2018 Lexus GS350, 63K mi on ODO, PUP 5W-20 9.6k mi

[chinee]

As the UOA reflects, there was a touch of PP 5W30 in that fill. Replaced with PUP 5W20... no mixing grades this time around.

UOA looks good... I guess I will keep doing what I've been doing.

 

[dnewton3]

Curious - what filter is being used?

The data indicates you could certainly extend the OCIs.

 

[chinee]

For the ODI @ 28K, I used a K&N oil filter and a Fram for the next fill. Now I use OEM oil and air filters. That reminds me... I need to check to see when I last replaced the air and cabin filters. Well that's not good... it was never. Guess I know what I'll be doing today.

Although I can extend the OCI, I am confortable with the more or less annual/10K interval, so I will stick to that. Sometimes it just about peace of mind.

 

[TomYoung]

For the ODI @ 28K, I used a K&N oil filter and a Fram for the next fill. Now I use OEM oil and air filters. That reminds me... I need to check to see when I last replaced the air and cabin filters. Well that's not good... it was never. Guess I know what I'll be doing today.

Although I can extend the OCI, I am confortable with the more or less annual/10K interval, so I will stick to that. Sometimes it just about peace of mind.

Imagine the peace of mind you’d get from a 5k interval!

 

[chinee]

Imagine the peace of mind you’d get from a 5k interval!

I had a Sequioa in the past and I was good with 8-10K OCIs. Sold that truck with 340K and the best working part of that truck was the engine! So... I'm good with 10K OCIs and the UOAs support that.

I do plan on 5-7K oCIs for the other rides in the household though. I am not the driver of those vehicles so 5-7K gives me (guess what?)... peace of mind.

 

[dnewton3]

For the ODI @ 28K, I used a K&N oil filter and a Fram for the next fill. Now I use OEM oil and air filters. That reminds me... I need to check to see when I last replaced the air and cabin filters. Well that's not good... it was never. Guess I know what I'll be doing today.

Don't change the air filter too often. The bulk of particulate (90%) which will pass in its lifecycle, does so in the first 10% of its life. If you're into smart, data driven decisions, then get an intake tract vacuum gauge and follow it; ignore the calendar and odometer for the air filter.

Although I can extend the OCI, I am confortable with the more or less annual/10K interval, so I will stick to that. Sometimes it just about peace of mind.

OK - I understand. But why pay for the UOA data and then eschew what it's telling you?

There are a few choices you have, given the results you've seen in the UOAs:
- stay the course; it's working, but wasteful. You're doubling down on waste when you throw out good oil after ignoring data you paid for.
- extend the OCIs; get the value from the fluid, as well as the data you paid for
- use a less expensive lube and stick to 10k miles

The 2GR-FE and 2GR-FKS are very easy on oil. (I have one of each, in my ES350s). The macro data from many hundreds of samples I have in my database indicate, as your UOA does, that wear rates are very desirable in these engines; they are not picky about lubes. You could get the same wear rates from using the basic ST 10k mile rated lube if 10k miles is your self-imposed OCI limit.

Do as you see fit.

 

[fantastic]

Don't change the air filter too often. The bulk of particulate (90%) which will pass in its lifecycle, does so in the first 10% of its life. If you're into smart, data driven decisions, then get an intake tract vacuum gauge and follow it; ignore the calendar and odometer for the air filter.

OK - I understand. But why pay for the UOA data and then eschew what it's telling you?

There are a few choices you have, given the results you've seen in the UOAs:
- stay the course; it's working, but wasteful. You're doubling down on waste when you throw out good oil after ignoring data you paid for.
- extend the OCIs; get the value from the fluid, as well as the data you paid for
- use a less expensive lube and stick to 10k miles

The 2GR-FE and 2GR-FKS are very easy on oil. (I have one of each, in my ES350s). The macro data from many hundreds of samples I have in my database indicate, as your UOA does, that wear rates are very desirable in these engines; they are not picky about lubes. You could get the same wear rates from using the basic ST 10k mile rated lube if 10k miles is your self-imposed OCI limit.

Do as you see fit.

But didn't folks accuse you of the same on your first UOA in your Lexus? Tried to look for post but it must have been deleted?

 

[dnewton3]

I've not done a UOA on my Lexus' yet, so there is no thread/post in that regard. So I'm not sure I understand your comment ... my "first" UOAs aren't really relevant here, are they? I'm not trying to pick a fight; I just don't think I understand your point. Maybe I'm misunderstanding your intention?

He's got several UOAs in succession which align well with macro-data averages and variability. 6 UOAs covering about 44k miles; each indicating that the wear rates are low, the contamination is low, etc.

 

[fantastic]

I've not done a UOA on my Lexus' yet, so there is no thread/post in that regard. So I'm not sure I understand your comment ... my "first" UOAs aren't really relevant here, are they? I'm not trying to pick a fight; I just don't think I understand your point. Maybe I'm misunderstanding your intention?

He's got several UOAs in succession which align well with macro-data averages and variability. 6 UOAs covering about 44k miles; each indicating that the wear rates are low, the contamination is low, etc.

No argument & I appreciate your responses on this board. Relevant as I think your comment along the lines of waste is a good point & one I've mentioned is a neat concept along with who or what determines "waste". I thought I'd seen one of your vehicle's UOA with a short mileage interval & some folks were mentioning that it was wasteful for you to change that early since you mention to others being "wasteful" & perhaps it would be a good contrast to what you consider acceptable & not considered "waste". I thought it was a Lexus as well to the same model as OP? Sounds like you may have had a newer vehicle UOA posted here but sounds like it wasn't your Lexus (my mistake).

Perhaps more information is needed as to what you consider what "waste" is? Aren't their additives that get depleted that can't be determined on a UOA? Some may want to be able to detect problems earlier rather than later. Just trying to figure out when you say OP is "wasting" oil when it was justified in your situation but not theirs? We just need a better understanding of how you determine waste. Obviously, you already know oil is recycled & your "waste" vs another's waste can & will differ. More variables like how do we measure cleanliness internally w/o going too far with oil that causes varnish or worse sludge still needs consideration.

I know you say 30? UOA minimum & the more the merrier in my opinion as well but also IMO consistency is important. OP 10k each interval allows consistency & OP already did several consistent runs. Keeping them the same isn't a bad idea. Yes, they could go further based on wear metals & contamination alone, I agree, but if they decide to change it at 10k it isn't wasteful due to other things that have no good measurements.

You also bring up another good point and that is filters. With all the quality control issues we've seen there's less desire to run one out to 10k+ miles. OP is using OEM oil filters now so how long can they go on it? Do they just rely on Blackstone Insoluble data? If they don't max out BS insoluble limits is that also a waste? As you well know not all labs have filter diagnostics. What parameters are we using to determine waste on those? If Purolator Boss says I can go 20k on it how can one fully determine if it's toast so I'm not being "wasteful"? To be clear you didn't mention anything about waste on oil filters but I think it's something interesting to discuss. Waiting until the lab condemns an oil may not show other issues that may happen along the way among other reasons and not everyone desires to do so.

Let's take my example: Let's say I burn 1 qt every 5k from a 4 quart sump. I want to sample the oil before I have to add that 1 quart of oil to not throw off the UOA in any way from new oil. I would like to monitor other parameters outside of mileage length. Coolant, fuel dilution, etc. why call that wasteful? The UOA is serving a purpose to monitor.

 

[chinee]

Don't change the air filter too often. The bulk of particulate (90%) which will pass in its lifecycle, does so in the first 10% of its life. If you're into smart, data driven decisions, then get an intake tract vacuum gauge and follow it; ignore the calendar and odometer for the air filter.


OK - I understand. But why pay for the UOA data and then eschew what it's telling you?

There are a few choices you have, given the results you've seen in the UOAs:
- stay the course; it's working, but wasteful. You're doubling down on waste when you throw out good oil after ignoring data you paid for.
- extend the OCIs; get the value from the fluid, as well as the data you paid for
- use a less expensive lube and stick to 10k miles

The 2GR-FE and 2GR-FKS are very easy on oil. (I have one of each, in my ES350s). The macro data from many hundreds of samples I have in my database indicate, as your UOA does, that wear rates are very desirable in these engines; they are not picky about lubes. You could get the same wear rates from using the basic ST 10k mile rated lube if 10k miles is your self-imposed OCI limit.

Do as you see fit.

UOAs are akin to a hobby for me. I'm not truly looking to lengthen my OCIs but to confirm that my choices are not harmful. Is there "waste" here? Likely, but I don't have any costly vices, so if I spring for 5-6 UOAs annually (4 cars in the household), it's money well spent in my mind.

And on BITOG, I get feedback from folks who are more knowledgable about oil and wear, who have similar and differing experiences as me, so I find these message boards informative and entertaining. Which would not be as engaging if I didn't have my own UOAs to contribute. Again... money well spent.

Thanks for your opinion and your comments... they are valued! Cheers!