.
I like the idea of extended drain intervals but will not trust the indicator light until it's proven acurate for my driving conditions with the analysis.