2023 3.0 Duramax 25k miles; Mobil 1 ESP x2 0W-20 3.4k mile UOA

[fueldelusion]

It’s interesting that even with 2.3% fuel in there that the viscosity was 8.1 cst at 100c, given that M1 says that it starts at 7.9

I was also a little surprised to see it above 8. I too have read 7.9 cst on their website I believe. Check out this VOA though:

B

Thread 'Mobil 1 ESP X2 0W20 VOA'

Nov 11, 2020

Hello all,

The time has come! I have received the report. I don't really know what to make of this. I don't think I've seen Boron and TBN so high. A nice little dose of moly in there too. Let me know what you guys think! I've posted it as an image and attached the PDF for whoever wants it. Also something I should note, I shook the everloving **** out of the bottle before I poured it into the sample container. This should be a very well mixed sample. I tried to avoid the potential issue of additives settling near the bottom.

Specifications:
ACEA C5
API SN
Made in USA...

• BurntMusic
• Replies: 23
• Forum: Virgin Oil Analysis - PCMO/HDEO

• 

 

[Patman]

I was also a little surprised to see it above 8. I too have read 7.9 cst on their website I believe. Check out this VOA though:

B

Thread 'Mobil 1 ESP X2 0W20 VOA'

Nov 11, 2020

Hello all,

The time has come! I have received the report. I don't really know what to make of this. I don't think I've seen Boron and TBN so high. A nice little dose of moly in there too. Let me know what you guys think! I've posted it as an image and attached the PDF for whoever wants it. Also something I should note, I shook the everloving **** out of the bottle before I poured it into the sample container. This should be a very well mixed sample. I tried to avoid the potential issue of additives settling near the bottom.

Specifications:
ACEA C5
API SN
Made in USA...

• BurntMusic
• Replies: 23
• Forum: Virgin Oil Analysis - PCMO/HDEO

• 

That is odd that that sample showed 9.5, as that’s clearly a 0w30 at that point. I of course question any report from Blackstone though Plus that was from 5 years ago so ESP 0w20 is a different formula by now.

 

[edyvw]

That is odd that that sample showed 9.5, as that’s clearly a 0w30 at that point. I of course question any report from Blackstone though Plus that was from 5 years ago so ESP 0w20 is a different formula by now.

Blackstone VOA is always off. But in general, Euro W20’s and W30 are always on thicker side.

 

[FlyingTexan]

That’s probably what I’ll do. I actually emailed GM Dexos: they said if Dexos D is unavailable, an ACEA C3 or C5 can be used in the mean time. Couldn’t get them to specify if it would or would not void my warranty (despite my best efforts).

When's the last time anyone has seen an oil related failure?

 

[Patman]

Blackstone VOA is always off. But in general, Euro W20’s and W30 are always on thicker side.

In general that is true, however in this case Mobil 1 says on their website that this oil has a starting viscosity of 7.9 cst at 100C, making it one of the thinner 20s out there.

 

[Rand]

When's the last time anyone has seen an oil related failure?

Depends on what you consider oil related failure...

 

[buster]

It’s interesting that even with 2.3% fuel in there that the viscosity was 8.1 cst at 100c, given that M1 says that it starts at 7.9

I wonder if they're using the diblock polymer in the ESP line. With fuel dilution and no signs of oxidation via oxidation value, it may be using this unique VM.

Thread 'Mobil 1 ESP possibly using diblock polymer'

Feb 18, 2025

https://www.infineuminsight.com/en-gb/articles/the-diblock-advantage/

On the ROC, they subjected M1 ESP 5w30 and M1 ESP 0w20 to the shear stability test. What they found was the viscosity went up after the test. This is likely due to the diblock polymers. Per ROC, they also claim there could be some mPAO in current SP M1 5w30 ESP.

"Both of these structures have good thickening efficiency and shear stability index. However, only the diblock is able to form self-assembled micelle structures when dissolved in base oil, which provides unique performance benefits in modern...

• buster
• Replies: 92
• Forum: European and Import Motor Oils

• 
• 
• 

 

[fueldelusion]

When's the last time anyone has seen an oil related failure?

That’s not exactly my concern. A dealership has given me a hard time in the past about my oil changes (different vehicle) when the issue at hand was related to fuel injectors, they wanted to disregard the warranty altogether until I proved the engine was maintained. Can argue all day long about the legality of a potential denial but it’s a fight I would not want to take part in.

 

[FlyingTexan]

That’s not exactly my concern. A dealership has given me a hard time in the past about my oil changes (different vehicle) when the issue at hand was related to fuel injectors, they wanted to disregard the warranty altogether until I proved the engine was maintained. Can argue all day long about the legality of a potential denial but it’s a fight I would not want to take part in.

Dealership is wrong then. They can say whatever they want but the second they try to deny a warranty they have to prove it’s part of the failure. My Ineos dealership knows I don’t do anything by the manual and they still warranty my vehicle. I do oil changes every 5k miles and use a heavier oil vs 12k with a 0w20

 

[Dr_Dr3i]

For Diesel? I'm not very familiar with Euro specs.

MB's 229.51 and 229.52 are very stringent Bluetec (diesel) engine oil specs.