Just a heads up that I have two 1-year Amsoil 0W-20 samples headed for analysis at Blackstone, so hopefully will be posting results soon.
One sample is for a 2006 Civic that traveled about 10K miles and the other is for a 2006 CRV that traveled about 5K miles over the past year. Both had pretty severe service...short tripping in subzero Wisconsin winter and then the heat of Virginia.
My observations at oil change were - seemed pretty 'dirty'. Looking through the filler holes I saw dark crud on the visible parts of the valve area...on the CRV I could wipe it off with a finger at least.
Somewhat disturbing was a harder black varnish 'patina' that developed on the base plates of the oil filters. It all could not be wiped off, I suppose I could scrape it off if I were of a mind to. I'm not accustomed to this, but I have usually run synthetics over short intervals, so the internals and filter plate remained bright silver all the time.
My sampling method was not ideal...could not run them up to temp before the drain, so I'm expecting some fuel/moisture dilution (had to start cars to put them on the ramps). I imagine the analysis will still be enlightening on this new oil's performance over a year of relatively severe ops.
I'll keep you posted.
Matt
One sample is for a 2006 Civic that traveled about 10K miles and the other is for a 2006 CRV that traveled about 5K miles over the past year. Both had pretty severe service...short tripping in subzero Wisconsin winter and then the heat of Virginia.
My observations at oil change were - seemed pretty 'dirty'. Looking through the filler holes I saw dark crud on the visible parts of the valve area...on the CRV I could wipe it off with a finger at least.
Somewhat disturbing was a harder black varnish 'patina' that developed on the base plates of the oil filters. It all could not be wiped off, I suppose I could scrape it off if I were of a mind to. I'm not accustomed to this, but I have usually run synthetics over short intervals, so the internals and filter plate remained bright silver all the time.
My sampling method was not ideal...could not run them up to temp before the drain, so I'm expecting some fuel/moisture dilution (had to start cars to put them on the ramps). I imagine the analysis will still be enlightening on this new oil's performance over a year of relatively severe ops.
I'll keep you posted.
Matt