2003 saturn vue 3.0 v-6 mobil 1 5w-30 @9000miles

[pooter WS6]

Here is the oil analysis that was ran on the 2003 saturn vue with the 3.0 v-6. This is the 1st time this vehicle has had synthetic in it. This oil also experienced about 75% of its time in the winter months. We ran the oil to roughly 9000 miles and checked the results. I am sort of dissapointed at the results although they could have been better, I don't think they are to bad. Although silicon was pretty high, I also feel the iron was pretty high also. The bearings seem to be wearing really well though so I will sample again at 8000 miles to see if everything levels out a little.

8,927miles
24,947 total miles on vehicle

Aluminum 8
chromium 6
iron 49
copper 6
lead 2
tin 0
molyB 73
nickel 0
manganese0
silver 0
titanium 0
potassium 0
boron 72
silicon 29
sodium 4
calcium 2725
magnesium 17
phosphorus 712
zinc 931
barium 0
SUS@210 F 60.7
flash pnt 350F
fuel .8%
antifreeze 0
water 0
insolubles .5

TBN 1.2

Please tell me what you think. Do you think 9000 miles was to much for the oil? Comparing to 3MP's numbers, tells me one of two things, this engine is harder on oil than the LS1's or it's the first time for this oil, it could have been cleaning out the past dino left overs? Thanks

 

[Motorbike]

What was Blackstone's comments on the TBN ?

 

[pooter WS6]

they just replied TBN was 1.2 showing not much additive left. that was it.

 

[Schmoe]

I think it looks good. Iron, well let's just say it's not uncommon for it to be a little high when using M1, just one of those things. Cu, Pb and Al look absolutely GREAT!!!! For Si, maybe check your air filter and hose connections, I mean that is about 3.2 ppm per 1K miles, which isn't bad. I'm not that familiar with the Saturn engines, but the iron could also be the nature of the beast. You say this is winter use, you must have been doing some extended idleing because fuel is at .8% I think the insolubles could be coming from the older oil. But, all in all, I think it's pretty good. TBN of 1.2, your getting towards the end. I'd probably drop the oil now or if I feel really lucky, may take it to 10K, but that would it.

 

[pooter WS6]

schmoe, the oil has been changed. I was wandering if I should do another 9000 mile oci with mobil 1 or should I drop the OCI to 8000 miles. I think with this being the second batch of mobil 1 the wear numbers might be lower next time around. thanks for the reply

 

[Spector]

This engine was still breaking in over the past 9000 miles as well, Further, although most people on this site would disagree, 29 ppm of si is not a killer at 9000 miles on the oil or under 25,000 on the engine. I have had this number multiple times on multiple cars. It will not kill the engine in 200,000 miles. Next sample should be better with the higher miles on the engine.

 

[jthorner]

Personally I would not run that long on the same motor oil again. TBN of 1.2 says to me that the additives are shot. Iron wear is generally from the valve train.

I would either cut back the mileage or use a more robust oil.

Double overhead cam engines are IMO much harder on oil than are simple pushrod engines such as the LS1.

John

 

[Schmoe]

I'd go with 7.5K and not worry about it anymore. I think that would be a happy medium. That's just about what I'm doing on my 02 V6 Accord. UOA's prove that is a good number.

 

[FordSVTGuy]

You said this was in during the winter months, which we know can beat the snot out of oil. Try the 9,000 again in the warmer months and compare the results. It may turn out that you can go 7,000 miles in the winter and 9,000 in the summer.

 

[pooter WS6]

SO what oils would be more robust than the M1 5w-30? Do you think GC would do any better, or shell rotella, or Delvac? M1 5w-30 is in it again and I am going to run it to 8,000 miles this time and test it again.I think it should do better this time. I would like t try GC next time. What do you all think? thanks for all the replies.

mike

 

[Gary Allan]

M1 didn't do it for me beyond 9k ...Delvac 1 on the otherhand did quite well (going for 12.5k OCI this time around).

If your set on a 5w-30 ..I'm uncertain of which oil has the highest aditive package ..Amsoil???

 

[pooter WS6]

what would be a more robust oil than the super syn mobil 1 5w-30? Are talking like a shell rottella or something of that nature? Thanks

 

[Dr. T]

More robust oil?

How about M-1 0-40 or the 5-40, or 15-50, Syntec 5-40, 5-40, Amsoil 10-40, etc., etc.

I too don't like the iron count, but not surprising given 9k mi. on an A1-rated 5-30.

 

[buster]

quote:

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More robust oil?

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How about a Redline, S2k, M1R with 1200 + ppm of P? That is more robust. Viscosity is all but one part of the total package.

I'd run some Auto Rx, and RL SI-1 and then use M1 with LC or a maintenance dose of RX. I bet your results would improve.

 

[jthorner]

I should have been more specific rather than using the word "robust".

M1 5W-30 is a thin oil. I would try the Mobil-1 5W-40 "Truck/SUV" oil or one of the other synthetic 5W-40s and a slightly shorter 7,500 mile interval.

John

 

[pooter WS6]

Thanks for the replies, I will try these Ideas and see what I get. Thanks again.

 

[TooSlick]

Iron and chrome are quite high, which normally points to an air leak in the intake system. I'd eliminate that as a possibility.

I also think the GC, 0w-30 or the Amsoil 5w-30 might work better in this application and I'd try those oils for comparison.

Tooslick
www.lubedealer.com/Dixie_Synthetics