Any indication longer OCIs = a dirty engine?

[Jim_Beverlin]

My experience as follows with a 2001 Ford Explorer Spt Trac with a 4.0L SOHC V6 purchased new:

150 - 50,000 miles 5w30 M1 with 12-15K oil changes.
50,000 - 156,000 miles 0w30 Amsoil with 20-23K oil
changes.

Never added oil only to top off when the oil filter was replaced or sample oil removed for oil analysis. Motor has no oil or coolant leaks period.

 

[Gary Allan]

Quote:
By older, most a number of these cars consume some oil and leak some oil before 100k.


But how many years old are those leaker's and consumer's @ 100k. I'd venture that the time component is the real factor and not the OCI frequency.

 

[The Critic]

Originally Posted By: Gary Allan
Quote:
By older, most a number of these cars consume some oil and leak some oil before 100k.


But how many years old are those leaker's and consumer's @ 100k. I'd venture that the time component is the real factor and not the OCI frequency.

7-8 years IIRC

 

[Gary Allan]

My experience has shown that if an engine has no or low (non-leaking) consumption (which can mean that whatever OCI it's using never reaches measurable consumption) is that they stay that way just about forever. You may find a PCV issue or whatnot. Now the leaks, that can be normal fatigue for something like cam seals and rear mains.

I guess if the 5k OCI was inappropriate to begin with, then ..sure. You can subject any engine to a given severity and not change the oil when needed and cause premature wear that results in consumption.

 

[Doug Hillary]

Hi'
The_Eric - In my experience the greatest contributing factor to "dirty" engines has been the use of an out of spec. lubricants. This is especially so with diesel engines.
IMO it is always important to follow the engine's requirement via the OEM recommendation, including the viscosity

 

[Gene K]

My CAT 3406E still looked clean on the last 30,000 mile OCI with conventional 15W40 (used Rotella, Delvac and Delo during its life). That was at 1.2 million miles.

 

[Gene K]

To late to edit:
That should have said still clean at last valve and injector adjustment at 1.2 million miles.

Just wanted to add:
First 250,000 miles - 15,000 mile OCI - CH4
Second 250,000 miles - 20,000 mile OCI - CI4
Third 250,000 miles - 25,000 mile OCI - CI4+
Final 500,000 miles - 30,000 mile OCI - CJ4
I changed brand as bulk prices changed. Bought whatever was cheaper.

PS Sometimes you can teach an old dog new tricks.

 

[Doug Hillary]

Hi,
Gene K - I could not get over 25kkms with a mineral HDEO or 35KKms with a semi-synthetic before either soot or Fe levels reached their condemnation points

Using the wrong lubricants is a major issue with diesels even when under Warranty. Likely results are sludging or glazing

You did well with yours - I always liked that CAT!

 

[Herz]

Originally Posted By: StevieC

Dino is just fine under the right circumstances...


+1

 

[Thermo1223]

Originally Posted By: simple_gifts


lol, My brother lives in AK, drives about 5 miles a day and does 10K OCI on Mobil 1 5w30; I have to get a used oil analysis done his vehicle some day; it would be interesting.


It would be indeed, maybe he uses a block heater. That could help but I bet it wouldn't be stellar.

 

[Gene K]

Originally Posted By: Doug Hillary
Hi,
Gene K - I could not get over 25kkms with a mineral HDEO or 35KKms with a semi-synthetic before either soot or Fe levels reached their condemnation points

Using the wrong lubricants is a major issue with diesels even when under Warranty. Likely results are sludging or glazing

You did well with yours - I always liked that CAT!


Doug their is a big difference between the loads you dealt with and the 36,000 kilo max we deal with.

Old CI4+ UOA with your favorite brand:

Oil: Delvac 1300S 15w40 "CI-4 Plus" Bulk
Filter: Full Interval
Oil Change Interval: 2 mo / 26,100 mi / 800 hr / 3800 gal fuel / 31% Idle Time
Conditions: 15°F - 75°F
Engine: CAT 3406E 14.6L 475BHP
Oil Capacity: 40 Qt + 16 Qt Make-Up (It uses 1 Qt every 4000 mi + 1 Qt Every 25 hr of idle)
Total miles on Engine: 530,400 mi

Test performed by Polaris Labs - Indianapolis

Iron 23
Aluminum 1
Copper 3
Tin 1
Silicon 3
Sodium 1
Moly 50
Antimony 1
Boron 30
Magnesium 503
Calcium 2797
Phosphorus 1377
Zinc 1506

Note: All others 0

Fuel 0.5%
Soot 0.1%
H20
Visc 14.1 @ 100°C

TBN: 7.73

OXID: 11

NITR: 14

 

[buickman50401]

Originally Posted By: StevieC
Originally Posted By: RacerE7773
I'd be hitting up a synthetic and going about 5000 if I didn't have a LIM gasket leak. Someday I'm hoping to get it fixed.


You have to wait for GM to admit that it was a problem and come out with a LIM that actually lasts longer than 60K.

Fel-Pro IIRC released a redesigned gasket that remedied the problem. Most of the shops around here use those when fixing the LIM leaks. I've had a LIM and UIM leak in two GM 3.1L. Thankfully both were covered under (extended) warranty.