MolaKule
Staff member
And I can't find any data on hemaphrodite grasshoppers, but does that mean they don't exist, or does anyone care?
If you're defining engine failures due to oil sludging, then there is data on that. But I think that overextended oil drains AND engine design had a lot to do with that problem in some Toyotas and Durangos.
Do I go out and buy life insurance because I fear death, no. I want to protect my family and investments for them in years to come.
I have stated that if one changes some of the better dinos at 3-5k, then one's engine wear will be less and I think most people would agree. Going beyond that drain interval with dinos, I wouldn't do so without oil analysis. The other alternative is to simply drive blind and do oil changes every 3K.
I really don't think that causes of engine failures have been tracked that well, if any. I know quite a few people who buy used cars, run the cars, and when the engine fails, put another engine in it without ever determining cause f engine failure. Had they done UOA's and used good oils, they might have prevented that.
I think 3M's test has shown that even Mobil 1, a full synthetic, can go the distance (extended drain intervals), which I believe has been proven. I think he's going with Amsoil next, so that should be interesting.
I don't fear either one because I use UOA's to tell me when the oil is no longer protecting and if there is a pending failure, such as unusual bearing or a cylinder, crankshaft or whathaveyou wear. A UOA is like a good insurance policy, it helps me protect my investment.
I do however fear crappy workmanship and poor QA, for example, a stress fracture in a conn rod or bad materials for valve stem seals, which has happened to me. But neither the best oil nor the best UOA can prevent a catastrophic faiulre waiting to happen. But good record keeping about oil changes and UOA's could certainly help me present my case for replacement of an engine for said failures.